The Fountain (Blu-ray Disc, 2007)

Don’t waist your time if you are not the spiritual type. Meaning, if you are dumbed down by the media news outlet and are superficial, don’t bother. You won’t get it. Just spend your time at a Starbucks while eating some food with animal byproducts in it.

But if you are spiritual or like putting the pieces to a movie together then this is for you. It’s like 3 love stories in one movie. Visually, there’s nearly nothing like it. It looks fantastic on a 1080p 120hz Plasma TV. This is one of those movies that you can pop into the Blu-Ray player every once in a while.

This film is a artistic masterpiece. Its graceful beauty is does not permit debate. It will be an exquisite experience for any lover of art. The sheer visual originality will transfix the viewer. It is without pretense . . . its message is universal.

Here is the caveat: you need not be "educated" in film to understand this work . . . you need not be a Ph.D. holder to enjoy its majesty . . . you need not have any background in Early Colonialism to follow Aronofsky's thoughts . . . but you do need to be patient. You need to prepare yourself for a visual experience that rivals Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. You need to surrender yourself to Aronofsky's vision. His non-linear approach may initially confuse the viewer . . . his metaphors may initially frustrate . . . . his repetition may initially annoy . . . but try to understand these aspects as essential to the film's glory. Trust Aronofsky to guide you through the film . . . the more you resist his approach, the less you will be inclined to enjoy it.

Some label this film a "tear-jerker" . . . this is a terrible misnomer. Aronofsky's work did not steal one tear from my companion or me. This is not as much a work about two people, but is allegorical. So, if you are concerned that this film is a "romance," you can dismiss those fears entirely.

This film is similar to neither Requiem nor Pi . . . that is Aronofsky's genius. He is gifted with uncommon range. Moreover, this is not the Hugh Jackman with which many are acquainted . . . his acting is sensitive to detail and strikingly stark. Rachel Weisz enthusiasts may be equally surprised . . . but hopefully in positive manner.

Here is the bottom line: this is neither X-Men nor The Mummy, it is neither Pi nor Requiem . . . this film is as innovative as it is spectacular. Nonetheless, if you need a linear plot, if you must have explanations, if you have limited patience, you will find yourself frustrated. But, if you find yourself bored with contemporary film, tired of its predictability, exhausted with its pedestrian qualities . . . if you simply yearn to view a challenging work of art, allow The Fountain to work its uncanny "magic" on you.

This is easily one of the most important films of the decade.

It is difficult to summarize the plot, but to be succinct, the movie is about a man's journey to save his wife, and his wife's journey to save him back. The scope of the film covers the beginning to the ending of time, and chart's our protagonists trials over the course of thousands of years and various continents and worlds.

Yeah. I can't do it justice - you'll just have to see it.

The thing is, you cannot take your eyes off the screen once this movie begins. And it's one heck of a mind trip. Many people have labeled it the "2001: A Space Odyssey" of our generation, and I think that's a fair comparison. However, I would apply a caveat: if you are one of those people who "didn't get" 2001, you might have some trouble with this one; it is similarly esoteric and rich in symbolism. You do have to keep your mind turned on to feel the full experience of this film.

Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz give the performances of their lives. Their struggle to help each other feels so real that it rips your heart right out of your chest at times. I don't want to give anything away, but definitely keep a box of tissues handy for this one.

I can't recommend this film highly enough, and 5/5 doesn't quite do it justice. Unless you're a complete philistine, you can't help but love this movie.

This review pertains to the blu-ray version.

I originally watched this movie on DVD and loved it. But with blu-ray it is even better. The special effects deserve a crisp, high-def presentation and this blu-ray disc delivers.

If you don't have a blu-ray setup, build one. And then buy/rent The Fountain on blu-ray as your introduction to the HD medium. You'll not regret it!

This was a thoughtful and delightful movie. On the same lines as a Stanly Kubrick tale. It requires attention and imagination to watch and enjoy. If you have neither then save your money--you wont "get" it. If you do then this is one to remember and will leave you for days pondering the meaning of the universe.

The Fountain is a visualy stunning masterpiece made by the one who knows visual stimulation the best as far as Hollywood is concerned. It takes place in three different settings; past, present and future. It is a movie about love and the persuit of an ever lasting life.

The Blu Ray version includes all the details about the CGI simulations. They are truly spectacular. Order this movie.. it will change the way you watch movies.