September 28, 2006
The Fountain
The director of Pi and Requiem for a Dream takes us on a 1000 year journey that delights they eye and stimulates the mind. If you're seeking midless entertainment that doesn't force you to think, go see Jackass 2.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz
Rating: 10/10
Directed By: Darren Aronofsky
Runtime: 96 minutes
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz
Rating: 10/10
Directed By: Darren Aronofsky
Runtime: 96 minutes
WOW! I've been waiting to see this for a long time, and I can honestly tell you that I was not disappointed. I was captivated from start to finish. Visually stunning, with a great story, it was a ride that didn't end when the closing credits came up. I found myself thinking about the movie, and the questions it asked, for the next few days.The movie was originally budgeted at 75 million, and was set to star Bradd Pitt and Cate Blanchett, but that project fell apart. Reworking the script, Aronofsky came up with a version that he could do for 35 million, and after seeing the finished project, I can't help but think that it was the best thing that could have happened. Brad Pitt is a far better actor than he gets credit for, but I think his celebrity might have detracted from the story. I think the rewrite for a smaler budget also helped to focus the story more on the core ideas of mortality and spirituality, and not on flashy sets that might also have detracted from the story.
Don't get me wrong, the sets are amazing, and the special effects are stunning. Aronofsky chose to eschew CGI for most of the effects, saying he wanted a more organic feel. Much of the effects were acheived through the use of micro photography. Since almost everything was actually shot on film, the visual effects should stand the test of time much better than compuer generated effects.
This is a sci-fi move, but it's so much more. Aronofsky goes beyond sci-fi to challange the big ideas. According to Aronofsky , "The interesting things are the ideas; the search for God, the search for meaning." Fans of his earlier work (Requiem for a Dream, Pi) will not be disappointed.
Much as been made of the film consisting of three seperate stories set in three seperate time frames. Don't let that scare you - there is more of a narrative thread than they're telling you. It might not be 100 percent clear at first, but it all makes sense as you experience the story - just the way Aranofsky intended you too.
There are mixed reviews on this film, not everyone is a fan. That's to be expected. Many so-called fans of the sci-fi genre especially are looking for mindless entertainment, something to get lost in and forget the cares of life for awhile. This is not that movie. It will make you think, and it might just make you feel . . . an uncomfortable sensation for most of the mouth breathers in the general public.
Oh, and how could I forget to mention the music? The score is ultra cool,. Composed by Clint Mansell (who also did the score for Requiem and Pi), it was performed by Mogwai and Kronos Quartet.
So like I said, you really want to see this, but be careful. When you need a popcorn movie, go see something else. Save this one for an evening where you can fully savor the experience.