This weekend I decided to re-alphabetize my DVD collection (yes, that is how I spend my free time). Stuffed inbetween two other movies a found a surprise. It was a copy of the movie "The Fountain" that I thought that I had lost months ago. Since I have no life, I decided to watch it. I had forgotten how much I loved this movie; its millenium-spanding plot, stunning visual elements, and Clint Mansell's minimalistic score continued to give me the chills. The story follows three seperate (but not really) timelines that all focus on one man's search for the tree of life. Hugh Jackman plays Tom (and Tommy and Tomas) who is determined to save his wife, Rachel Weisz, from her imminent death.
If you're confused at all by now, you should be. The plot is incredibly confusing, but that only adds to the impact that the film's final frames have to offer, and the mind-bending conclusion makes you think even more. But that's what so wonderful about this movie. Even though I first saw it two years ago, I try to piece together what really happened at the end.
What makes this more engaging than other science-fiction movies is its focus on character and thematic development instead of special effects and violence. Even though "The Fountain" contains both, neither of them are the focus of the story. Instead, they help directory Darren Aronofsky to tell the story. Here is a link to the film's trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM_NF8ZpqyE&feature=related
