Beautiful story about death (not love)

Rating: 10/10 (12 January 2007)

Hugh Jackman plays 3 characters in 3 time periods who tries to use the tree of life to live forever. Rachel Weisz plays his lover/spouse who is not afraid of anything including death.
Basically Hugh Jackman's characters are afraid of death and his love played by Rachel Weisz is there to tell him not to be afraid.
Hugh Jackman is superb. If there weren't so many other great performances this year, Hugh would have definitely gotten a GG nomination. Rachel Weisz is also great. Her role is a subtle one; she's not supposed to win an Oscar. She acts wonderfully; she's just not a difficult character.
Darren Arronofsky does a spectacular job. He wrote and directed the whole thing. The camera angles are beautiful done. A wonderfully shot film (not crappy camera direction like Constant Gardener). It's quite surprising Darren hasn't been nominated for a GG.
The score is brilliant; one of the best I've heard.
The way the story is told (3 time periods, 3 characters) is highly original. The plot is different from all the biographies, sequels, and pervy teen horrors out there. It has a great message. The 1st 15 minutes are a little freaky, but then it just sucks you in. Darren uses motifs, reappearing symbols, same camera angles to tie the story together. The symbols (light, looking up, ...) deepen the story.
The effects are done very well. This film takes a risk. It is different; it's "arty" and intelligent. It is pure poetry. My mother who only like romantic comedies (Pillow Talk, Something's Gotta Give, ...) highly enjoyed this, so you may like it too. Give it a chance. It is a drama; no comical relief whatsoever. If you are in an intelligent mood or wish to see a drama, this is the film for you. You'll hate it or love it.
This is a very useful comment. I can't believe 4 people found this not helpful.