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The Fountain [2006]
![The Fountain [2006]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511A8Icl%2BSL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £19.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Science fiction and romance collide in The Fountain, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), who laboured for four years to complete this epic-sized love story that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz (Aronofsky's real-life companion) play lovers in each of the film's three settings--16th century Europe and America (Jackman is a Spanish explorer searching for Incan magic), the present day (Jackman is a doctor attempting to cure his dying wife), and the 26th century (Jackman is a space traveller seeking a gateway to the afterlife)-–who struggle mightily to stay united, only to lose each other time and again. Aronofsky may not have chosen the easiest presentation for audiences to absorb his theories on the lasting qualities of life and the transformative powers of death-–the final sequence, in particular, with a bald Jackman floating through space in a bubble, harks back uncomfortably to "head movies" of the late '60s-–but his leads have considerable chemistry (and look terrific to boot), which goes a long way towards securing viewers' hopes for a happy ending. Critical reception for The Fountain has been nothing short of bloodthirsty, with Cannes audiences booing, but there are elements to enjoy here, even if the premise throws one for a loop. Ellen Burstyn (who earned an Oscar nomination for Requiem for a Dream) delivers a typically solid performance as Jackman's boss in the present day sequence, and special effects (most done without the benefit of CGI) are also impressive given the film's low budget (spurred by a mid-production shutdown after original stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett ankled the picture). And science-fiction fans whose tastes run towards the metaphysical (Asimov, Le Guin) will appreciate the attempt to present the genre in a serious light. -- Paul Gaita
Editorial
Synopsis
Darren Aronofsky’s THE FOUNTAIN is sure to enchant, beguile, and inspire intense debate among his fans. During the gap since 2000’s REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, Aronofsky had struggled to bring THE FOUNTAIN to the screen, principally because leading man Brad Pitt dropped out of the project. The complex tale is split into three different time periods, beginning in the 16th century, when a conquistador named Tomas (Hugh Jackman) strives to find the Tree of Life. The second part of the story finds Jackman playing a Buddha-like character who zips through outer space and dreams of a woman named Izzi (Rachel Weisz). And the third part, which consumes most of the film’s screen time, is set in the present day and sees Jackman playing a doctor named Tommy, who is married to the terminally ill Izzi. In this third section Tommy strives to find a cure for Izzi’s brain tumour, and makes some progress after experimenting on a monkey with a substance discovered in a tree in South America. Meanwhile, Izzi has been writing a book that she calls THE FOUNTAIN, but has left the final chapter for Tommy to write. As Aronofsky pushes and pulls his sepia-tinted film between the three time periods, he weaves a deeply thoughtful, special effects-laden story that touches on themes of mortality and self, and requires a great deal of work from the director's audience. Movies such as Kubrick’s 2001 and Tarkovsky’s SOLARIS come to mind as Aronofsky gets deep into philosophical waters, and the various story strands of THE FOUNTAIN are as inconclusive and open to interpretation as the films that have clearly influenced it. The film makes for uneasy and sometimes confusing viewing, but will find its audience among intrepid souls who are fully prepared to let go and immerse themselves in Aronofsky’s peculiar, daring, and thoughtful cinematic universe.
Visionary
Review date: 2008-07-23 Rating: 10 out of 10
Amazing performances and a heartfelt story. Like nothing you've ever seen before and something that you will visit again and again. It's in the top 20 for me.
Similar Products
- The Science Of Sleep [2006]
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Reviews
Polarizing Film ..Look at the scores...IMHO Brilliant...
Review date: 2008-06-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
Looking at the scores this film got on Amazon shows that the majority of people went for 5 stars or 1 star...
so at least you know its nothing mediocre!
a few facts about this film
1) It got delayed by years.
2) Its budget was slashed.
3) Was nearly dropped.
4) Uses techniques NOT used in other films.
5) Has visuals and effects you will NOT see elsewhere.
6) Is a challenging film.
so sure some people might not like it...
If you like innovative films that can ask difficult questions, sometimes approaching storylines in a mixed and easily confusing way in an attempt to show you something you haven't seen before, get it.
If you like films that strive to show something beautiful, watch it.
If you are open-minded, give it a go.
One scene touched on something in my own life that no film has gone anywhere near. But I can see how this film will mean different things to different people, as it did my wife.
Films that are open to interpretation will prompt all sorts of responses and I totally respect other peoples views on this film.
This film is beautiful, challenging, innovative and harsh at the same time, with some truly unique eye-candy...
No Sci Fi
Review date: 2008-06-17 Rating: 4 out of 10
(******** WARNING: SPOILER ********)
Difficult to say & understand how to feel about this film. I appreciate a lot of comments about this film, and how it is a love story spread across 3 time zones etc, BUT (******** WARNING: SPOILER ********) It isn't actually. I hazard a guess that there may be gender splits here also; women more likely to enjoy it and men left disappointed. This is a LOVE STORY. It isn't set across 3 time zones etc, she's dying, writing a fictional book (which has different characters in different time periods). IT IS NOT SCI FI and therein i think lies a serious marketing gaff. It may be visually appealing (if you don't mind CGI), it may be a tear jerking love story, but if you expect sci fi it doesn't matter because you're going to be disappointed.
I think, simply put, i was expecting a modern version of Highlander; what i got was a simple love story somewhat wrapped up in its own creativity and artistry which fails to delivery based on certain expectations. I guess you could say 'it's a bit arty farty!'
Those looking for an arty love story who can get absorbed in the tale may enjoy. I feel i saw it for what it was and it wasn't my thing, sadly.
Great film, but not for eveyone I guess. Maybe Aronofsky 's best one?
Review date: 2008-05-26 Rating: 8 out of 10
I see too many 1-star reviews, but I guess this is expected. The film is difficult to get into, and I admit I myself didn't understand half of it the first time I saw it. But I believe once the viewer "really" puts his thoughts into the story, he/she will get all the pieces together at the end. I know that some people haven't been able to finish it, but believe me, if you pay GREAT attention, at the very end everything will make sense. Of course, anyone can interpret the movie on his own way, and this is definetely a pro.
Once again Aronofsky makes an exceptional movie, full of symbolisms and dual meanings, and I personally have great expectations for his upcoming movies.
Watch it without distraction..
Worth watching to the end
Review date: 2008-05-09 Rating: 8 out of 10
Ignore reviews by people who haven't seen this to the end. I wondered for the first half hour whether I would switch off, mentally or even literally. It was not what I expected. But I am so glad I stuck with it because this really is a thought-provoking and moving film. It's a shame it's promoted as sci-fi because that creates the wrong expectations in a lot of people.
Without giving anything much away, Jackman is a scientist on a quest to defeat death but he has a lot to learn. The acting is convincing. Actors like Weicz and Jackman don't need to take on rubbish scripts, so trust that it will be worth the watching. Someone said this movie's a bit like a poem. It is. A very beautiful poem. Watch it properly and I dare you not to be moved.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Rachel Weisz
Hugh Jackman
Ellen Burstyn
Ethan Suplee
Stephen McHattie
Creators:
Hugh Jackman (Primary Contributor)
Stephen McHattie (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036033060
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-05-28
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 96 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)