The Fountain
3.5 Stars
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn
Rated: PG-13
With a tagline that reads "What if you could live forever?" The Fountain initially seems to be a more mature version of Tuck Everlasting. And the similarities do not end there. The two films share a storyline centered on the mythic fountain of youth and the desire of the male protagonist to keep his love interest from dying by giving her the gift of eternal life.
But The Fountain, written and directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), soon differentiates itself with its strange but always stunning cinematography. The film's emphasis on the visual is not superfluous, as the continually-shifting setting - from the Spanish Inquisition to the present day to an undefined date in the future - stakes its overall cohesiveness on images that transcend a single period.
Unfortunately, while the plot of The Fountain may be as bizarre as its artistry, it is not as strong. Though the millennial struggle by Tomas/Tom (Hugh Jackman) to save Isabel/Izzi (Rachel Weisz) is moving, its mechanics are confusing. The film explores the idea of death as a means of creation, yet the lack of clarity in the plot's technicalities weakens the reception of this and other themes.
Jackman gives a solid performance, transitioning well between three different characters. And though the casting of Weisz screams nepotism (Aronofsky is her husband), her graceful performance and ethereal beauty contribute significantly to the film's aesthetic. All of this combines to create a film that is just slightly more garnish than substance, but captivating nonetheless. The Fountain is definitely best experienced on the silver screen.
