Review of The Fountain (2006) by Daniel P — 28 Feb 2013

I think this film has been underrated and that its merits have been sadly overlooked by many of the critics. I watched this with low expectations due to all of the negative reviews I'd seen about it and perhaps that actually enhanced my own enjoyment of this movie.

Yes the film has its flaws, most of them probably due to it being strained by its lofty ambitions, but I really don't see what all the complaints are about. I found this film beautiful, entertaining, inspiring, touching and full of far more vision and creativity than the majority of films regularly in circulation.

I thought Hugh Jackson's performance was very strong and that he demonstrated that he has far more talent than many of his other films have been able to showcase. Clearly he gave his all to inhabiting all three of his incarnates in this film with vigorous emotion.

I watched this movie back to back with the Tree of Life, which has a similar, though more symbolic theme about the mystical 'tree of life' concept. I thought the Fountain was far more engaging and emotionally compelling than the Tree of Life.

So many critics are fawning and gushing over the epic genius of the Tree of Life-- but come on, give me a break. That movie wasn't bad, but I think it's way overrated and given far too much credit than what it is due.

The Fountain, on the other hand, is given far too little.