Terrence Malick is regarded as one of the finest filmmakers in contemporary cinema. He took part in the formation of the American New Wave that shaped film-making to grow and advance in its ability to tell stories in fresh, new and visceral ways. Transcendence is a theme seen in most of Malick's films which includes a touch of spirituality. We see this in the way the film is shot, as Malick's camera is usually handheld and constantly moving and presenting the imagery in a way that reflects a nature that while in this world doesn't feel like this world.
Thus, the addition of the voice-over gives a perspective to the film that someone is always hovering over us, whether it be our conscience, God, or those who we've hurt. Malick's movement in the film represents this spiritual upheaval within the characters, especially Rick, as he journeys to find meaning in a life where he ha little of it. And his search is guided by the relationships he chooses to pursue, and we see how his desire for pleasure or for a high that can get him through what he's experiencing may be the cause of his crisis of identity. All of this is seen through the compositional style of Malick, who is one of the finest auteurs in the history of cinema.
