Science fiction and romance collide in The Fountain, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), 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 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 for a Dream) 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

This works if you let it.
I imagine that each viewer takes something different from this film, there is no clear cut narrative that guides you through the story.
Instead you get three stories that may be linked, or just a trilogy of themed ideas running simultaniously.
Death, love, loss, ressurection, idealism, mysticism, told in past, present and future tenses.
Try to understand it, or just sit back and feel it, you can't ignore it.
Probably too long for some, not clear cut enough for others, if you like older science fiction where reality was explored through character and story, this is for you. As a bonus, it is full of the most visually striking images I've seen, the way light is used is genius. If you like special effects and fighting over dialogue and ideas, give it a miss.

"Death is a disease and it must be cured"
Lets not beat around the bush, this movie won't cater to all tastes and intellectual levels and judging from any random walk down a highstreet most people probably prefer it that way. It starts slowly and to be honest I kept looking at the clock wondering if this initial confusion I had would wear off before I switiched onto something else, but I perservered.

Everything in this movie is a symbol or metaphor for the genuinly intriguing question the film asks about the role of death in life. It sometimes pays to pause the film and think things out (at least that was helpful for me) because the film doesn't really flesh things out explicitly, maybe perhaps because it likes to have style and doesn't cater to 12 year olds.

The performances from Jackman and Weiss grow on you. I initially thought they were the wrong choices for the roles. The cinematography is beautiful while the back and forth between the different ages and periods helps us understand jackmans lead role better. I like to think I understand the message of the movie, so the movie does its job for me but its certainly not for everyone and every occasion. The pacing can be a bit slow but its a memorable tale of learning to let go and eventually how that decision becomes a sacrifice for Jackman's character. 7/10

This film isn't easy: it is cryptic, it is illogical, and very broad; it actually requires emotional attachment, and imagination from the viewer.

This film affects me - I'm still working out the nuances (and the why) - but it makes me cry (much the same way as Westside Story makes me cry). I feel for the characters journey, and empathize with their feelings (even if slightly bizarre, taken over a thousand year+ timespan).

In its simplest form, this is a story about life, love, death, and eternity.

I would argue that at its heart it is dealing with the adversity of love over death.

I really adore the director's previous films. However, I really love this one most: it is human; it is warm and imaginatively spiritual; and, it deals with the concept of soul, spirit, and love (something not really dealt with in Aronofsky's previous films).

I recommend this film, but you need to make your own choice - all I can add, is that if you hold any affinity for Kubrick films (specifically 2001), then you will surely approve of this one...

Spanning over 3 time periods, the Fountain follows the life of Tom (Hugh Jackman) a Spanish Conquistador, a Doctor trying to cure Cancer, and a lone spaceman guarding the Tree of Life.
As the Inquisator is bringing Spain to its knees, Tomas is sent by the queen to find the Tree of Life, hidden somewhere in South America, with only a few good soldiers and a wise priest, he must brave the Mayan Civilisation to reach his goal.
Whilst trying to cure cancer, Tommy's wife Izzy is slowly dying of a Brain Tumor. In her last few days, she gives Tommy a book she has been writing, and the book is called 'The Fountain'.
And in the future, Tom has the sole purpose of guarding the dying Tree of Life. He needs to rekindle its life by sending it into a new star that is being born inside a dying star.

Everyone will have a different opinion, but I can guarentee one thing, you'll be talking about it for days. If it is trying to understand it, praising it, or spreading the word of how incredibly annoying and confusing it was, you won't easily forget it.
For me, this shows the sign of a good show. Darren Aronofsky has done the ever difficult, third film in a career, wonderfully and Clint Mansell has done nothing wrong in the the dramtic and inspiring music to go with it.
Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz are superb and you can tell they enjoyed doing it. The special affects are amazing (inside the dying star) and both the past and present stories fit together perfectly.
The idea of a dagger being the key to a lost Mayan Temple is clever and is a different twist.
An enjoyable film to watch, but as a warning, if you like films were the bad guy does something wrong and the good guy fixes it by shooting everyone he sees, this is not the film for you.

This film for me was not at all what I was expecting from the trailers, they made it seems more action and sci-fi than it was. However, saying that it persuaded me to purchase the movie when maybe I would not have done normally. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, beautifully shot, great acting and a movie that makes you think. Many reviews on here compare it to 2001, and I have to agree. I should imagine the 1 star reviews on here didn't understand or appreciate that movie either. OK, you probably don't understand it all, and for a little while you are wondering what is going on, it seems to jump around a lot, but I think that is the point.... sometimes a movie should not have to spell it out for you. Not 10/10 for me, 9/10.... so as this is out of 5, going to give it top marks!