wow, that was pointless.

Rating: 3/10 (24 July 2007)

The Fountain, with Hugh Jackman and Rachel Wiez sounded great to me, a film of depth and poignancy, Unforntunately, one had to actually watch it. Sigh. Sure the cinematic tricks are impressive and Jackman tries really hard, but the film is overwrought and stupefying. There aren't really three parallel stories here, just one Tommy and Izzy, with silly flashbacks and flashforwards to a tree in the stars. A great cast is wasted and given little to do.
Dr. Tommy Creo is a research doctor trying to save his dying wife, cancer is never actually named. She has written something called the "fountain" and while that sounds intriguing, nothing ever comes of it. Scenes play, repeat and end with no purpose and the viewer, at least this one, wishes they'd get on with it.
"The Fountain" purports to bring up the grand questions of life, death and immortality, but doesn't offer the answers or even reasonable suggestions. The scene in which Tommy turns into a tree is good and at the end he buries an itchy ball in Izzy's grave. Yep, thats it.
If you really want something adult and thought provoking try "Solaris" with George Clooney, that was adult, meaningful and moving, without being depressing and repetitive and dull. There is no story of conquistadors's here, no matter what the cover says, nor is there any glimpse into the future, even the story, set in 2000, might as well be anytime. Experimental film like this is difficult and needs careful execution and a satisfying end. This has neither. Save yourself and don't watch. Seriously, read a book or better still rent "Solaris" or "Heavy Metal 2000" this drivel belongs with the wretched "What Dreams May Come" or something of that ilk. Yuck!