The Fountain

There is a film coming out later this year called The Fountain and it stars Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. It is only the third directorial effort by acclaimed cult director Darren Aronofsky (PI, Requiem for a dream) but it promises to be the most beautiful and astounding film of the last decade or more.

The premise is slightly different to what we expect in films, and in a way it sounds more like a novel. The core of the film follows Hugh Jackman as a research scientist trying to find a cure for cancer. It’s personal for him as his wife, Rachel Weisz, is dying from a brain tumor. Jackman’s team brings back a sample from a unique tree in the South American jungle and while experimenting with the bark of the tree, Jackman realizes he may have made an astonishing breakthrough. Meanwhile, Weisz is writing a novel about a conquistador (also played by Jackman) who travels to the New World to find the Biblical Tree of Life for his queen (also played by Weisz). The third strand of the story takes place in the far future, with Jackman (still playing the scientist) hurtling through space in a strange bubble, with only the South American tree to keep him company. Weird huh?
The reviews that have been coming in, I don’t usually trust reviews but are sometimes enjoyable to read, are extremely positive. I was interested in seeing this film anyway but the reviews are just making me want to see it even more, if that is possible.

Anyway, I found this blog http://thefountainmovie.blogspot.com/ which is following the Fountain and it is a great read. It is especially interesting if you are interested in the film, even the slightest.

I wouldn’t imagine this film will be for everyone but if it is as great as the reviews are making out then this could be huge considering the Oscar attention it will most surely receive. At last a film to look forward to in 2006.