Malick's 'King of Cups' (or whatever it's called) shoots in LA

In our latest installment in "What's up with the latest Terrence Malick cloak and dagger?" we have this photo of Christian Bale and Cate Blanchette, supposedly from the King of Cups set in Los Angeles. Or it could be the Lawless set. Or they could just be trying on some new black clothing.

Then there's also this shot of Bale and Natalie Portman in a cool old car with the film called Knight of Cups. What?

Anyway, the film has something to do with Austin. Doesn't it?

I can give you this explanation of the name King of Cups from the tarot card:

"A devoted husband and father. A man fiercely protective of his loved ones. A successful and mature man employed in the creative arts. A new connection is possible. A man capable of giving and receiving love freely without the reservations of youth. Love lessons have been learned, this man is ready for deep commitment. Appreciation for creative pursuits."

Malick's next film in Oklahoma?

Reports are surfacing that Terrence Malick will shoot a "romantic drama" in Oklahoma starting in October, but he may already be shooting in Bartlesville, the town where he grew up (he went to high school in Austin).

Thewrap.com sez Ben Affleck and Rachel Weisz have joined the cast, which is also said to include Christian Bale, Javier Bardem, Rachel McAdams and Olga Kurylenko (though Affleck may be replacing Bale in the picture). Affleck has been spotted in the area and talked about playing a fisherman.

Talk of the film first began at the Berlin Film Festival in February.

Just like the cloud of secrecy that surrounded Smithville-shot Tree of Life (no one would talk for the full year of rumors and casting), this one is getting the big denials in Okie-land.

As for Tree of Life's future, it's as weirdly up in the air (no, don't look for it at the Toronto International Film Festival) as any Malick release, but word of the Oklahoma activity does hint that Malick is finally close to an end of tinkering with the very personal film. The folks at ThePlaylist.com have a nice rundown of a 2007 script of the film.