"The Fountain" runs dry, but gets by on visuals

Rating: 5/10 (23 November 2006)

"The Fountain" is a good date movie. Because, when you see it with a date, you can assume the role of "intellectuals", and produce good conversation about the "hiddean meanings" and "sweeping allegories" behind this surprisingly linear, straightforward movie. With "Pi", director Darren Aronofsky burst onto the scene. He is admittedly is an incredible talent with a deliciously oddball imagination, which is unfortunately is colossal disappointment. Aronofsky's dream project, the story of three characters (all played by Hugh Jackman) from three different time periods, who are searching for a miracle to save the one they love (all played by Aronofsky partner Rachel Weisz), was cut to ribbons by the studio, who sliced the budget and edited the film. This is supposed to be a thinking man's sci-fi movie, ala "2001" or "Solaris", but instead, it just heaps on layers of "complexity" so that you will come out of the movie with a feeling that the filmmakers pulled a fast one on you, when in fact the story is ridiculously simple. The acting is excellent. Ellen Burtsyn is Oscar-worthy as Jackman's boss, and Weisz infuses all of her characters with layers of heart and soul. As for Jackman, he gives an engrossing performance, and keeps a straight face during the movies final quarter, during which he ascends towards the stars in the lotus position, concealed in a giant bubble with only a dying tree for company. The film also looks magnificent, with luscious cinematography by Matthew Libatique. The score by Clint Mansell and prog rockers Mogwai is beautiful. But all the well-done odds and ends still add up to an average film. Maybe we will get Aronofsky's cut on DVD. Until then, this one is not worth your time.