Movie Review : The Fountain

"What if you could live forever” was the catchy phrase printed on The Fountain’s movie posters. But as the movie unfolds, you may think maybe it should be “What if you could LOVE forever” instead.

Watch as Hugh Jackman tries to save his beloved (Rachel Weisz) through a timeline spanning a millenium, as a spanish conquistador, a modern-day scientist and a 26th century astronaut…

(watch the trailer here)

Neverending Struggle...

The first scene shows one of Hugh Jackman’s role as a conquistador(Tomas), breaking through a horde of tribesman and eventually getting killed by their leader, a priest-looking person... What was his purpose for getting there in the first place?

Right after that, we see his other role as an astronaut wandering in space, around a mystifying, yet seemingly withering grand tree. Rachel Weisz appears vividly in clothing that belongs to another timeline, smiling to Hugh, yet making him sad…Why was this so?

Hugh’s final role in the modern time, is a scientist(Tommy) using all his strength and willpower to try and find a cure for his wife(Weisz), already losing hair due to cancer…Will he be able to succeed?

Thoughts

The story as you may already see, weaves through the different timeline and characters, connecting them together in 'Memento' style. This makes for a very intriguing movie, gluing you to the screen, wondering how it all falls into place.

Hugh Jackman’s touching and passionate acting will make you feel for his characters and almost urge for the ending to be a happy one. Rachel Weisz was also convincing in her roles as a optimistic and mature partner.

The music scorecomplemented with the scenes very well. Soft melancholy notes express the characters’ feeling of sorrow and yearning beautifully. It immerses you into Hugh’s struggle to save Weisz and certainly brings in the correct kind of mood. Of course, this is expected from Clint Mansell, responsible for the famous theme for Requiem for a Dream

The visual effects can be considered stunning for a trimmed down budget movie. Especially during the scenes showing Hugh standing alongside the tree, around stars and the never ending space. Most of the lightings in the show are dimmed, reflecting the feeling of the movie very well too.

The Fountain is an amazing fairytale to watch, and I certainly recommend it to those who like a romantic story, especially for lovebirds, making you cherish each other more.