Visually spellbinding and powerful!

Rating: Null/10 (9 January 2010)

The Fountain is an extremely ambitious film by Darren Aronofsky. It is the story of a man Tom, who is trying to save his lover, Izzie, from her last stages of death. It spans over two other stories, one that takes place in the past and one that takes place in the future. I would be lying if I said I understood all of it. I don't, and that is why the film requires multiple viewings. However, I honestly loved it. It is not perfect, but it has some of the most visually enchanting scenes of any film in recent years. The present part of the film is touching. Hugh Jackman is very good, but flawed in all of his three roles. Rachel Weisz, however, was fantastic. I have not seen many films from her, but from the ones I did, she has never stood out to me. Here, she creates a very vulnerable and compassionate woman, and it is easy to understand why Tom loves her so much. Weisz is perfect for this role and she really shines through. One of the best female performances of 2006, and she was snubbed of an Oscar nomination. The cinematography is also flawed, but mostly beautiful. In the scenes involving Tom and the Tree in the future, it is beautiful shot, but other times, the cinematography, mostly in the opening action scene, is not handled correctly. The costumes visual effects are amazing, and the whole production design was snubbed of any real awards consideration. Now lets get to the music score. Absolutely breathtaking! Easily the best score of it's year, and probably one of the best music scores of the last five years, along with Atonement and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The final scene of the film was fantastic and powerful because it comes to prove that the film medium can become art.
Overall, The Fountain is flawed, but is ultimately a touching, sad, and powerful visually spellbinding film.