Enlightenment

Rating: Null/10 (1 June 2007)

In "Pi" Aronofsky dealt with the subject of the mathematics of the universe, and he touched on the theory that a higher understanding of this math reveals God, and in turn reveals everything about God's creations. The idea was based in part on the Judeo-Christian philosophies and religion, more specifically in the patterns of the Torah and Hebrew language.
In "The Fountain", Aronofsky actually deals with very similar subjects, such as those of the creation of the world, and reaching a higher level of enlightenment. In this film, instead, the ideas and concepts are rooted in eastern religion and philosophy. In fact, having a familiarity with eastern religions would go a long way in understanding this film. An open mind would help a lot too.
If you are looking for a straight forward film with a traditionally defined chronology, or a film that can be easily understood without much thought, this film isn't the one. (I don't say that out of pretentiousness. Sometimes you just want simple entertainment. My statement was not a judgement.) But, if you are looking for a film to ponder and discuss, or if you have interest in eastern philosophy or in the theories of the Mayan's higher level of enlightenment, this film is a lovely interpretation of some of those ideas.
I've read some of the theories about this film on this site. In order to understand this film we can't try and follow a character as much as we must follow energy and life force ... or parts thereof. We also have to let go of our understanding of time and realize that past and future aren't necessarily exclusive if the meaning of time is changed or if the time line is no less easily maneuvered than a roadway. We must also realize that the film is just based on a philosophy, a metaphysical theory, even if it's a powerful one. A concrete understanding of the philosophy (for lack of a better word) can only come with a higher level of enlightenment, if that exists for us in this world. The Fountain is just a very good effort in bringing the ideas to film.
Film, of course, is limited to stimulating our senses of sight and hearing. The film touches on ideas that are to be understood with higher levels of senses. I think that Aronofsky did as well a job as could be done to help us visually follow something that is not visual. He's definitely a bright, knowledgeable and open minded filmmaker.