The Tree of Life is a 2011 American drama film written and directed by Terrence Malick. The film stars Brad Pitt, who also co-produced the film, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain. It explores the origin and meaning of life through the childhood memories of a middle-aged architect, Jack O'Brien (Penn). Jack questions his faith and seeks to find the purpose to his existence, while reconciling with his domineering father (Pitt); he however shares a gentle relationship with his mother (Chastain). The film's music was composed by Alexandre Desplat, and Emmanuel Lubezki served as the cinematographer.