The Fountain (2006) USA
The Fountain Image Cover
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Director:Darren Aronofsky
Studio:Warner
Producer:Iain Smith, Eric Watson, Arnon Milchan
Writer:Darren Aronofsky, Darren Aronofsky
Rating:7.4 (83,022 votes)
Rated:PG-13
Date Added:2010-12-14
ASIN:B000O7667K
UPC:0085391117377
Price:$19.98
Awards:Nominated for Golden Globe, Another 6 wins & 14 nominations
Genre:Drama
Release:2007-05-15
IMDb:0414993
Duration:96
Picture Format:Widescreen
Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
Sound:AC-3
Languages:English, French
Subtitles:English, French, Spanish
Darren Aronofsky  ...  (Director)
Darren Aronofsky, Darren Aronofsky  ...  (Writer)
 
Hugh Jackman  ...  Tomas / Tommy / Tom Creo
Ellen Burstyn  ...  Dr. Lillian Guzetti
Patricia Dal  ...  
Mark Margolis  ...  Father Avila
Stephen McHattie  ...  Grand Inquisitor Silecio
Matthew J. Libatique  ...  Cinematographer
Rachel Weisz  ...  Isabel / Izzi Creo
Fernando Hernandez  ...  Lord of Xibalba
Cliff Curtis  ...  Captain Ariel
Sean Patrick Thomas  ...  Antonio
Donna Murphy  ...  Betty
Ethan Suplee  ...  Manny
Richard McMillan  ...  Henry
Lorne Brass  ...  Dr. Alan Lipper
Abraham Aronofsky  ...  Lab Technician
Renee Asofsky  ...  Lab Technician
Anish Majumdar  ...  Dr. Spencer
Summary: Science fiction and romance collide in "The Fountain", the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky ("Pi, Requiem for a Dream"), who labored for four years to complete this epic-sized love story that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz (Aronofsky's real-life companion) play lovers in each of the film's three settings--16th century Europe and America (Jackman is a Spanish explorer searching for Incan magic), the present day (Jackman is a doctor attempting to cure his dying wife), and the 26th century (Jackman is a space traveler seeking a gateway to the afterlife)-–who struggle mightily to stay united, only to lose each other time and again. Aronofsky may not have chosen the easiest presentation for audiences to absorb his theories on the lasting qualities of life and the transformative powers of death-–the final sequence, in particular, with a bald Jackman floating through space in a bubble, harks back uncomfortably to "head movies" of the late '60s-–but his leads have considerable chemistry (and look terrific to boot), which goes a long way towards securing viewers' hopes for a happy ending. Critical reception for "The Fountain" has been nothing short of bloodthirsty, with Cannes audiences booing, but there are elements to enjoy here, even if the premise throws one for a loop. Ellen Burstyn (who earned an Oscar nomination for "Requiem") delivers a typically solid performance as Jackman's boss in the present day sequence, and special effects (most done without the benefit of CGI) are also impressive given the film's low budget (spurred by a mid-production shutdown after original stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett ankled the picture). And science-fiction fans whose tastes run towards the metaphysical (Asimov, Le Guin) will appreciate the attempt to present the genre in a serious light. "--Paul Gaita"