The Fountain

"Why do you have this inability to write about your two best-graded movies of the year so far, DL?" is a question you, my faithful readers, may have been thinking lately. "Where are those reviews we so greatly desire?" After much thought and deliberation, they're right here, my friends. Right here.



Despite its flaws (and the film has a couple), Aronofsky has crafted a really personal film that, if you're in the right state of mind and are willing to leave some of your cynicism at the door, might just truly affect you.

By now, everyone knows basically what The Fountain is all about, but to explain the plot in detail would be pointless. Like most art films, narrative comes second. To sum it up though, the literal parts of the movie are about a doctor and a woman who are passionately in love. But the woman is dying, and the doctor is trying desperately to find a cure before it's too late and all is lost.

It's a beautiful film with some magical imagery and music (Clint Mansell's score is without a doubt a future LMA winner) that will haunt you for weeks to come. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz are both perfect, with the kind of rare chemistry that defies "passion" and gives us a feel for two people who've been together and loved every minute of it for centuries. But surely a movie can't be called great if it's merits are purely aesthetic...

Love stories are the best kinds of movies, and you're not going to try to convince me otherwise. A movie without a theme of love, be it minor or major, a friendship or a sexual relationship (or something in between - Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation comes to mind) is usually a movie without feeling, without an ability to connect to it's audience. The Fountain is, quite simply and above all else, a story about love. A love that defies time, space, and sense and just...exists.

There is one moment in particular near the end when this happens (don't make me try to describe it) and a succession of speedily edited shots follow:

It's a moment probably intended for many different interpretations, but for me it felt like pure bliss. It felt like FILM itself being re-awakened.

This is by no means a perfect film. But, if you're in need for a way to escape with a movie filled with moments just like that; a movie that speaks in equally epic proportions to your brain and to your heart without overt sentimentality or rambling explanations; a movie that may just make you believe again in the most wonderful art form of them all, then Aronofsky's The Fountain is a must-see for you.

Grade: A

Coming next, thoughts on Marie Antoinette.