The Fountain

Sir Gallagher

Has anybody seen this? It was on Sky Premier the other night so it'll be still showing weeks from now knowing Sky.

It's basically a film comprising of three stories set in the past present and future, with Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz as the main protagonists! it's kind of hard to define the film but basically its about love and the pursuit of eternal life. It's one of the more intelligent films i've seen in a long time and also one of the most visually stunning films i've ever seen, some of the scenes are simply breathtaking!

Driver 8

There was minor controversy last January as it actually never received a cinema release in Ireland. It's a fine film, good to see Hugh Jackman stretching himself. Not entirely sure the execution of the concept is without faults, but it's a unique, beautiful-looking film.

johnny_ultimate

Yeah I liked it alot too. Luckily got to see it on the big screen at the film festival last year, which was the only Irish cinema screening as I understand it, and thought it was the most exciting visual experiences Id had in years (whatever about the story). Definitely has divided opinion though.

And you've just reminded me: am taping it right now so better stop it before I hit the hay :pac:

Sir Gallagher

Ah i'm so jealous, i'd love to see this on the big screen, it's real shame it never got the release it deserved, it was supposedly panned in America therefore having a knock on effect over this side of the pond. The story is confusing at times and is definately missing something but then again it makes you think which not enough films make you do these days.

The Denouncer

The Fountain is a load of cock

Jack B. Badd

Tbh, I wasn't massively impressed with the film although maybe I was holding Darren Aronofsky to too high a standard after Requiem for a Dream. It was visually impressive but seemed to lack substance and came across as disjointed and incoherent - the concept aimed for can work in some cases but not in this particular one. Also, I'm not sure the casting was necessarily spot on. Both Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz's characters seemed two-dimensional and I got the impression that neither actor really settled into their roles. Overall, it was a very pretty extended music video imo.

My name is Todd

Thought this was a quite amazing film - the story was a bit wild and it took me a while to grasp it all (still not sure if I fully understand it). It's another unique film from Aronofsky and I'm so thankful he eventually made it.

It's visually stunning and heart-wrenching at times, a beautiful film that stayed in my mind for days afterwards.

I absolutely love this film yet I would recommend it to only a few people.

Doctor DooM

I enjoyed it but it actually relies quite heavily on certain sci fi conventions and if your not aware of them I could see alot of head scratching moments in there.

Petey2006

The Fountain is a massively underrated film. I can understand why some audiences hated it, but I loved it. Absolutely stunning, although not without it's minor flaws.

Tusky

I really enjoyed it. I was very impressed with Jackman. Anyone who hasnt watched it, watch out for how the color of the film changes.

Starts off almost black and very dark, most of the film has a golden glow and it ends with blinding white. See if you can figure out the reason behind this. Saw a conference with the director when he was explaining it and its quite intelligent/interesting.

I remember being horrified when it never received a cinema release over here as I had been looking forward to seeing it since Brad Pitt was still attached. While an excellent film and one that is very underrated I can't help but feel that an awful lot is lost when seen on the small screen. Like Lawrence of Arabia, the Fountain is one of those films made for the big screen.

On a side not The Fountain is also the film that made me stop buying Empire magazine. They're review of the film when it was released on DVD was a disgrace, and ranks as one of the worst pieces of criticism in the history of the medium. Odd that their website only has the positive review from the theatrical release but not the DVD review.

L31mr0d

loved this movie. If nothing else its a great movie to bring up to just spark off debate. Not only do some people extrememly like and dislike it but there are 101 ways of actually viewing the meaning of the story.

Also, if you are looking for that one movie to watch in HD (alongside the planet earth series of course) this is it, the final crescendo is breathtaking in high definition. Like was said, this really was a movie designed for cinema.

Spunge

I really liked this movie. Sure, i didnt understand every detail but i had a good idea of what the story was and i liked it. The music was really good like in requiem and pi from and some nice shots.

MisterAnarchy

The Denouncer wrote: »

The Fountain is a load of cock

I concur.
An appalling effort at film making.
Pretentious, nonsensical drivel.
It had a torrid production and was heavily rewritten.

Vic Vinegar

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

It had a torrid production and was heavily rewritten.

Fact or 3rd hand information?

Alice Junge

I enjoyed/appreciated Aronofsky's Pie and Requiem for a Dream, I found myself disliking this, pretentious without the genius to hold the reins = lavish failure

MisterAnarchy

mountain lips wrote: »

Fact or 3rd hand information?

Fact
In early 2002, writer/director Darren Aronofsky cast Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in the central leads of Tom and Izzi with a budget of $75 million. During pre-production, Pitt and Aronofsky were having major creative differences, so Pitt left to film Troy (2004) instead and the film was shut down. In early 2004, with a smaller budget of $35 million, Aronofsky cast Hugh Jackman as Tom and Rachel Weisz replaced Blanchett as Izzi. When the first version of the script was shelved and production was halted Aronofsky rewrote the script and re-envisioned the film.
The first version of the script was turned into a graphic novel illustrated by Kent Williams and released as a softcover and limited edition hardback book. The final version of the film, with its reduced budget and new leading cast, made extensive use of unique non-CGI special effects to save on production costs and give the picture a more "organic" feel.

PullMyFinger!

Alice Junge wrote: »

pretentious without the genius to hold the reins = lavish failure

great wording Ms Junge

Havent seen The Fountain but its been waiting for me to do so for a few weeks, I acquired it from a mate recently. After reading the comments here and the views on RT (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_fountain/) I think its going further down the list of things to do now.