The Fountain

The Fountain

I had no preconceptions about this film at all, not having seen a single review and oddly no one having mentioned it to me. But it quickly became apparent that the title is in reference to the fountain of youth legend that has woven itself throughout history and therefore many legends, stories and writers. There is a heavy dose of Christian reference all the way back to the biblical accounts, (but actually finds its origins in the ancient Egyptian mythos.)

The two main stories are, without giving too much away, two ways of looking at the same theme.

The film opens into Rodriguez (one of the most commonly known search for the fountain of youth stories,) with strong Roman Catholic overtones as you would expect, though curiously the Spanish characters of this portion all have middle English accents, but holds to the substance.

Quickly cut to existential metaphysical "Zen" Jackman flying through the cosmos around the bubble that contains the tree of life from which he eats. Now, this sounds strange, but subtle imagery keeps it real, such as the reactive bark. Aronofsky cleverly reaches into common experience that continuously maintains interest without telling you exactly why.

Modern Jackman, or should I say "present day," Tom Creo, cutting-edge research scientist, is driven totally by his obsession with curing his wife's illness, to the point of ignoring her as she herself comes to terms with her own mortality.

The more alien disembodied storey is, I imagine, intended to be a cathartic epiphany, to use the language being offered, but far more relevant are the connections that seem to knit the three realities together. The editing cleverly lends a sense of free form delusion and raises a concern for the main character's sanity, leaving you wanting to know more at every cut-scene. This elegantly comes together in Isabel's burgeoning interests when it is revealed that she would like Tom to write the last chapter of her book. This proposes an engrossing question over whose story is really being told and adds an intimate aspect to anyone that has ever been in love.

Depth to match your profoundest thoughts. Don't miss it.

On the other hand, if you believe every film should have a car chase or be funny: Chick flick.