The Fountain

9

MelcherOct 9, 2011

Easily one of the best films I've ever seen on so many levels. Visually alone it is incredible, but when you add in the story, themes, direction and character portrayal it just becomes magic. Aronofsky captures something incredible in hisEasily one of the best films I've ever seen on so many levels. Visually alone it is incredible, but when you add in the story, themes, direction and character portrayal it just becomes magic. Aronofsky captures something incredible in his portrayal of 3 parallel story-lines about life, death, and love. It is a deep film and can be interpreted in many ways and is a treat to watch every time.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

Zlatan91Feb 27, 2011

Fantastic movie,simplified stories,great characterization,i literally can feel Jacks pain...beautiful movie,it just motivate for deeper thinking and trying to understand this life that we all live...

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10

stu_collierMar 14, 2011

This in up in my list of favorites one of the best films i have seen. It really explored life,death and love and something in-between. This film will leave you thinking for sure well worth watching.

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9

SkulbSep 25, 2014

Sometimes being intelligent is a problem, which Aronovsky found out when he released The Fountain. Because roughly half of all human beings are completely incapable of noticing allegory, or any other complex language activities for thatSometimes being intelligent is a problem, which Aronovsky found out when he released The Fountain. Because roughly half of all human beings are completely incapable of noticing allegory, or any other complex language activities for that matter, the movie was criticized up one side and down the other by an army of nincompoops. But they can be safely ignored as usual.

The Fountain is presented as three separate alternating stories, with Hugh Jackman leading all three of them, and Rachel Weiss with him in two of them. The first is presumably in the present, where Jackman is a biologist who is trying to save his dying wife by experimenting on monkeys. The second is set in the 1500s, with Jackman as a conquistador looking for immortality on behalf of the Spanish queen, and this is actually the book Rachel Weiss`character is writing, a detail many people seem to have missed. And the third is a sort of astral allegory of life and death, and one of the weirdest damn things I`ve seen in a while. But really, all three are the same story, dealing with the same topic from three different angles. The second aspect of this triple allegory is that it is not just multiple angles on the subject of life and death but also represents different levels of reality. Because Weiss` fiction (The conquistador part.) is obviously less real than the present day narrative, the implication is that the astral part of the movie is more real than it. Or in other words that spiritual and conceptual reality is superior to physical reality, which again is superior to fiction. Read some Plato and then watch The Fountain again and you`ll understand this part of it.
The result is a tad confusing at first, like time distortions and multiple levels of reality tend to be in movies. But a second viewing cleared most of it up for me.

The movie is otherwise wonderfully cast and directed, visually distinct and has some of the best music I`ve heard in any move. For much of the movie I was convinced that it had to have been made by Current 93 or perhaps Michael Cashmore, but as it turns out the man responsible is Clint Mansell, one time singer in pop Will Eat Itself and collaborator with Trent Reznor. All the complaining about this movie does for me is make me lose faith in humanity, or at least the intelligence of large portions of it. God forbid anyone should try and tackle a difficult subject in a movie, or to be so rude as to do it in a challenging way! Now where`s my twelfth Transformers movie in five years????… Expand

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9

2hip2beahipsterSep 29, 2011

Ambitious and beautiful. That's all I can say. How one man love turns into his hatred towards death and search for immortality, and how once immortality is finally reached, man will long to die, and be with the one sent him off for the questAmbitious and beautiful. That's all I can say. How one man love turns into his hatred towards death and search for immortality, and how once immortality is finally reached, man will long to die, and be with the one sent him off for the quest of immortality in the first place. Aronofsky shows great skill and ingenious by writing up this script. Also, the cinematography is stunning and extremely well done even 5 years after the movie was filmed. Underrated and overly criticized. I think the ambitions of the movie are what made the critics expect something more, but what else they were expecting? Beats me. Great flick.… Expand

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10

SwatiOct 5, 2013

I was so immersed and solemn throughout that it felt an hour longer than it really was. The subject matter concerned with the value of life and immortality. Three stories run in parallel and it takes real concentration and interest toI was so immersed and solemn throughout that it felt an hour longer than it really was. The subject matter concerned with the value of life and immortality. Three stories run in parallel and it takes real concentration and interest to understand what's going on. That may sound like it's hard to follow, but it isn't true. The first time I watched it like the teenager that I was. The second time I was twenty-five, and really in a position to appreciate the scope and complexity of the tale being told. The movie has divided critics and the audience into two factions, and some hate the movie for that alone. But I'm telling you, it takes multiple viewings for the message to sink in. Not because the director botched the job, but because he trusted his audience to arrive at the conclusion by themselves, without any help. And that, in my opinion, is how I'd rather a story would be told. It isn't often attempted because it's risky and who would want to do that when millions of dollars are at stake. This feat has made me respect Aronofsky more. The fact that the score is literally the best I have ever heard plays no small part in my conviction that this movie is one of the greatest movies ever made. When I read people spewing filth all over this film, I'm reaffirmed in my belief that true greatness is hard to fathom. It takes patience, an eye for detail, good intention, open mindedness and a warm heart.… Expand

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8

Penelope1970atxDec 13, 2013

Just watched The Fountain and I loved the romantic part, mostly because I long for love like that. Anyway, I came to my own interpretation before reading other reviews and to make it short: The scientist struggled with immortality, espJust watched The Fountain and I loved the romantic part, mostly because I long for love like that. Anyway, I came to my own interpretation before reading other reviews and to make it short: The scientist struggled with immortality, esp after his love died. But through finishing the story I think he realized, by tapping into his spiritual side, that even though our physical bodies are not immortal, we all have immortality in the way of our spirits. Planting the tree on her grave was a symbolic gesture, and a way to express his new realization in his human, physical, though ego driven, self.… Expand

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10

bodhi_zFeb 11, 2014

This film is about dealing with the loss of someone you deeply love. Denying death, then finally accepting it. It is a lyric poem of fantastic and beautiful images; an atypical, yet exceptional film. I found it one of the most beautiful,This film is about dealing with the loss of someone you deeply love. Denying death, then finally accepting it. It is a lyric poem of fantastic and beautiful images; an atypical, yet exceptional film. I found it one of the most beautiful, touching, artistic movies I’ve seen in a long time. Metaphorical images are used frequently, and metaphorical story lines. I know many who are confused by this movie. I don’t know why; I experienced it as simple and straightforward. Perhaps it is because the theme is one that is intimately familiar to me and that is why it was immediately recognizable. I hope, through time, this film will receive the recognition it deserves.
Finish it.… Expand

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9

Anwar-MkayedJan 2, 2015

Can be interpreted on many levels, or enjoyed superficially as just a 'film'. However, for many who watched it, the depth of it can not be felt immediately but rather reflect upon as one might do after a mystical dream, and even enjoy it evenCan be interpreted on many levels, or enjoyed superficially as just a 'film'. However, for many who watched it, the depth of it can not be felt immediately but rather reflect upon as one might do after a mystical dream, and even enjoy it even after The End.… Expand

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10

annbdJun 22, 2018

Completely brilliant and beautiful, The Fountain allowed us to look at the depths of the innermost, intimate and emotional side of our soul in terms of the love and loss of our closest person in this world. With the help of Clint Mansell'sCompletely brilliant and beautiful, The Fountain allowed us to look at the depths of the innermost, intimate and emotional side of our soul in terms of the love and loss of our closest person in this world. With the help of Clint Mansell's touching music, the observer sink into the well directed story and is 'bewitched'. Captivate, fascinating and personal.… Expand

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10

EnanAug 23, 2010

Living forever would be hell. Eternity claws at the heart of Aronofsky's temporally transcendent hero, Thomas. Hugh Jackman plays Thomas, but the character embodies director/writer Aronofsky's complex and insightful interpretation of whatLiving forever would be hell. Eternity claws at the heart of Aronofsky's temporally transcendent hero, Thomas. Hugh Jackman plays Thomas, but the character embodies director/writer Aronofsky's complex and insightful interpretation of what immortality means. Beyond humanity conquering time, this film tackles how ideas, and even feelings, can be inherently timeless. The Fountain courageously examines what keeps us here and why we eventually need to go.

Aronofsky's ability as a director has been hailed with both Pi and Requiem for a Dream. The Fountain is unlike anything he has done before. He provokes audiences intellectually, spiritually and viscerally, but this time, with extra concern for plot and character dynamics. Like Fellini, putting his wife in his films compels a richer and more passionate creation. Weisz proves more enchanting in this sci-fi spirit quest than any other film to date. Instead of isolation and dependence, Aronofsky focuses on interconnectivity. A responsibility to his wife, new born, and devoted fans gives birth to a film that aspires to be something timeless itself. Aronofsky, more than anything, demonstrates how much he expects of himself.

Moving within the millennia spanning the films narrative are the souls of Thomas and Izzi. They are tied to each other and the tree of life. Uniquely positioned as the tie that binds them to the tree is love. In every period, Thomas scrambles to save Izzi in some way. Thomas exasperatingly challenges the life threatening circumstances Izzi faces. Battling Mayan warlords, cancerous tumors or traveling to Xibalba(The Place of Fear) are dwarfed by the life purpose Izzi instills in him. The limitations of love and devotion are reluctantly acknowledged, as Thomas becomes a slave to hope and memory.

The very essence of existence comes into play as fantasy is given as much legitimacy in the film as reality. The scenes from the Mayan period are melded together with the fiction Izzi is writing in present day. The line between truth and fiction disintegrates as the three stories continually intertwine. The motives of the characters are similar in each, but it takes the fantasy to provoke their destinies. Thomas's ultimate fate and acceptance of reality can only happen in surreal settings where anything is possible.

The Fountain delves into the ineffable headfirst. Infinite possibility lies at the heart of life and death. One answer is as valid or invalid as the next without a map key. The closest we come to understanding it all is when determining what it isn't. Aronofsky posits the question as the answer stylishly, uniquely and profoundly.… Expand

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10

Tejas25Jan 6, 2011

There are no words to express what i felt after watching The Fountain, this movie is so beautiful in its own way it explores the man's greed for life and immortality. Excellently directed and perfectly acted movie. Aronofsky's a brilliantThere are no words to express what i felt after watching The Fountain, this movie is so beautiful in its own way it explores the man's greed for life and immortality. Excellently directed and perfectly acted movie. Aronofsky's a brilliant filmmaker Rachel Weisz is good Hugh Jackman gives a Bravura a career defining performance you can feel the pain of Jackman's Character :( . You should'nt miss this. Beautiful just Beautiful!!!… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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10

SamN.Mar 8, 2008

Like this year's Sunshine, The Fountain is a near perfect collaboration of performances, visuals, plot, and music. I'm surprised by some of the comments on here; it's not a very hard film to get. Jackman's performance is Like this year's Sunshine, The Fountain is a near perfect collaboration of performances, visuals, plot, and music. I'm surprised by some of the comments on here; it's not a very hard film to get. Jackman's performance is severely underappreciated, and easily deserved an Oscar nomination. The most underrated movie of 2006.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful

10

ChadL.Jan 3, 2007

While I can certainly say that for me, this is one of the best films I've seen this year, movies of this profundity and caliber really deserve consideration at the level of what movies I have *ever* seen that have been this good. While While I can certainly say that for me, this is one of the best films I've seen this year, movies of this profundity and caliber really deserve consideration at the level of what movies I have *ever* seen that have been this good. While I have certainly spent a good deal of time deconstructing the film (themes, symbols, etc) I think thie real impact of The Fountain is as an experience, approached with the heart rather than the mind. But I don't mean to belittle the careful way in which Aranofsky has put this film together- its magnificence is abundant in all aspects of this film. Like other reviewers, I find it pretty shocking that so many people are panning this movie. I've read a number of reviews where it is obvious that the reviewer missed the whole point of the movie (not that it is all that complex), or took a too literal approach to the 3-part story line; I even felt that some wanted to trash the film in an attempt to be hip, by ragging on a hip new director coming into his own (transcendental meta-hipness?). And that's too bad, as they really missed taking in a marvelous movie.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful

10

RonS.Mar 2, 2007

It takes a special kind of person to enjoy this very special movie, I can understand pepole who didnt connect to it's stand on love and death, and I can see why pepole are saying Aronofsky over-reached, but it is so beautiful and It takes a special kind of person to enjoy this very special movie, I can understand pepole who didnt connect to it's stand on love and death, and I can see why pepole are saying Aronofsky over-reached, but it is so beautiful and touching, the actors fill you up with a warming sensation, flawless work of cinematic art, a true masterpiece.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful

10

ThomasK.Mar 17, 2008

For those of you who cast aside this work of art as nothing more than a pretentious 'art flick', you are sadly mistaken. It is personal to the core. Through the tellings of the three personae of past, future, and present, this For those of you who cast aside this work of art as nothing more than a pretentious 'art flick', you are sadly mistaken. It is personal to the core. Through the tellings of the three personae of past, future, and present, this movie brings to life the core essence of humanity and life itself. The pretentious ones are those who begrudge this film for the fact that what may seem a simple axiom to them was elaborated over the course of a 90-some odd minutes. The impact of this movie is not what could be summarized of this movie in a few words, but rather the journey the protagonists take throughout the course of it, as well as the visually stunning way the movie was brought together from end-to-beginning. This movie is only frustrating for those who become impatient watching water boil. For others, it expresses a true experience into the indomitable cycle of life. Those who say otherwise are the pretentious ones.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful

10

JesseS.Apr 10, 2008

Awesome. One of those movies you can watch over & over again, or, like the director says, solve differently a la rubik's cubism.

2 of 3 users found this helpful

10

pgSep 10, 2008

It is a little like trying to explain why you like your favorite food. This happens to be the kind of film that is my "favorite food." I don't understand the viciously hostile reviews by some critics of this movie other than to suspect It is a little like trying to explain why you like your favorite food. This happens to be the kind of film that is my "favorite food." I don't understand the viciously hostile reviews by some critics of this movie other than to suspect that some folks haven't gotten over the whole "Mom made me eat my vegetables" thing. Hey, I used to hate onions and now I love them. I have watched this film many times and I love it! The movie is not hard to understand unless you say so (because it can be understood however you want to relate to it). It is not trivial or contrived unless you say so (if you think you're having a bad day - you probably are). It is definately not as good as Picasso painting a portrait of Shakespeare while humming a Beatles tune, but then again...that never happened anyways (that I know of). Best served with wine and chocolate, and a loved one (preferably warm, not a plant, and still in this current plane of existence) There -- that's a sufficiently symbol-laden, mini-review in keeping with this movie's style. … Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful

10

AlexandraJun 10, 2009

The fact that this movie got such dismal reviews is a testament to how emotionally and intellectually dead the general populace is. This movie doesn't follow the conventional formula that is palatable to the average viewer. History has The fact that this movie got such dismal reviews is a testament to how emotionally and intellectually dead the general populace is. This movie doesn't follow the conventional formula that is palatable to the average viewer. History has demonstrated time and time again that masterpieces are rarely understood and appreciated at the time of their debut. The Fountain is one of those masterpieces. Only those viewers who are willing to take the poetic beauty of this film on its own merits will understand this movie's evocative emotional power. Aronofsky has created something rich and sensuous; the spectacular visuals, the incredible score, and the complex story overwhelmed me to such a degree that I sometimes had to remind myself to breathe. I can't get this movie out of my head, and that is a beautiful thing.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful

9

WillR.Nov 30, 2006

A gorgeous movie; atypical Hollywood narrative. Has to be viewed more as a parable or a visual poem, though the acting is phenomenal (Jackman should win best actor for this). Alludes to Solaris, 2001, Herzog, Buddhist philosophy, various A gorgeous movie; atypical Hollywood narrative. Has to be viewed more as a parable or a visual poem, though the acting is phenomenal (Jackman should win best actor for this). Alludes to Solaris, 2001, Herzog, Buddhist philosophy, various other religious icons and themes. Not an easy movie, but deserves much more praise than it has gotten.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful

9

JessicaG.Dec 4, 2006

2 of 3 users found this helpful

8

AnonymousHMay 29, 2007

Jimmy stop giving 10's to movies just because they are original. If you really like a movie give it a 9, especially if you admit there is argument for flaws. It's people like you that rate movies 10's or 0's that give Jimmy stop giving 10's to movies just because they are original. If you really like a movie give it a 9, especially if you admit there is argument for flaws. It's people like you that rate movies 10's or 0's that give objective criticism a bad name. The movie is good and original. Not perfect. Check it out.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

9

Carol_reviewsApr 22, 2019

Like Alejandro Jodorowsky before him the Fountain balances kitsch and art. Not everyone will be pleased. But those who love cinema should be excited for this is Aronofsky tapping in to the things that make cinema great.

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9

JacobC.Jan 3, 2007

I can understand the hesitance from some people about liking this film or not. Certainly it is not for the casual film goer. Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain requires the viewer to place themselves outside of the norm and rethink the way I can understand the hesitance from some people about liking this film or not. Certainly it is not for the casual film goer. Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain requires the viewer to place themselves outside of the norm and rethink the way films are made and viewed. It may seem a difficult task for some, but with the best acting Hugh Jackman has ever shown, flawless editing and a beautiful script, the pay-off is well worth the extra effort. With his ever-changing style and artistic vision, Aronofsky has proven his role as a staple in film history.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

bfoore90Nov 14, 2020

t's a film seemingly about many things from death to love to acceptance, the point of The Fountain is seemingly that it's about many of life's questions. Like most of Aronofsky's filmography, I found the film to be a poignant, compelling andt's a film seemingly about many things from death to love to acceptance, the point of The Fountain is seemingly that it's about many of life's questions. Like most of Aronofsky's filmography, I found the film to be a poignant, compelling and creative tale about a man's obsession with death and saving his wife from it. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz are incredible in this and the visual effects and Clint Mansell's score are extremely effective in this tale about a man who doesn't want to lose the love of his life. Also, Clint Mansell's score for Mass Effect 3 was phenomenal.… Expand

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8

amirsJan 20, 2014

انسان و مساله‌ی بودن یا نبودن

مرگ مهم‌ترین دغدغه‌ی ذهنی بشر از گذشته‌های دور تا به امروز به حساب می‌آید و همیشه با ترسی عظیم هم‌راه بوده. انسان از زمانی که موجودی مرگ‌آگاه شد همیشه به دنبال رهایی از چنگال این شبح عظیم بوده که در لحظهانسان و مساله‌ی بودن یا نبودن

مرگ مهم‌ترین دغدغه‌ی ذهنی بشر از گذشته‌های دور تا به امروز به حساب می‌آید و همیشه با ترسی عظیم هم‌راه بوده. انسان از زمانی که موجودی مرگ‌آگاه شد همیشه به دنبال رهایی از چنگال این شبح عظیم بوده که در لحظه لحظه‌ی زندگی هم‌راه اوست و همین هم‌راهی همیشگی انسان را در تعلیقی ابدی نگاه می‌دارد. چیزی که این قدر به ما نزدیک است چرا باید موجب هراسمان شود چرا به آن عادت نمی‌کنیم؟ دلیلش ناشناخته بودن مرگ است. از بعدش هیچ نمی‌دانیم همین ما را می‌ترساند.
البته وقتی درباره‌ی مرگ حرف می‌زنیم باید این را در نظر گرفت که خود مرگ مد نظر است یا پیامدهای آن (منظورم از پیامد؛ مواجه شدن‌مان با مرگ دیگران، خاصه عزیزان‌مان است).
مرگ و زندگی ‍‍پیوسته در کانون آثار برجسته‌ی هنر و ادبیات جهان قرار داشته. شگفتی ندارد اگر نخستین کتابی که از تمدن‌های بزرگ باستانی به دست ما رسیده است، کتاب مردگان مصر و نخستین افسانه، افسانه گیل گمش بابلی باشد که در تلاش و تکاپو برای یافتن گیاه جوانی و زندگی جاودان بود، و کهن‌ترین هراس یا آرزویی که از انسان آن روزگاران شناخته‌ایم، هراس از مرگ و آرزوی نامیرایی باشد.
در طول تاریخ؛ بشر مدام سعی بر آن داشته تا خود را از چنگال مرگ برهاند. گاه با مواجه نشدن با آن تا زمانی که از سایه درآید و رخ نشان دهد، گاه با نفی کردنش و باور به حیات پس از مرگ (بازتولد در اشکال مختلف)، و گاه این اواخر به کمک پیشرفت علم، مرگ را بیماری دانستن و این که هر بیماری درمان دارد به مبارزه با آن رفته. در تمامی این راه‌های مواجهه با مرگ که با یک‌دیگر متفاوت‌اند، یک چیز مشترک وجود دارد و آن هم عدم پذیرش مرگ (آن طور که هست یا حداقل نشان می‌دهد) و میل به جاودانگی است. البته در این بین بوده‌اند کسانی که دانسته‌اند از مرگ گریزی نیست اما از هراسش چرا.
فیلم چشمه ساخته‌ی دارن آرنوفسکی فیلمی است درباره‌ی مواجهه با مرگ (البته من این طور دیدمش) هر چند که شاید به دلیل زمان کوتاه فیلم (برای چنین مساله‌ای) آن بخش پیامدهای مرگ (از دست دادن عزیز) بسیار پررنگ‌تر است.… Expand

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9

PhilR.Apr 19, 2008

A truly amazing film like no other. I admire the directors effort, but I feel his one failing was not fleshing out the two main characters and their love for each other. Had he done this the viewers would have been able to identify more with A truly amazing film like no other. I admire the directors effort, but I feel his one failing was not fleshing out the two main characters and their love for each other. Had he done this the viewers would have been able to identify more with the underlying story of love and how it relates to death. Anyhow a movie that need multiple viewings to understand. And one of the most incredible scenes in recent memory. The part where Tomas drinks from the tree of life. Mind blowing imagery and allegory in an unforgettable climax. It is hard to believe the film was shot on such a low budget.… Expand

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8

Andys_ReviewsSep 29, 2012

I have to admit this is the second time I