Seeing as Darren Aronofsky is responsible for directing one of my favourite films of all time, Requiem for aDream, it is no wonder that he yields such an exhilaratingly complex film as The Fountain. Past, present and future dissolve into the timeless infinite in this visual masterpiece. Dr. Tomas Creo (starring Hugh Jackman) experiments to find a cure for tumours in order to save the life of his wife, Izzie (played by Rachel Weisz), who has a brain tumour. As time runs out, he becomes more and more obsessed with his work, in stead of spending time with his ailing wife. In an effort to aid him to come to terms with her death, Izzie writes a book about a Spanish soldier who is sent on a mission by the Queen of Spain, Isabella, to seek the Tree of Life. If he succeeds in his task, she will become his Eve and they will rule together for all eternity. It is, however, up to Tomas to complete her book and face his fears about mortality.
The film is stunning theatrically, and although I liked it, I can see why even the stunning cinematography was not enough to appeal to the masses. I am actually quite satisfied at The Fountain not being a major box-office success or reduced to a commercial blockbuster. Even though it includes a love story, it is not the typical heroic romantic love story. And even though it includes action, it is not the typical Steven Seagull action movie. It is a stylistically hybrid film that includes science fiction, but is not just that; includes fantasy, but is not only that. It is indeed a very complex film that deals with a lot of complex issues regarding mortality and spirituality, and draws on mythology and religion to makes sense of life. It might not be very scientific, but mythology and religious frameworks often aid one to understand one’s world better, and, therefore, assists one to come to terms with life and death.
Clint Mansell, who also did the musical score on Aronofsky’s Pi andRequiem for a Dream, once again gives birth to a beautiful soundtrack in this film.
SPOILER WARNING: Tomas is not the typical romantic hero, for in the end, he does not succeed in his quest to save Izzie’s life. But what is most heroic in actuality, is accepting death – the deaths of loved-ones and one’s own death as well. One can either waste time fighting death, or enjoy one’s time on earth by coming to terms with it. Death is something no one can escape. It is a fact for every living thing on earth. At the end Tomas realises that Izzie would much rather have spent her last days with him surrendering to her death, than him fighting her death in his absence. Here strength and enlightenment come from being able to let go. When he completes her novel and uses the Mayan mythology she talked about, it helps him to accept her death. Immortality is not something one is destined for on earth. It is something to be achieved in another dimension, when one’s soul has been freed from one’s physical body. The seed he plants on her grave is a sign of new life sprouting from death, just like the Tree of Life was created from nothing. SPOILERS END HERE.
It has taken a lot to get this film made. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett were originally cast for the lead roles, and shooting was set to take place in 2002 on a $70 million budget. After Pitt walked out, production ceased. The film was resurrected in 2005 and finally completed in 2006 on a $35 million budget. If you want to read more on the film and the production, go tohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fountain_(film).
INFO
Genre: Fantasy / Science Fiction / Drama / Romance / Action
Running time: 96 min
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writing credits:
Darren Aronofsky
Ari Handel
Producers: Arnon Milchan
Eric Watson
Iain Smith
Cinematographer: Matthew Libatique
Music: Clint Mansell
Main Cast:
Dr. Tomas Creo – Hugh Jackman
Izzie Creo – Rachel Weisz
Dr. Lillian Guzetti – Ellen Bursty
