Review of The Fountain (2006) by Dillinger P — 14 Nov 2015

The film that divided critics, had film students verbally assaulting each other and the casual film goer so lost, not even a GPS could help. Tommy struggles through his day job, a scientist investigating a peculiar new treatment for tumors, in a race against the clock to save his dying wife, Izzy.

During his time at work, Izzy writes a novel about the fountain of youth and the search for a Mayan temple, a story that resembles certain truths about her and Tommy's predicament. As Izzy's condition worsens, Tommy is forced to finish the story, which will force him through an inner struggle.

If ever you could make a simple concept, completely preposterous, The Fountain is the perfect example. Let it be said that this film isnt a master piece, nor is it essential, its overly complex nature and use of imagery completely alienate a vast chunk of cinema goers and film fanatics.

That's not to say The Fountain doesnt contain some extremely powerful moments, in fact its core performance by Rachel Weiz and Hugh Jackman, as the torn couple, is so perfectly effortless, its impossible not to feel a lump in your throat at the possibility of the couple being torn apart.

The central performance is so strong, every other actor is left in the shadows, which makes proceedings slightly flat when Aronofsky begins to add in multiple plot strands. Aronofsky creates 3 parallel universes, all set in hugely different surroundings, it has the reality of Tommy and Izzy, the 16th century Spanish/Mayan tale, surrounding a soldier who goes in search of the Tree of life, on behalf of the queen and of course a cylindrical glass ball, hurtling towards a dying star, which contains Hugh Jackman and the tree itself.

It sounds stupid, and in some cases it very much is, but for some bizarre reason, everything actually works. All 3 scenarios have very distinct similarities, allowing them to blend with each other, building a coherent story, to some extent.

For all the pompous bravado the story may hold, Aronofsky manages to make a film, that is strongly rooted in imagery and metaphor. The Fountain is pretty hypnotic and colourful, it's full on with visual flair, CGI worlds and jaw dropping imagery, that would stun any effects company.

Aronofsky's ability to merge CGI and Practical in such a dramatic and contrasting way, manages to elevate his films into a different visual standard, altogether. When its all said and done however, The Fountain, is just a collection of ideas and styles, squashed together to give us something, barely decipherable.

It may be completely bonkers, but its pretty arresting nonsense, when in the right mood can effect on a very high level.