In a Nutshell. Mini reviews of movies old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. And often no sleep.

Monday, 24 June 2013

THE FOUNTAIN [2006]

The Fountain is a deeply personal film from director Darren Aronofsky that I wasn't too sure about at first but several years later have found it's aged quite nicely, amidst all its problems.
It explores themes of love, life and death meshed in with religion, science, theologies and philosophies which makes for a bit of an abnormal experience for someone not expecting it.  Still, Aronofsky never quite finds an even flow for the narrative or a heart to anchor the human aspects of this overly ambitious story, so when we are supposed to feel our hearts are manipulated by Clint Mansell's wonderful music.  When it all comes down to it The Fountain is a daring celebration of human mortality and an admirable effort in doing so.

3 Trees Of Life out of 5

2 comments:

Dr Faustus said...

The 'anchor' you mentioned is the perfect way to describe the film's primary fault. GJ.
A more sympathetic tone could've helped. And a better actress than Weisz.

Film: 3 out of 5
Ambition: 5 out of 5.

Impudent Urinal said...

Friends and I saw it in theaters and found it very non-engaging. It felt jumbled and confusing. The conquistador stuff was pretty cool though.

2 how many flowers erupted from his anus? out of 5