The Fountain Movie Reviews

If one was to make a list of top ten movies that can easily be mistaken for a painting, then chances are that Darren Aronofsky'sname will appear at least twice as a director. This guy is undoubtedly one of the masters of modern cinema and his versatility is quiet awe inspiring.

Most of us have heard of "Requiem For A Dream" and some of us also know of "Pi". A lesser known but more artistic, sci-fi cum magical realism piece by him is **"The Fountain".

The fountain as an amazingly serene interplay of philosophy, spirituality, science fiction, period drama and intense romantic love. The symbolisms are so subtle and yet clear that one can't help but understand them in their full essence. Usually such movies end up hiding a lot more than they say. But "The Fountain" says it clear, says it fine and says it in a poetically engaging way. Its about the cycle of life, the eternal quest for immortality and its possible futility.

Rachel Weisz** was born to be a princess, at least on screen. And then she is also a gentle soul, constantly in touch with her existence. Her performance is so calm yet of high impact, that it makes you tense. Hugh Jackman(the eternal wolverine) impresses with his touching enactment of a scientist too much in love with his wife to let her die. And of a trusted soldier ready to lay down his life for his country, and the quest for immortality. And also of a future sage seeking tranquility through the tree of life!

The basic story is that of a medical scientist and his dieing wife, who is suffering from an incurable disease. The scientist is working 24/7 to find a cure of the same, and in the process stumbles upon the possibility of a real "Tree of life". The same search goes on in 2 parallel eras. One is through a hunt for a hidden Mayan temple in a period drama of 16th century with the same lead characters. And then there is our doctor, 500 years in future, still on the quest for tranquility. Although he couldn't save his wife. She didn't want to be saved.

Yes. All these plots are interwoven in the film. They don't unfurl like parallel stories but each of them is symbolically represented by the other. Its not a smart screenplay that glues you to the screen, but the beauty and intensity of each symbolism and the almost perfect exploitation of the moving visual medium.

The movie is a passionate, charming, appealing and an intense experience. It can leave one drained. Its sci-fi redefined. Watch it as not just entertainment, but as a piece of art, which is probably a little ahead of its time.

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