- 2005: Helmed the the pre-colonial epic "The New World," a revisionist take on the story of Pocahontas and John Smith, starring Colin Farrell
- 1998: Wrote and directed first film in twenty years, "The Thin Red Line"
- 1976: Wrote and directed "Days of Heaven"; spent two years editing film which was released in 1978
- 1974: Co-wrote script for "The Gravy Train" with Bill Kerr; credited under the pseudonym David Whitney
- 1973: Feature producing and directing debut, "Badlands"; also scripted and acted in a bit part
- 1972: First film theatrically released with a screenplay by Malick, "Pocket Money", directed by Stuart Rosenberg; also played small role
- 1971: Wrote, directed and acted in short film, "Lanton Mills"
- 1971: Reportedly worked on script for "Dirty Harry" under the title "Dead Right"
- 1970: Did uncredited work on the screenplay for "Drive, He Said"
- 1970: First produced screenplay, "Deadhead Miles"; film was shelved until 1982 release
- 1968: Was lecturer in philosophy at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Raised in Waco and Austin, Texas and Bartlesville, Oklahoma
- Worked as journalist in mid-1960s; writings published in NEWSWEEK, TIME and THE NEW YORKER
- Moved to Paris for several years
- Returned to the USA and settled in Texas




