Brilliant, beautiful and unique

Rating: 9/10 (5 December 2006)

Most of the time people go to films to see a neatly packaged story move from a catalyst action to a climactic resolution. But sometimes you go to a film not simply to explore a story so much as to explore an idea in such a way as to see it within yourself.
The Fountain is one of those introspective films that makes you examine yourself as much as examine the characters. Whether you relate to the conquistador who would die for his Queen and country, or the scientist who is so busy trying to save his wife's life that he is missing it, or the space traveler who simply wants to find peace with the person he loves without reconciling his loss, there is something for every audience member to explore if they are willing to do so.
The film does not fully render itself in such a way that every element is to be perceived as embodied in a rational, physical reality to the storyline itself, but that is not a criticism in the least. Just as Kubrick did with 2001: A Space Odyssey before it, writer/director Darren Aronofsky allows the Fountain room to breathe so as to be both a story and a visual, cinematic experience. In that, The Fountain moves along subtly and with grace, allowing the viewer to see the tragic circumstances of the narrative but also partake in a unique feast for the eyes.
Bringing life to this film are a stream of wonderful performances led by Hugh Jackman who must portray three very different characters with similar circumstances as if they could be one and the same. His masterful precision as an actor shines in his trio role and the depth and range of emotion presented is spellbinding. With fantastic support by Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn and a host of fantastic character actors, there is not an unconvincing moment in the performances.
Ultimately, Darren Aronosky must be commended for his fearless nature as a filmmaker. He is easily setting himself apart from his contemporaries as having an intelligent and wholly unique sensibility in modern film, and the relationships he is able to draw together amongst the actors he employs is only getting stronger with every film he makes.
As a single caveat, The Fountain is easily not a film meant for everyone. If you can't tell from my review already, it is a film that will frustrate those who need a clear cut narrative path. Trying to take in this film with the expectation of neat and tidy resolution will only leave you puzzled. But, if you are willing to explore a film in the way one must explore the complexities of a John Coltrane composition (meaning repeated viewing and a relaxed, open mind), then you will probably appreciate it for both what it is and what it attempts to be.