Science fiction and romance collide in The Fountain, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), who laboured for four years to complete this epic-sized love story that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz (Aronofsky's real-life companion) play lovers in each of the film's three settings--16th century Europe and America (Jackman is a Spanish explorer searching for Incan magic), the present day (Jackman is a doctor attempting to cure his dying wife), and the 26th century (Jackman is a space traveller seeking a gateway to the afterlife)-–who struggle mightily to stay united, only to lose each other time and again. Aronofsky may not have chosen the easiest presentation for audiences to absorb his theories on the lasting qualities of life and the transformative powers of death-–the final sequence, in particular, with a bald Jackman floating through space in a bubble, harks back uncomfortably to "head movies" of the late '60s-–but his leads have considerable chemistry (and look terrific to boot), which goes a long way towards securing viewers' hopes for a happy ending. Critical reception for The Fountain has been nothing short of bloodthirsty, with Cannes audiences booing, but there are elements to enjoy here, even if the premise throws one for a loop. Ellen Burstyn (who earned an Oscar nomination for Requiem for a Dream) delivers a typically solid performance as Jackman's boss in the present day sequence, and special effects (most done without the benefit of CGI) are also impressive given the film's low budget (spurred by a mid-production shutdown after original stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett ankled the picture). And science-fiction fans whose tastes run towards the metaphysical (Asimov, Le Guin) will appreciate the attempt to present the genre in a serious light. -- Paul Gaita
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
A beautiful film! This film isn't easy: it is cryptic, it is illogical, and very broad; it actually requires emotional attachment, and imagination from the viewer. This film affects me - I'm still working out the nuances (and the why) - but it makes me cry (much the same way as Westside Story makes me cry). I feel for the characters journey, and empathize with their feelings (even if slightly bizarre, taken over a thousand year+ timespan). In its simplest form, this is a story about life, love, death, and... more info
Complicated But Brilliant Spanning over 3 time periods, the Fountain follows the life of Tom (Hugh Jackman) a Spanish Conquistador, a Doctor trying to cure Cancer, and a lone spaceman guarding the Tree of Life.
As the Inquisator is bringing Spain to its knees, Tomas is sent by the queen to find the Tree of Life, hidden somewhere in South America, with only a few good soldiers and a wise priest, he must brave the Mayan Civilisation to reach his goal.
Whilst trying to cure cancer, Tommy's wife Izzy is slowly dying of a... more info
Beautiful and thought provoking This film for me was not at all what I was expecting from the trailers, they made it seems more action and sci-fi than it was. However, saying that it persuaded me to purchase the movie when maybe I would not have done normally. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, beautifully shot, great acting and a movie that makes you think. Many reviews on here compare it to 2001, and I have to agree. I should imagine the 1 star reviews on here didn't understand or appreciate that movie either.... more info
True Spiritual Cinema As of writing this review this film only has an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Well.. not wanting to blow my own trumpet, but for example,'Casino Royale' has an average of 4 out of five stars.
What does that tell us about Joe public?
I guess we crave over the top brutish action, fast loud cars, and the same old formula as long as it has bigger explosions than the last 'blockbuster'.
I'm not even slagging of films like 'Casino Royale', I'm just saying, it gets a higher rating... more info
![The Fountain [2006]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511A8Icl%2BSL._SL160_.jpg)
