Three plots are one, the path to eternal life

Rating: 7/10 (22 November 2006)

+Cinematography 9/10 +Acting 8/10 +&- story & editing 6.5/10
I watched "The Fountain" at a free screening yesterday in the local theatre, so I almost feel the obligation to write something about it, and do my part.
Not spoiling the plot here is quite easy, as the film does, as is the intention of its authors, make you think, and experience--there is much to talk about. The plot itself is quite simple, but the message is complicated. I'll try to recap my thoughts on the film the way I thought about it when I left the theatre yesterday.
My first thought: truly beautiful cinematography. This film really had some wonderful scenes and compositions, great (absolutely great) lighting, good effects. These were luckily not too overdone, perhaps a bit towards the end, but the film did stay true to it's intention of separating itself from the bulk of Hollywood(esquire) films these days. This section gets a 9/10 from me, and should be enough for you to make a trip to the flea-pit.
Then, acting: surprisingly good. Surprising, as I haven't seen too many films starring Jackman and Weisz. These leads were very good, solid actors in this film and really drove the storyline ahead. Thank goodness Brad Pitt was not chosen for Jackman's role. Not that I am a Pitt-hater, however he would have stolen the show, and taken the focus away from what should be paramount: the film. Ellen Burstyn was an amazing supporting actress, and as far as I am concerned should get some award for that (I won't call Oscars, etc., but something should be in for her). 8/10 for acting
The story & editing: This is where it gets a bit iffy, and one rating for this section does not really do it justice, but I'll go for it anyway for the sake of simplicity. As the story is layered, it is always interesting to see how the director handles it, and how the authors push it forward. I would say that through roughly the first half of the film they were very successful in doing so, as this viewer is taken through a mildly-tempoed plot, where s/he really gets the feel for the actors and the cinematography. While the storyline does become clear quite fast, it is not intrusive. As this film has three plots (which are all one, see it to understand), it became rushed towards the end, as they are brought together. I am an advocate for making long films if the plot demands it to be so, and this one to me could have gone on for another hour easily without losing its viewers.
Due to the not so strong second half of the film, only 6.5/10 for this part.
The message of the film is an interesting one, and this is where I think the 'controversy' comes from. I personally do not think this is a 'love-or-hate' film, but you be the judge. I'll have to go see this one again to understand it fully, and before making up my mind on the final rating. For now "The Fountain" gets a
7/10