Cinephile Report @ TIFF - The Fountain

20060914_fountain.jpgIt's been six years since director Darren Aronofsky brought to the screen the controversial and captivating "Requiem for a Dream", and the question most people have on their minds is, if his newest film was worth the wait. After years of troubled scripts, studio shifts and even one time lead Brad Pitt dropping out after filming more than half the script, "The Fountain" finally had it's debut as a part of this year's TIFF program.

The film centers on Tom Verde (Hugh Jackman) who works as a pioneering cancer researcher fighting for the cure to save his wife Izzie (Rachael Weisz) who is slowly dying from a brain tumor. Izzie meanwhile is exploring her own mortality through the writing of a book entitled "The Fountain" about a Spanish conquistador searching for the Mayan Tree of Life in order to defeat the menacing Inquisator and live forever with the Queen he loves.

Izzie's novel ties closely together with the reality around her and allows for the film to explore it's unique narrative structure. Even with solid performances by everyone involved in this film it is not an actor's dream script like Requiem but springs to life on it's concept and execution alone. With unarguably gorgeous cinematography in every frame and an amazing score by longtime Aronofsky collaborator Clint Mansell, the film oozes with an other worldly mood totally it's own.

I know this is not a film for everyone and some will probably dislike it or be confused by it's methods. This doesn't mean that this film is bad at all but like Aronofsky first feature Pi some audiences will shutdown at it's twisted sometimes perplexing spiritual take and some critics will certainly scoff at it's grandieur but you shouldn't let that stop you from seeing this film.

The Fountain like recent films "Adaptation", "Me and You and Everyone You Know" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" weaves a tale of romance in a bizzare way seldom seen on screens today. Out of all those examples it is however certainly at the bottom of the list but with 2006's lack luster offerings, I was glad to take a refreshing plunge into this film. If you are looking for a non traditional way to engage with love and loss at the movies then this is the perfect ticket for you.

Reader Reviews and Comments

Submit a Review or Comment

i can't wait untill this gets a wider release. Was there any mention of when that might be at TIFF?

Posted by: matt [TypeKey Profile Page] at September 14, 2006 4:19 AM

It comes out Nov. 22, according to imdb.com...

Posted by: Cal at September 14, 2006 9:48 AM

hey dude.
thanks for reviewing this film.
i was going to see & review it for TIFF but no dice. glad you did it. nice review.

i ordered the original illustrated novel months ago of 'The Fountain' and I STILL haven't gotten it. I was hoping to read it before seeing the film. By the way things are going, that might happen as the film's wide release is slated for a mid-November timeslot.

Posted by: Garry at September 14, 2006 12:31 PM

Hugh Jackman is having a great year and from what I have seen and what I have read I believe that The Fountain will be a winner and as a master of his craft I would hope that the multi talented Hugh Jackman would start the ball rolling with an oscar nomination. for his three roles in The Fountain.

I also feel that The Prestige will be high up in the top fills for this coming Season.

Posted by: Anne Hedley at September 14, 2006 6:15 PM

If Jackman gets a Oscar nod for The Fountain, I'll be shocked. I mean, he was good, but none of his roles were nuanced enough to score an Oscar nod.

He might get one for The Prestige, but I think Christian Bale outshined him in that one as well. They were both great though.

The only for-sure Oscar nods I have settled on are Forest Whitaker for the Last King of Scotland, Helen Mirren for The Queen, and Peter O'Toole for Venus.

Posted by: Sameer Vasta [TypeKey Profile Page] at September 14, 2006 7:41 PM

The Fountain is far and away Jackman's best performance. It's an incredible job from the actor. It won't get Oscar notice, though, because the film is just too damned singular for the Academy's tastes. Let's not forget, these are the people who gave Best Picture to Crash over Brokeback. And this is a movie about a bald dude floating through deep space in a soap bubble. It ain't gonna happen.

Posted by: Matt at September 15, 2006 2:07 AM

Oh, this is by far his best performance ever, I agree, but it still doesn't stand out when you compare it to Whitaker's or O'Toole's. And plus, you're right, I don't know how the Academy will take to the whole soap bubble thing.

Posted by: Sameer Vasta [TypeKey Profile Page] at September 15, 2006 10:25 AM

It'll be a hard sell to an audience and I sadly expect a huge flop when hit screens but I swear it better not ruin Aronofsky's career or I'll be pissed. It'll be interesting to see what he does with his next project Lone Wolf and Cub

Posted by: Matt Thomas at September 19, 2006 10:19 PM

Nothing would make me happier than seeing O'Toole get a nomination (and a win, for crying out loud!) for Venus. He was absolutely sensational in that film. But then, he's also the best actor alive, so....

Posted by: Matt at September 20, 2006 7:58 PM

Post a comment

Remember Me?

Email This Entry

Email 'Cinephile Report @ TIFF - The Fountain' to: Message (optional):
Your email address:

Please type the verification code displayed in the image:

By forwarding this entry to a friend, we do not opt you or your friend into
receiving any additional mailings from blogTO. We hate spam too.
Disclaimer: Comments and blog entries represent the viewpoints of the individual and no one else.