Source (Fountain, The)

Production and Year: USA, 2006Genre: Drama Screenplay: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel Director: Darren Aronofsky Music: Clint Mansell Cast: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn Medical Theme: dying, cancer, drug research Description: It is difficult to describe a film that evoked such extreme reactions from viewers—ranging from calling it a masterpiece to labeling it banal and empty. Certainly, "The Fountain" differs greatly from Darren Aronofsky’s other works. We get to know the main character through three parallel timelines. In 1500, he is the conquistador Tomas Creo, searching for the legendary Tree of Life on the orders of his queen, Isabella, whom he secretly loves. In the year 2000, scientist Tommy Creo loses himself in the search for a cure for his wife, who is suffering from brain cancer. Wanting to help her, he seeks a “cure for death,” yet spends more time in the laboratory than with his Izzy. He cannot come to terms with the possibility of her passing, nor understand that his wife is inwardly prepared to bid farewell to the world. In the year 2500, we meet Tom, wandering through the vastness of space, asking himself questions about the nature of life and death, love, and eternity. Also worth mentioning is Clint Mansell’s phenomenal score, imbued with the nostalgia of transience. An undeniable strength of the film is its openness to multiple interpretations.