The Fountain Sprouts.

Rating: 7/10 (15 September 2015)

The Fountain (2006): Dir: Darren Aronofsky / Cast: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn, Sean Patrick Thomas, Mark Margolis: Darren Aronofsky's followup to Requiem for a Dream about our inner desire to live. Hugh Jackman plays a scientist out to discover the cure for death thus giving birth to eternal life. He is fueled with the terminal illness of his wife. Although this is quite detail and compelling it must be noted that death is eventual to everyone and that eternal life lies beyond depending on one's choice while alive. There are Biblical references to the Garden of Eden although facts are scripturally warped. Requiem for a Dream is a masterpiece and although Aronofsky doesn't match it here, he does have fun with the visual elements that illuminate the screen. It seems to conclude that death conquers or that there are no answers. The difference is that Requiem for a Dream concluded with a reality check while The Fountain is far more depressing. Jackman is superb as a scientist out to reclaim his wife but only encounters the reality of death. Rachel Weisz plays his wife who remains uplifting despite her obvious destiny. Supporting roles are cardboard including Ellen Burstyn and Sean Patrick Thomas who are fine actors subdued with pompous writing. Strong theme regarding the mystery of death and one's desire to live. Score: 7 / 10