The Fountain Reviews and Ratings


  • luizclaudiossantana
    November 23, 2009
    luizclaudiossantana
    Durmi a maior parte desse filme sem noção e ainda desisti de ver o final,rsrs...
  • eco1508
    November 22, 2009
    eco1508
    The Fountain is an extremely beautiful looking film; the visual representation is astounding; but the storyline is quite a muddled up adventure; after becoming lost by the end of the film I decided to go and read up on the net, reading a quote from the director it stated that the...( read more) film really didn't have a story structure; so I took from that what I wanted and developed the story as best I could in my mind :P The main plot revolves around present day America where Tommy is trying to find a cure for his dying wife who is suffering with cancer.

    The films timeline spans from the 16th Century where Tommy's character is on the search for the fountain of youth; these experiements span thousands of years and culminate in a series of images that still don't make all the much sense.

    A tad pretentious....
  • posterpicks
    November 13, 2009
    posterpicks
    that movie was amazing!!!!
  • december0001
    November 12, 2009
    december0001
    Nothing is more beautiful than despair and none can depict sadness, lonelines and darkness like Aronofsky. The story (or three stories) is so damn original it blowed my mind. A guy trying to save his love from terminal cancer ends up traveling to a distand nebula in a sphere with...( read more) the tree that embodies her soul while reading her never finished novel of love and immortality. Can it be bad!? I will not give away the message as it differs from time to time and from mood to mood. Its just an experience you have to live. Its so damn beautiful!
  • upside
    November 12, 2009
    upside
    i could watch this film a 1000 times and still be no closer to understanding it.it is some sort of LSD trip into film making. i totally can't make my mind up at all about it, but there is deffinately something about it, but then i enjoyed Pi as well.
  • odonoghuematthew
    November 11, 2009
    odonoghuematthew
    Best Visual Effects 2006 - Best Art Direction 2006
  • blackeyedsurfer
    November 11, 2009
    blackeyedsurfer
    I didn't "get it" at all, but the contemporary science-based storyline was great. Bonus points for Hugh Jackman looking fantastic and for the bathtub scene.
  • coljadu
    November 11, 2009
    coljadu
    i knew every single movie of hugh jackman but never heard about this beofre now i know y caz this is one of the movie should not associated with hugh jackman caz its the most boring movie of hugh jackman.really its was no kind of story and really didnt get wat the movie wana say....( read more)very disappointing movvie
    and want any one to see this.
  • kickchick612
    November 8, 2009
    kickchick612
    I did not understand this. It was really confusing.
  • EarthlyAlien
    November 6, 2009
    EarthlyAlien
    "For every shadow, no matter how deep, is threatened by morning light."

    Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain is dozens of things, but primarily it's a film about love. Countless films address the same topic, or use it as a framework to tell a story, but few are as pass...( read more)ionate and insistent in their focus. This isn't the superficial love of pop songs; it's not cynical manipulation. It's a naked, fearless film about Love and Forever, with strident capital letters, about a fierce, time-defying love that connects one couple through a thousand years of history. It's also a poignant mediation on how missed chances can echo forever. It's a bold artistic statement from a director who has never let a limited budget stand in his way. It might not always make perfect sense, but it's one of the best films I've ever seen.

    Photobucket

    Five hundred years ago, a conquistador named Tomas (Hugh Jackman) vows to the Spanish Queen Isabella (Rachel Weisz) that he will travel to Central America and find the Tree of Life so that they can live together forever. In the present day, a neuroscientist named Tommy Creo (Jackman) is frantically trying to find a cure for cancer to in time to save his wife Izzy (Weisz), who is dying of a brain tumour while attempting to finish a novel about the conquistador and his queen. In his desperation, Tommy turns to some bark from an "old growth" Central American tree, with surprising results. Five hundred years in the future, Tommy floats through space in a sphere containing a gigantic tree, travelling toward a distant nebula as the events of the past thousand years haunt him. According to the film, the Mayans believed that this nebula was their underworld; its location had helped Tomas find the Tree of Life; now Tommy is travelling there so he can be with Izzy forever. After 1000 years, Tommy has learned patience; he does Tae Bo in front of a blanket of stars, and tattoo rings on his skin to remind him of how long he's waited, and how he can wait a little while longer.

    Some of the Eastern elements of future-Tommy's world are poorly integrated, and this prompted an involuntary guffaw when future-Tommy and past-Tomas' stories connect in an unexpected way. I wish the sap from the Tree of Life didn't look like Elmer's Glue. I wish Aronofsky hadn't gone with the cheap, artificial tactic of suspense-building music just before the beautiful scene on the roof in the snow. There are significant problems with the past segments of the film: Weisz seemed a little lost as the Queen, forced, as she is, to shoulder a little too much iconographic burden, and the segment lacks the kind of circular resolution that the other segments have. The love between Queen Isabella and Tomas the Conquistador would more properly be called worship, which is part of love but not all. What's missing is tenderness, which develops during the present-day segments. Whatever problems the film might have are all but forgiven here. Their scenes together are almost unbearably tender; it's as if we're intruding on private moments between them. Aronofsky's camera caresses Weisz; his adoration for her is palpable and catching. If she didn't seem up to the earlier segments, she blossoms here. And Jackman shines as well.

    If Aronofsky owes a lot to other films, most obviously Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, the specific vision and scope are all his. Many of the amazing special effects were created not via CGI, which Aronofsky felt (rightly) would ruin the film's timelessness, but via micro-photography of chemical reactions in petrie dishes. That's just brilliant: first, because the resulting effects have a vivid three-dimensionality that CGI effects often lack, and second, because the very method of creating the effects ties in with the themes of the film. Aronofsky's limited budget, cut in half after an earlier attempt starring Brad Pitt fell through, is a blessing in other ways. The exteriors are limited, forcing creative transitions between times and places.

    I feel like, unlike so many films, The Fountain rewards repeat viewings; there are elements here, thought out in incredible detail, that I missed the first time but I picked up on when I saw it again the next morning. I liked how even in the cold laboratory settings of the present-day segments, Tommy walks through pools of warm, golden light, tying together the torchlight of the past and the nebular light of the future. At first it seemed out of place, but made sense when I thought about it as future-Tommy working through his memories. I liked how the same triangular pattern of the star system with the nebula in the centre kept popping up in the set decoration and shot framings, and also how the starburst pattern from Tomas' shrine to his queen kept showing up in much the same ways. But most of all, I loved how it made me want to believe in forever. There's not a trace of cynicism here, just incredibly honest and emotional filmmaking that's not afraid to slip up in its pursuit of something beautiful, yet flawed. It's cinematic poetry in an age when poetry is considered quaint. It's the kind of film that makes me want to get up in the morning.

    "Together we will live forever."
  • totalefreiheit
    November 3, 2009
    totalefreiheit
    Super aburridisima... pero vale la pena verla. jajajajaja
  • Maeliki
    October 30, 2009
    Maeliki
    This is one of the best movies I ever seen in my life. Ellen Burstyn one of my favorite actresses....Rachel Weisz has an amazing performance and Hugh Jackman plays multiple roles in this awesome movie....Darren Aronofsky does it again....One of the best directors I think
  • feldmandigital
    October 16, 2009
    feldmandigital
    First, I will say the acting was incredible. Second, I wasn't confused by the storyline. Reasons why is becuase I DID NOT see the trailer first. When I did watch the trailer after watching the actual movie, I could say it's very, very misleading. I believe people expected a t...( read more)ime-traveling, scifi flick. Probably because they had no choice. They needed some type of audience and I'm sure there are fans out there. But, I felt the movie's timing was a bit sloppy. I understand it's trying to be different and it has three interesting storylines that co-exist with one, but the simple viewer will be confused easily after the first viewing. And I believe after how dramatic the film is, it may not be a movie to see twice. Don't get me wrong, the premise is fantastic but misleading at the same time. I enjoyed the effects, but that was expected at the same time. Overall, a decent "special" film that will be liked by certain viewers.
  • baraldo6
    October 15, 2009
    baraldo6
    Loved this film, soundtrack, very confusing but I think that was the intention, there are many theories to what the film is about but its up to the viewer really to make up their own mind. There is deep meaning to this film, understanding it is what appeals to me.
  • geckogir1
    October 14, 2009
    geckogir1
    Completely pointless. Doesn't make a lick of sense with itself.
  • Sloirishbud
    October 12, 2009
    Sloirishbud
    I wasn't quite sure how I felt about this movie until I saw the ending and then I realized that I love it. This movie is amazing. This film is an allegorical masterpiece, full of vibrant colors, and wonderful actors. This film is Darren Aronofsky artistically working in a way tha...( read more)t I had never seen before. Ever since the film "Pi" came out I have admired Aronofsky's vision but this movie takes it to a whole new level. The story isn't quite coherent and it switches back and forth between the three periods but I didn't care, I was simply captivated by the beauty of this film.
  • liam174
    October 10, 2009
    liam174
    I was looking forward to this, but turned out to be only average apart from a few great moments and a pretty good score by
    Clint mansell.
  • princessfayefaye
    October 7, 2009
    princessfayefaye
    It was hard for me to get into or pay attention -__-
  • GreenGoblin92
    September 29, 2009
    GreenGoblin92
    When I first watched it in theaters, on January 2007, I loved it. I remember giving it an 8/10. Now, on my second viewing, I had mixed feelings about it. I just found it more confusing and painful to understand.. But, still, the music, acting, the love scenes and the visuals save...( read more) this film.
  • millhouse9
    September 26, 2009
    millhouse9
    hmm this was a strange film to understand, a tale of love and death.
    this was the story of a man's fight to save the women he loves by curing death. i found this film rather confusing and and a hard story to follow even though it had a basic plot. however the special effects and...( read more) visuals was amazing, along with the superb acting and heated music. A film that gets you thinking and breaks your heart!
  • pixygiggles
    September 26, 2009
    pixygiggles
    Beautifully done film with a captivating story-line (3 actually). Personally, I had no problems following the 3 story-lines; but others have commented with confusion. I recommend this movie to anyone who can see the deeper meaning of life, death, and the universe.
  • crazymonkeys2004
    September 21, 2009
    crazymonkeys2004
    Some interesting visuals, but it makes no sense at all, well to me it didn't anyway.
    It's more style over substance.
  • samoolan
    September 20, 2009
    samoolan
    Far, far too morbid. Not as smart as it pretends to be. Incredibly acted though, and it's got some good music and some cool references to Maya.
  • Arianeta
    September 19, 2009
    Arianeta
    A magic film about love and death. A beatyfull poem, full of emotions images like paints, dreaming scenes, and so touching feeling. A mystical music travel the mind to the roads of The Fountain. Film is stunning to look at and Hugh Jackman's performance is one of his best. Th...( read more)is is a movie you could be mad for and since I saw it I can?t stop thinking about it
  • jfvirey
    September 17, 2009
    jfvirey
    Before watching "The Fountain", I only knew one thing about its plot: that it intertwined the love stories of three couples, all of them interpreted by Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, at three different dates: 1500, 2000 and 2500. As someone with an interest in history, science-fi...( read more)ction and the passing of time, I was intrigued.

    Unfortunately, about twenty minutes into the film, I had connected virtually all the dots, and the remaining three fourths of the film were only a matter of being told what I had already figured out: so while Roger Ebert is waiting for a longer "director's cut", I think the best thing that could happen to this film is to be reduced to about half an hour.

    The "historical" section of the film is quite atmospheric, but it is historical only in name. There are references to "Spain", "the queen", a "conquistador", a "Great Inquisitor" and "a Franciscan"; some of the costumes look appropriate; and the Spanish were indeed looking for a fountain of eternal youth in the New World. But basically, the whole thing looks like a fantasy devised by a teenager based on vague reminiscences of pictures from a child's history book (written by no-popery Protestants.) It is, in fact, no less fantastic than the "futuristic" section, itself a kind of surrealistic New Age dream sequence rather than a genuine science-fiction tale.

    The film mixes element from Genesis, Mayan mythology and yogic imagery (with Jackman levitating in the lotus position and having his "third eye" opened), together with (drug-induced?) personal visions. It uses a very restricted colour palette, most of the scenes being very dark, with a predominance of cold, blue-green greys and splashes of blinding gold and white. The music is rather plaintive, and the dialogues are often whispered, with actors shot so close that the screen is often filled with part of a face.

    The result is something of an idiosyncratic mess, "beautiful" in the way TV advertising can be: lush, sophisticated and professional, but artificial, aloof and inauthentic. It didn't bore me, but with such a premise, I really could have loved it much more.
  • charlesbronson
    September 17, 2009
    charlesbronson
    Lord of Xibalba: Death is the road to awe.

    What a beautiful,weird movie.Visually amazing,loved how most of the film is set in gold tones.Hugh Jackman's best performance so far,except maybe Prestige.Rachel Weisz never disappoints,she's amazing. You've gotta admire Aronofsky's or...( read more)iginality even if you didn't like the movie.This is one of those movies you have to watch multiple times to really take it all in, and I'll be doing that.The plot makes you think,and that's the highest praise you can give to a movie,a very interesting concept.Wonderfully acted,amazingly directed,highly recommend it.
  • ElCochran90
    September 17, 2009
    ElCochran90
    I really have mixed feelings about this film. I recognize Aronofsky's genius throughout definitely, but this film had everything to be a masterpiece, which it certainly wasn't. It sort of felt like the plot was too complex for the director to handle. It is not Aronofsky's genre, ...( read more)so that's why this is his worst. He should stick with his bizarre and genius style which was noticeable in Pi (1998) and his masterpiece Requiem for a Dream (2000).

    The film has a highly spiritual feeling and has some spectacular imagery, but unfortunately it relies on that aspect a lot. A unique film, very artistic, but could've been better perhaps in the hands of a foreign director.

    Oh, and for those who hated the film because of being confusing, the film is not complex nor confusing. It is perfectly clear and simple. Don't let the film confuse you. It is not 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) nor Eraserhead (1977) we are talking about. Just put more attention and you may get it with one single viewing, since it is a short film as well. Very entertaining and an interesting concept overall.

    75/100
  • 339z
    September 15, 2009
    339z
    wow umn just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is a good movie 2 watch....its got a good cast of actors/actressess throughout this movie....i think that ellen burstyn, hugh jackman, rachel weisz, sean patrick thomas, mark margolis, donna murphy play good roles/part...( read more)s throughout this movie.....i think that the director of this sci-fi/drama/time-travel movie had done a good job of directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie....its a really good drama movie 2 watch its a bit of a weird movie but its pretty kewl 2 watch this movie
  • samuraijacklol
    September 15, 2009
    samuraijacklol
    I gotta watch it again to understand it more
  • boglam
    September 13, 2009
    boglam
    Really absorbing and creative. Rachel Weisz is seriously rasy on the eyes
  • ironclad1609
    September 12, 2009
    ironclad1609
    Visually extremely stunning and well acted but with its meaning hidden in three sometimes rather confusing storylines. Love, death, reincarnation and fate being the themes of this very unique film.
    Somehow I want to understand it, want to love it more than I do right now. The sec...( read more)ond viewing already make me look at things a little clearer, but in the end its final meaning remains for each viewer to find on their own. But at least it makes you think and some of the images will stay with you for a very long time. For people with an open mind about conventions of storytelling and film.
  • benpuetz
    September 11, 2009
    benpuetz
    The Fountain is a movie with a great concept, but end up being it's own worst enemy. In what was already an interesting idea, more vague concepts and visuals are piled on to make this film more of a Nyquil dream rather than a great movie. The visuals are different, but not that...( read more) good. The acting is adequate and the direction if off. It's a bit of a mess that never really comes together.
  • InTheFleshOfBlood
    September 11, 2009
    InTheFleshOfBlood
    true masterpiece and Clint Mansell. The Foutntain would not have been the same without him, the soundtrack is a poem of love, tragedy, loss and beauty that very rarely has Hollywood presented us.
  • TomatoInTheRain
    September 10, 2009
    TomatoInTheRain
    ohhh ... this is a beautiful love story. I loved the way it shows us about love and fight for someone you love, the lack of more life just to be with the person you love, fear and pain of losing someone you really love, and, and .. . several other thin...( read more)gs ... Maybe I just did not like the things about the myths or whatever, but the performances of Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jackman offset all
  • shopgirlNY15204
    September 9, 2009
    shopgirlNY15204
    For the simple reason that Hugh Jackman is in it
  • zdester
    September 7, 2009
    zdester
    Very artsy. You really have to pay attention.
  • Arkanis81
    September 6, 2009
    Arkanis81
    I found it a little too jumpy for my tastes
  • shackelfurt
    September 5, 2009
    shackelfurt
    The Fountain was a beautiful movie.
  • SirPant
    September 4, 2009
    SirPant
    Thwart with production issues from the very beginning, its a wonder that The Fountain was ever made at all. For all its trials and tribulations though, it was so worth the weight, the Fountain is an absolute masterpiece and one of the greatest love stories ever produced. My one a...( read more)nd only fault with it is Weisz but that's just because I'm not much of a fan of hers, this is the best film in years.
  • volatilegemini
    September 2, 2009
    volatilegemini
    This movie is absolute perfection. My all-time favorite. AMAZING!!!!
  • hannahelainemiller
    September 1, 2009
    hannahelainemiller
    Wow. This sort of sucked. Great acting, amazing special effects & an interesting plot idea, but it didn't come together well. It was too confusing.
  • sakatsu
    August 27, 2009
    sakatsu
    really enjoyed this one. solid performances from everyone and hugh jackman is one great actor. deep thought provoking.
  • ristrawn
    August 27, 2009
    ristrawn
    very slow movie... "no one lives forever" on earth...
  • shinonome1356
    August 26, 2009
    shinonome1356
    The Last Man,
    Death Is The Road to Are,
  • killantzb4itzl8
    August 25, 2009
    killantzb4itzl8
    The sequence of events in this film was probably not the best disposition, as it left people confused until the very end. I felt it could have been executed better.

    Grand Inquisitor Silecio: Our bodies are prisons for our souls. Our skin and blood, the iron bars of confinement....( read more) But fear not. All flesh decays. Death turns all to ash. And thus, death frees every soul.

    Isabel: For every shadow, no matter how deep is threatened by morning light.

    Lord of Xibalba: Death is the road to awe.
  • jenn1984106
    August 20, 2009
    jenn1984106
    Good cast, very interesting movie. Lots of good stuff coming out about now.

Summary

The Fountain Summary