Review of The Fountain (2006) by Juan R — 28 Sep 2012

Having a look around the internet it looks like this film has divided opinion all over the place. I have to say I liked it; beautifully made with an astonishing arc of a story that stretches hundreds of years and billions of miles. Aronofsky has made some great films in recent years; â~The Wrestlerâ(TM) and â~Black Swanâ(TM) to name but two; and I find his work always challenging to watch. He doesnâ(TM)t treat the audience like idiots and I appreciate that; so few are prepared to take that risk these days. Hopefully itâ(TM)s a sign that things may be on the change. But I digress, hereâ(TM)s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

We begin with Tomas, a Spanish Conquistador in the 16th Century searching for a Mayan temple that holds the Tree of Life. Then we have a research Scientist; Tommy Creo searching for a cure for the brain tumour his wife Izzi is suffering from. Then thereâ(TM)s an astronaut, Tom, in the far future who is travelling in a clear bubble that contains a dying tree. He is approaching his destination, a nebula that could release him from the long life he has suffered. All these stories are interlinked with the backbone of the plot being that of Tommy and Izzi. It seems that a story written by Izzi about a Spanish Queen and the soldier she sent to search for the Tree of Life needs an ending⦠I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Aronofsky Division) will be confusing me with even more daring and complex plots.

Beautifully shot with some stunning images. I wasnâ(TM)t sure about the muted tones used at first but as the film went on it grew on me. The musical score by Clint Mansell was both beautiful and inspired; I will be tracking it down. The performances of the two central characters; Hugh Jackman as Tomas / Tommy / Tom Creo and Rachel Weisz as Isabel / Izzi Creo were stunning; Aronofsky certainly knows how to get a performance and they didnâ(TM)t let him down. I also have to give honourable mentions to; Ellen Burstyn as Dr. Lillian Guzetti, Mark Margolis as Father Avila, Stephen McHattie as Grand Inquisitor Silecio and Fernando Hernandez as Lord of Xibalba.

I have to admit this is the second time Iâ(TM)ve seen this one and itâ(TM)s one of those that gets better each time you see it. There are so many nuances and plot devices that it can be quite a hard one to get a handle on first time around. Thatâ(TM)s probably one of the reasons it has divided opinion so much. The three threads of the story seem so remote at first but as you watch it all gradually pulls together. For me it is just the right length, any longer and it might have become a little tedious. I know there are many out there that didnâ(TM)t like if first time around; to you I say; give it another chance⦠try to watch it with an open mind. It is slow-paced deliberately to allow the audience time to assimilate the story. If youâ(TM)re watching it for the first time on my recommendation, then be prepared to give it a second viewing; you may not get it all first time around.

SteelMonsterâ(TM)s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 8.1/10.