Transcends the medium

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2011)

Darren Aronofsky proves his immeasurable talent by making a film like The Fountain. It is such a large departure from what we normally expect from the auteur, and yet the results are still incredible. The Fountain is a film that spans three time periods and one man's quest for eternal youth and love through each time period. It is essentially three parallel stories, spanning one thousand years, that deal with love and death and our fragile existence in this world. The film is something that can only be grasped by watching it and no synopsis could do it justice, so I'll just move on.
The Fountain demands a certain sophistication while watching in order to understand. There isn't much to grab on to and little is explained as the film progresses. You have to keep up with and even interpret events as they occur in order to get the most out of the film. It's a film that is so far out there that I think only Aronofsky himself can fully understand it all, but what we can make out of it is still satisfying to the mind and soul. I was entranced by this film and trying to keep up with it all wasn't a burden, but an adventure that transcended the cinematic medium and pulled me into the film in a way few films are able to do. I was personally mystified and awestruck by this glorious film loving every minute of its bizarre nuances.
However, it really all comes down to the audio visual experience which The Fountain is at heart. The highly original and overwhelming beauty of the film makes it one of a kind and extremely gripping. Clint Mansell scores the film beautifully, as is to be expected from the man who scored the all too memorable Requiem for a Dream theme. But these two elements weave together so perfectly that The Fountain becomes an experience unlike any other. It is something so original and so magnificent that I could hardly take my eyes off the screen. This isn't just a film, it's pure magic in the most glorious and shining fashion imaginable.
It takes some effort to enjoy The Fountain, but if you give the film the benefit of the doubt then things will come together and you will end up with a very satisfying and empowering experience. This is such a strikingly beautiful film that is filled with great moments and moving scenes. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz are incredible and they highlight all of the moments where the intense visuals aren't as relevant. If you enjoy bizarre and highly original films then you should love The Fountain. It is a truly astounding film that only some of us can appreciate and fall in love with.