Reviews

First, let me say the following: The Fountain is not a film; it is an experience. A thought, feeling, or idea. It is a very personal and emotional trip. Each person will have different feelings and ideas towards the film.

The plot isn't the main focus of the film, but here's a brief overview. Around the year 1500, Spain is being torn apart from the inside. A religious zealot figure is hunting down those who do not believe what he does throughout the country. It leads him to Queen Isabel (Rachel Weisz), a beautiful and gorgeous young ruler who "twists the words of God." Isabel, fearing for her country and the lives of her people, sends for Tomas (Hugh Jackman), a strong warrior, to search for the Tree of Life. Whether or not this tree actually exists is up for question, yet the Queen sends him on this quest.

In the present time, veterinarian Tommy Creo (Jackman) is searching for a cure to brain tumors. He wishes to use this information and translate it to help his sick wife, Izzi (Weisz). Tommy becomes completely engulfed in his work and often neglects (though not on purpose) his dying wife. Izzi is writing a novel entitled The Fountain, for which she does not have an ending for yet. She is enthralled by ancient Mayan civilization, mainly Xibalba, the Mayan underworld seen in the stars as a dying nebula.

The distant future holds for Tom (Jackman) years of travel to Xibalba. He travels with a tree, eating from it's bark to keep alive. The fly through the stars in a bubble housing the two of them. Tom often has illusions of both Izzi and Isabel, talking to him as if he were either Tommy or Tomas. He wishes to reach Xibalba in order for the tree to be reborn.

That's the best I could do giving a plot summary. Like I said, the plot is not the main concern of the film… it only serves as a vehicle to deliver the intense emotions and feelings present in the film.

I'll start with the technical aspects. The film's cinematography is gorgeous, taking in both the ancient Mayan architecture, the modern winter wonderland, and the far reaches of space. The films visual and special effects are by far the best I've ever seen in a film. The filmmakers used an unconventional means in creating the space FX… they filmed different specimens under microscopes and used those as the space FX, keeping the organic feeling to the film. I promise you, it's like nothing you've ever seen before. I really really hope that an Oscar nomination is given out.

The score is really one of the highest attributes of the film. Clint Mansell, along with Mogwai and the Kronos Quartet, has done a phenomenal job. The music is brilliant and really reflects what they characters are going through as well as what emotions you are feeling at that time. Mansell really deserves the Golden Globe, and I pray for an Oscar nomination.

The acting is spot on. Jackman and Weisz give great performances and really know what they are dealing with. The bath tub scene is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, just because of the emotions these two feel. (The other two scenes are spoiler heavy, so I'll leave them for you to see).

The climax of the film is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen in cinema.

Darren Aronofsky has really evolved into quite a stunning filmmaker. He's even matured in his process. But I'm not calling Pi or Requiem for a Dream immature by any means. What I mean is that Aronofsky has created such a somber and serious tone… he's really reached a new level in his directing. Some of his quirks are present, but aside from a few scenes (and two recognizable Aronofsky actors), this doesn't seem like an Aronofsky film. It's really a new standard he has set.

The Fountain is very similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey in terms of visuals, feelings, and the overall trip the viewer goes on. While 2001 was more focused on evolution, creation, and humanity, The Fountain focuses on love, life, and death as a means of creation. I'm sure that in the near future many people will be comparing Aronofsky to Stanely Kubrick.

If I could, I would rate this movie higher than a ten. Sadly, I cannot do so.

300 is an epic movie along the lines of Braveheart, Gladiator, or even any of the Lord of the Rings films… except on steroids. It offers what Sin City (also written by Frank Miller) offered: blood, broads, and battle.

Don't go in expecting a historically accurate depiction of the events that transpired at the Battle of Thermopylae lead by King Leonidis. This is a history movie for action buffs.

Set around 480 B.C., 300 tells the tale of King Leonidis' (Gerard Butler) fight against an entire Persian army (lead by King Xerxes, played by Rodrigo Santoro). This isn't an ordinary battle… it's 300 Spartans against thousands of Persians. With his faithful Captain (Vincent Regan), the strong Dilios (David Wenham), and the sometimes arrogant Stelios (Michael Fassbender), it is evident that this is no ordinary army. The Spartans are a breed of mankind born to be warriors. They've been trained since the day they learned to walk to be ruthless and fierce soldiers.

I'm sure everyone already knows that it's a big war movie of sorts, but why are they going to war? The conflict begins when a Persian messenger is sent to speak with Leonidis and the beautiful Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey). He offers them peace through means of submission to the Persian king. "Earth and water." This doesn't settle well with Leonidis as he handles the situation… accordingly.

Leonidis wishes to put Sparta at war with the Persians, but it doesn't settle well with the Spartan council, mainly Theron (Dominic West) who has an agenda of his own. Against the wishes of the council, Leonidis ventures out with 300 of Sparta's best men to confront the Persians. While they're away, the Queen faces conflict with Theron and the council, wishing to send reinforcements to aid the 300.

The film is visually arresting - kudos to Zack Snyder (fingers crossed for Watchmen). Astounding effects and gorgeous scenery (all CGI) make for some of the most breathtaking images in modern cinema. The slightly saturated look of the film is very welcome. The soundtrack was quite impressive, amazing choral selections as well as brutal percussion fit the mood of each scene (however, isn't the "Moaning Woman" a bit overdone?). The acting was fine for this type of movie, certainly not Academy worthy, but not detracting from the experience.

But you don't see the film for the acting. You see it for the action, and it's top notch. Brutal at times, yet very flowing, almost like a dance. There was one particular sequence which I found supremely badass in which the Captain's son and Stelios do this awesome thing back to back, playing off each other and kicking butt along the way. Very very cool.

The Queen's subplot adds some political intrigue, but really offers nothing needed to the overall narrative of the film. My only gripe with the film would have to be that it wasn't long enough, falling short of two hours. But that's really minute.

300 brings new meaning to the word "epic." The grandeur of the film makes for one enjoyable ride.