Behold!

Rating: 10/10 (24 April 2015)

The Fountain is a film that has a LOT to say. Its scope is nothing less than those two enigmatic topics, love and death. Since these topics really get down to the essence of what it means to be human, we do have some familiar reference points. The girl, the loving husband, and a clock that is quickly winding down for one of them. Then there is the symbolism. It's all over this film. The irrationality of hope when there is none, the desire to cheat death. Those are just some of the more "in your face" symbolic images. There are at least eight or nine more. This film pulls at you from so many directions, that you can feel like you're drowning in it all. The superb acting by all of the characters makes it so effortless to identify and empathize with them. I'll confess that this film made me weep several times. The thematic score is some of the most heart touching sound ever put to music. All of these elements combine to create a sensation of viewing a "very important" film. However, to extract all that this film has to say, it is essential to view it multiple times. Thankfully, there is nothing tedious about this requirement as the film is so hauntingly beautiful, you'll find new dimensions at each viewing. In any case, this is a film that should be watched by anyone with a mind that enjoys a proper challenge.