Aronofsky's baby - loved but frustratingly misguided

Rating: 8/10 (6 February 2014)

I stumbled across my notes for this a couple of days ago and finally managed to allocate the time to write up a review. I saw this twice when it came out in 2006, not much has changed from then, as I remember the movie quite vividly still. Aronofsky had a real passion for this project and was desperately searching for funding for almost 10 years. I can imagine that the story must have changed in his mind multiple times as he matured as a writer/director during the beginning of the new millennium.
Considering the circumstances and the fact that he had to cut a lot of material because of a "low budget" production, it's understandable that the movie did not completely work for me. It was frustrating because,on paper, it was all there: 1. A multi-layered parallel/reverse narrative spanning across time, involving 3 stories of faith, fear, love, and a recollection that "finishes" them. 2. A number of metaphors-tree as life, death as rebirth, fear as obsession etc... 3. Inherent passionate love stories for the project and between Darren and Rachel coming from the outer reality. One of which, I assume was as equally obsessive as Dr.Creo's pursuit. I believe this was unintended and only in hindsight.
Unfortunately, however, these were not connected with each other. The passion and love that permeate the whole project had to be the core that everything else was built around. Instead, the narrative devices and other themes get in the way, obscuring our vision of the couple making love.
I recommend seeing this, if solely based on the passion you will feel. You are likely to be inspired yet somewhat frustrated. Be careful with some of the ideas that Aronofsky planted, the movie seems to be celebrated as a "cult" classic.
4/5 - Worth a watch