Terrence Malick was not on hand for the Tree Of Life press call, press conference and red carpet today in Cannes.

Producers Grant Hill, Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Dede Gardner, Brad Pitt (who also stars in the film) and female lead Jessica Chastain were all present. The reason given for Malick’s absence was simply that he is “Mr Malick is very shy.” Sean Penn came in from Haiti in time for the red carpet premiere. Pitt waxed lyrical on Malick’s shooting style saying he had been inspired. “He’s jovial, sweet. He finds pleasure in the day,” and later added that working with him “has changed everything I’ve done since.”