The Fountain

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn, Cliff Curtis, Sean Patrick Thomas, Ethan Suplee
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance, Science Fiction
Box Office: $
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Two lovers (Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz) struggle to stay together through space and time, seen through 16th century America, the present day, and the 26th century.

Review:
Tim: I absolutely, absolutely love the idea of this movie. From the first trailer to sitting in the theater watching this movie (it only made $10 million in theaters, so I was one of the few), I was sold on Darren Aronofsky's unique vision. While I enjoyed the movie, I just couldn't love it. I certainly love many aspects of it, but when you add it all up, I can't say this is more than a "good" movie. It's not a great movie, sadly. Still, Aronofsky directs an incredibly beautiful movie. Sometimes the movies most deserving of our time are the ones that shoot for great heights, but fall just short.

The cast is excellent. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz are perfect together. They are believable in each of the film's three settings- they are believable as a queen and an adventurer, as a writer and doctor, and as a futuristic space explorer and... a tree (you'll see). The rest of the cast add in good performances, but this is truly about Jackman and Weisz. They have chemistry together, and are quite enjoyable to watch.

I love how Aronofsky directs this movie. The story jumps back and forth across 1,000 years. The sequence of this is brilliant, and each of the three stories really work to impact the others. Aronofsky creates the perfect mood for the film. The score of the film is absolutely amazing. Every bit of music works to create the right atmosphere and really sets the tone for the movie. Pay attention to this, because it is terrific. I also have to mention the special effects, which never drawn attention to themselves, but only works brilliantly to further the story.

As I've said, Aronofsky does an impressive directorial effort. However, I do believe the film is a bit flawed. While each of the three stories work to compliment the others, I wish they built towards a more satisfactory conclusion. I enjoyed the film's ending, but it didn't deliver the crippling emotional blow I was expecting. This would have pushed the movie towards greatness.

Still, The Fountain is a unique movie that is also unforgettable. I strongly recommend this movie for how ambitious effort it gives.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Pi, Requiem for a Dream