Road to Awe

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2007)

First, let me say the following: The Fountain is not a film; it is an experience. A thought, feeling, or idea. It is a very personal and emotional trip. Each person will have different feelings and ideas towards the film.
The plot isn't the main focus of the film, but here's a brief overview. Around the year 1500, Spain is being torn apart from the inside. A religious zealot figure is hunting down those who do not believe what he does throughout the country. It leads him to Queen Isabel (Rachel Weisz), a beautiful and gorgeous young ruler who "twists the words of God." Isabel, fearing for her country and the lives of her people, sends for Tomas (Hugh Jackman), a strong warrior, to search for the Tree of Life. Whether or not this tree actually exists is up for question, yet the Queen sends him on this quest.
In the present time, veterinarian Tommy Creo (Jackman) is searching for a cure to brain tumors. He wishes to use this information and translate it to help his sick wife, Izzi (Weisz). Tommy becomes completely engulfed in his work and often neglects (though not on purpose) his dying wife. Izzi is writing a novel entitled The Fountain, for which she does not have an ending for yet. She is enthralled by ancient Mayan civilization, mainly Xibalba, the Mayan underworld seen in the stars as a dying nebula.
The distant future holds for Tom (Jackman) years of travel to Xibalba. He travels with a tree, eating from it's bark to keep alive. The fly through the stars in a bubble housing the two of them. Tom often has illusions of both Izzi and Isabel, talking to him as if he were either Tommy or Tomas. He wishes to reach Xibalba in order for the tree to be reborn.
That's the best I could do giving a plot summary. Like I said, the plot is not the main concern of the film it only serves as a vehicle to deliver the intense emotions and feelings present in the film.
I'll start with the technical aspects. The film's cinematography is gorgeous, taking in both the ancient Mayan architecture, the modern winter wonderland, and the far reaches of space. The films visual and special effects are by far the best I've ever seen in a film. The filmmakers used an unconventional means in creating the space FX they filmed different specimens under microscopes and used those as the space FX, keeping the organic feeling to the film. I promise you, it's like nothing you've ever seen before. I really really hope that an Oscar nomination is given out.
The score is really one of the highest attributes of the film. Clint Mansell, along with Mogwai and the Kronos Quartet, has done a phenomenal job. The music is brilliant and really reflects what they characters are going through as well as what emotions you are feeling at that time. Mansell really deserves the Golden Globe, and I pray for an Oscar nomination.
The acting is spot on. Jackman and Weisz give great performances and really know what they are dealing with. The bath tub scene is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, just because of the emotions these two feel. (The other two scenes are spoiler heavy, so I'll leave them for you to see).
The climax of the film is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen in cinema.
Darren Aronofsky has really evolved into quite a stunning filmmaker. He's even matured in his process. But I'm not calling Pi or Requiem for a Dream immature by any means. What I mean is that Aronofsky has created such a somber and serious tone he's really reached a new level in his directing. Some of his quirks are present, but aside from a few scenes (and two recognizable Aronofsky actors), this doesn't seem like an Aronofsky film. It's really a new standard he has set.
The Fountain is very similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey in terms of visuals, feelings, and the overall trip the viewer goes on. While 2001 was more focused on evolution, creation, and humanity, The Fountain focuses on love, life, and death as a means of creation. I'm sure that in the near future many people will be comparing Aronofsky to Stanely Kubrick.
If I could, I would rate this movie higher than a ten. Sadly, I cannot do so.