Movie Reviews

Written and Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

The Fountain is undeniably complex and is certainly not driven by a traditional narrative; basically it doesn't follow a chronological timeline. But even with Aronofsky's artistic independent approach, it doesn't mean you should give up on this film in the first 10 minutes- even when, most likely, your questions will outweigh the answers.

On a very basic level this film explores a love story and the quest for eternal life. Tommy Creo (Hugh Jackman) is a scientist in the year 2000 trying to save his dieing wife, Izzi Creo (Rachel Weisz), from a cancerous brain tumor. The audience can see this struggle in easy terms, but are also faced with some simultaneous challenges. The Fountain changes between 3 time periods: the modern one previously mentioned, the 16th century in which Tommy is a conquistador, and another in the 26th century, which shows Tommy as an astronaut. The confusing part is that the audience doesn't see the time periods in succession, so you have to balance the images/scenes with what you think is happening in each "dimension." If you don't read an official plot summary before the film, you'll be left to guess whether the past and future are real to the modern Tommy or if they are imagined sequences.

The Fountain has magnificent visual effects, both beautiful and mysterious. The themes are also intriguing: eternal life, rebirth from death, eternal love, and higher powers (to name a few). What Aronofsky attempts to do with this film should not be scoffed at as though it is some kind of failed blockbuster. What The Fountain does do, is provide its audience with a unique way of looking at a film that touches on the questions that everyone will ask at some point in their life.

Don't let the confusion and enigmatic qualities of The Fountain scare you. Step outside of your box.