A New Movie Review: The Fountain (Science Fiction)

I just came back from seeing The Fountain directed written and directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz.

The Fountain has a PG-13 rating based on violence, some sensuality and language.

The movie The Fountain was interesting and complicating to say the least as it offers three parallel stories set in the Spanish Inquisition, a present day medical research lab, and a futurist floating sphere in the year 2500 AD.

Actor Hugh Jackman appears in all three plots and explores the vulnerabilities of life and pursuits reality of death.

During Spain’s era of cruel religious slayings, Conquistador Tomas played by Hugh Jackson is sent into the jungle of New Spain by Queen Isabel played by Rachel Weisz to hunt down the biblical Tree of Life. Meanwhile even though the Queen’s country is being plagued by the brutality and tyranny of the Grand Inquisitor played by Stephan McHattie, she turns a blind eye to the events at home and commissions a search for the sap that will give her everlasting life.

A problem arrives though when her soldiers’ method of dealing with the natives who protect the life-preserving liquid is as merciless just like the tactics employed by the Inquisitor in the Old World.

Back in contemporary times, Tommy who is played by Hugh Jackman is a research scientist perched on the edge of a major breakthrough. Along with his associates played by Sean Patrick Thomas, Donna Murphy and Ethan Suplee respectively, Tommy has isolated an enzyme from an ancient tropical tree that promotes astonishing healing processes in animal subjects. He then rushes the testing process in order to help human patients in particular his wife Izzi also played by Rachel Weisz who struggles with her life-threatening ailment.

Although the center’s lead researcher, Dr. Guzetti played by Ellen Burstyn, understands Tommy’s fixation with his work, she understands that the young man needs a balance between his professional and personal life.

In conclusion, floating in bubble-like sphere, Tom Creo also played by Hugh Jackson is stubbornly tending to the dying trunk of a tree. Meditating in the lotus position, he draws on his inner strength to will the tree to live until he can find a cure for the ailing plant.

The Fountain explores death in relation to Judeo-Christian teachings, Eastern religions and medical advancements. Personally, I found the movie to be imaginative but often confusing. It took me on a journey of many twists and turns that as I said earlier was quite complicated. That said, given the unconventional nature of the script, the film will likely find audience goers either loving or hating it. This is the type of movie that you don’t find yourself sitting in the middle about.

Please note you will see violent depictions of armed fighting, flagellation, and self-mutilation as well as Inquisition torture methods. Brief sexual activity and profanities are also seen.

In my opinion, The Fountain would make a better movie rental than a Friday night full price theatre ticket.