Hugely disappointing and not nearly as profound as it tries to be

Rating: 6/10 (20 January 2008)

Having eagerly awaited the release of this movie, I had perhaps set my expectations a little too high. I consider both 'Pi' and 'Requiem for a Dream' to be brilliant works of cinema, and I had read many glowing reviews for 'The Fountain' before seeing it, so it did have a lot to live up to.
This is a three tiered story, concerning questions of love, death, the meaning of life and the idea of immortality. We are presented with three irrevocably intertwined tales - one set in 16th Century Spain; the second set in modern, urban America; the final set in the future. That's a lot to fit into 92 minutes, I thought to myself, but if anyone can do it, Aronofsky can.
Don't get me wrong, the film succeeds on many levels, not least a visual one. The effects and the cinematography deserve a great deal of praise, but this is not the kind of film to value style over substance.
As far as the substance goes, it's hit or miss. The main (modern) story is deeply moving, thanks largely to two fine performances. We feel every bit of Hugh Jackman's anger and frustration at the world as he tries to find a way to save his dying wife, played devastatingly by Rachel Weisz.
Unfortunately, neither the dialogue or the performances during the 16th Century scenes, which see Jackman play a warrior sent on a mission to find the key to eternal life by Weisz' queen, are good enough to carry the weight of the premise. This is heavy stuff, and it is handled a little clumsily by all concerned and, consequently, never hits the mark.
The future segment sees Jackman sporting a Buddhist skinhead and talking to a tree. Sounds a bit silly you may think. Unfortunately, despite Jackman's best efforts, it is. It really is.
In the end, while the film poses some pretty heavy questions about the nature of man, and manages to deliver some very moving moments, it never really comes close to the greatness it strives for. Much as it pains me to say it, it really is a bit of a turkey.
See it for the stunning visuals and for the fine performances of Jackman and Weisz in the central story (try to overlook the others), but don't set your heart on being blown away. Let's just hope Aronofsky's next film will be a return to form.