FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: The Fountain [DVD] [2006]

The Fountain [DVD] [2006]
enlarge	Director: Darren Aronofsky Actors: Hugh Jackman, Stephen McHattie, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn, Ethan Suplee Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Category: DVD List Price: ~~£19.99~~ Buy New: £3.11 as of 25/11/2009 02:23 GMT details You Save: £16.88 (84%) New (24) Used (7) from £2.44 Seller: direct_offers_uk Rating: 92 reviews Sales Rank: 4610 Format: Anamorphic, PAL Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over Region: 2 Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 96 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5039036033060 ASIN: B000NIVNP0 Theatrical Release Date: 2006 Release Date: May 28, 2007 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Editorial Reviews: Amazon.co.uk Review Science fiction and romance collide in iThe Fountain/i, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (iPi/i, iRequiem for a Dream/i), who laboured 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 traveller 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 iThe Fountain/i 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 iRequiem for a Dream/i) 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. i-- Paul Gaita/i

Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...19 Next » You won't see a more beautiful film all year June 9, 2007 Mr. Od Smith (Coulsdon, Surrey) 47 out of 50 found this review helpful After a long wait, complete with the projects being stopped in its tracks once already, The Fountain finally reached our screens to an occasionally perplexed and/or apathetic audience on one hand, on the other to an audience that it struck an emotional chord with. br / br /I fall into the latter, if you hadn't guessed. br / br /This was always going to be Darren Aronofsky's difficult third movie following the mind-melting Pi and the emotional assault battery of Requiem for a Dream, but he pulls it off with an intimate, heartbreaking story that happens to span 1000 years, only it doesn't once you think about it. br / br /The three narrative threads (Tommy in the modern day, Tomas the Conquistador, and Tom the spaceman) may appear to jar, but they all fit into the story - not the story of the film, but the book that Tommy's dying wife Izzy is writing as her brain tumour threatens to overcome her once and for all. br / br /The Fountain has an air of sadness that seeps from the screen: the repeated motif of Izzy asking Tommy to take a walk with her in the snow plays time and again, and takes on sadder connotations every time, while the Tommy/Tomas/Tom character(s) all face an impossible task in trying to prevent natural following it's inevitable course towards death, and how man is unable to prevent the people he loves succumbing to fate. One scene sees Tommy completely numb by bad news, walking down a street and unable to take in what's going on around him (passers-by, traffic, construction works) and we don't hear a thing until he's almost hit by a car. br / br /As always, Aronofsky can create stunning images on screen, and as always accompanied by Clint Mansell's intimate, stripped-back score that enhances the events and the feeling of loss that is preparing to come to the fore upon all three variations of Hugh Jackman's lead character. Indeed, even when he succeeds, it ends up hurting him as he just prolonged the inevitable until it could hurt him once more. br / br /It may not be a Friday night popcorn movie by any means, but it is a one of the finest pieces of filmmaking of recent years, and more proof that Darren Aronofsky is an underrated director that is capable of creating cinematic genius out of the meanest of circumstances, and is a film that you should see. Aronofsky achieves what Kubrick could not June 4, 2007 Mark R. Bannister (London, England) 24 out of 26 found this review helpful It is unfortunately rare these days in the finance driven world of Hollywood, that movies so original, so different, so kaleidoscopic and beautiful arrive on our screens. Making a film like The Fountain takes vision, passion, and a desire to be artistic above that of the desire to make a blockbuster hit, for this is surely a movie that won't be understood or appreciated by the majority. br / br /However, imagination left director/screenwriter Darren Aronofsky when he named his film. The definite article is over-used in movie titles, and this may sound like a nitpick, but it is a regrettable truth that films are remembered foremostly by their name, and this one belies the originality it contains within. Do not be put off by the title, this is one of the most original movies you will ever see. The Brazilian name Fonte da Vida (Fountain of Life) better suits, I think. br / br /Out of 2006 also came Pan's Labyrinth, from which can be drawn parallels in its originality, dreamlike cinematography, and intricately weaving plots. However, unlike Pan's Labyrinth, there were no moments in this movie that I felt were poorly conceived, or poorly executed. The Fountain is a masterclass in the art of film-making, and will stand up in its own right for years to come. It's as stunning as the best Kubrick film, and I think a better screenplay than Kubrick could ever write, and at 92 minutes running time is mercifully shorter. This is the right length for a movie. Is Aronofsky a reincarnation of Kubrick, but with a much heightened degree of good sense? br / br /The story is marketed as a science fiction tale spanning more than a thousand years. However, there really is no science in it. This is not a movie that fans of Star Trek or Star Wars, or those films typical of the sci-fi genre, will naturally relate to. This is a more humanistic and spiritual tale; a love story, a tragedy, an awakening. br / br /Hugh Jackman has a chance to show off his tremendous theatrical training, by taking the lead as a man so determined to save the life of his wife Izzi (the best Rachel Weisz performance I have seen yet), that his work, and his fear of death, is dominating his life. Jackman pulls this performance off flawlessly, despite the sometimes mind-bending visuals and plotline, his character is always totally convincing. Weisz successfully portrays a character with remarkable substance and dignity, who has accepted her fate and is ready to embrace it with open arms. She is inspirational. br / br /Ellen Burstyn also deserves a special mention, recruited again after Aronofsky's last outing - Requiem for a Dream - although her role is small in this film, it is vital, and she brings with her a touch of magic; culminating in one of the most perfect examples of private humanity I believe I have ever witnessed on the screen. br / br /In the hands of some directors, The Fountain would have become a slushy, over-sentimental, superficial and spiritually barren movie. But in the hands of Aronofsky, it is a masterpiece. Stirs the imagination and touches the heart! March 17, 2007 Reader (Asia) 12 out of 13 found this review helpful This movie resonates with many of us on a personal level. Not only did it deal with familiar themes of love, death, loss, and immortality but Darren Aronofsky also gave us a cinematic experience that merits viewing several times ( well-crafted visually, haunting musical score, and excellent acting performances). It is a beautiful film - and when it ended, it felt almost like a benediction to me, with its transcendent quality. The story-telling is thought-provoking and open to different interpretations... but it completely captures one's imagination as the story of Tommy and Izzi moves from one timeline to another. Yet, on a more basic level, it is a highly-emotional love story which compels us to re-examine how we deal with its gut-wrenching theme of loss. Perhaps it is the teasing ambiguity of the story and how we interpret it that is really Darren's gift to us all? br / br /It is a pity that Hugh Jackman's work in this movie has not been recognized on the awards level, but it is heartening to see that, finally, Hugh Jackman is being appreciated by movie fans as an excellent dramatic actor! br / Imaginative, Thought provoking, Majestic, Beautiful, Moving May 22, 2007 Drama Critic ... 28 out of 32 found this review helpful The title to this short review pretty much sums up my views on this superb film - however, I'd also like to add: br / br /Superb script, great acting, beautiful direction, excellent special f/x ........ and so on. br / br /Rarely has a film involved and moved me so much - it just worked so very, very well. I don't like answers gift-wrapped and this film leaves a lot to the imagination and also leaves plenty for the viewer to think on well after the initial viewing. br / br /It's also a film that can be watched time and time again, each time picking up new information and perhaps even changing the viewers' perceptions. br / br /A superb experience. Try it or live in ignorance. To love forever March 12, 2007 E. A Solinas (MD USA) 20 out of 23 found this review helpful Darren Aronofsky has never made movies that were easy viewing. Examples? Just watch "Pi" and "Requiem For a Dream," and you'll see why this underrated director has made one of the most astounding sci-fi movies in ages. br / br /"The Fountain" is basically a sprawling tale that is half "real," half outside the mind -- love, immortality, death, grief and a tangled plotline that may take a few viewings to get right, but is exquisite in its simplicity. Not satisfied with depth, Aronofsky also makes it an absolutely stunning visual experience. br / br /Research oncologist Tommy (Hugh Jackman) is trying to find a cancer cure by animal testing, so he can save the life of his dying wife Izzie (Rachel Weisz), including an unsanctioned test from a mysterious tree. As she hopes for a cure, Izzie has been writing a book about a Spanish conquistador who is seeking the immortality-granting Tree of Life. br / br /As we see in other flashbacks, that conquistador is a version of Tommy (and Izzy as Queen Isabella). And far in the future, Tommy still struggles with his wife's loss, as he travels to a distant nebula to revive the tree. But as he finally gives in to his wife's last wish, he becomes enmeshed in a mysterious rebirth that stretches through the ages. br / br /"The Fountain" got a royal whupping from critics, and was even booed by test audiences, who presumably couldn't understand the three storylines -- or rather, one non-linear storyline, in which the lines between reality and imagination are blurred. Perhaps all of it is true, or perhaps Tommy's mind is creating the 1500 and 2500 scenarios to help him cope. br / br /As befits a movie that tackles so many deep themes, Aronofsky weaves mythology, creation beliefs, religion and the fear of death together, and binds it together with the universal theme -- love that even death can't overcome. The dialogue tends to be more spare than the story, rather than loading it down with unnecessary ponderings. br / br /And he does it beautifully and surreally. The whole movie is tinged in gold -- gold light, gold costumes, gold Tree of Life, gold nebula, gold deserts. The camerawork is filmed poetry: there are sweet moments like planting a seed in a grave, the Tree lit by the sun, and the sight of Tommy inside the nebula. The most exquisite moment comes when Tommy kneels before Izzy, under the Tree, with drops of golden light falling around them. br / br /This is undoubtedly Jackman's best movie, making us feel Tom's love and sorrow for Izzy ("There's no hope for us here. There is only death"), and the lifelong struggle against death. Your heart really breaks for him. Weisz is sweet and wilting as Izzy, and the chemistry between the two leads makes their time-busting love seem entirely reasonable. br / br /Aronofsky has made a story that is pure art, exquisite in theme, and while you might have to watch "Fountain" a few times to really "get it," but you won't regret the experience. Even if you don't like it, in an era of bland popcorn movies, its ambition is worth praising. Showing reviews 1-5 of 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...19 Next »

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