I probably already did a review on this but damn...
'The Fountain' 10/10
Something about this movie really gets to me. Maybe its the obsession or the devotion or the love or just the whimsical nature of it all, but every time I see it, it ends up sticking with me; giving me a feeling I can't shake for at least a day.
Maybe it is the score, which is Clint Mansell's best since 'Requiem for a Dream'. It is smooth and melodic when it needs to be and ready to give you goosebumps in a seconds notice. The end theme (
'Death is the Road to Awe') especially is by far one of the best compositions I have ever heard, soundtrack or otherwise. It's beautiful and tense, and ready to explode, yet thoroughly uplifting and tragic.
Aronofsky's directing is no slouch either. His use of imagery is simply breathtaking in this movie. Every single frame is shot with purpose, leaving you as the viewer, searching thoroughly through each piece for clues. His directing skills become an integral part in understanding the underlying story. And that's an important point to recognize early on because this is not an easy movie to understand. I have seen it three or four times and each time I have a different theory of what message he is trying to portray. There are not many movies like this.
This hardest thing to enjoy about this movie is simply how sad it is. It may not be as terrifyingly depressing as 'Requiem', but it is really really sad. Some of it plays on cliche heart strings, while others you'd have to genuinely be a robot (Bender) to not find harrowing. The conclusion though....My God the 10 or so minute scene when the song I linked to plays over, isn't sad or tragic yet it is so incredibly emotional that I have yet to see anyone, including myself, hold back a tear. This isn't a "Mufasa dying" kind of tear. You know the one that you would hide from your lady friend if she's watching it with you. This is definitely not that. It's more like an outpouring of emotion from watching such a brilliant conclusion brought to life by impeccable music and imagery. It's a tear produced from the sheer fact that you've had goosebumps for the last 5 minutes straight.
Though I gave it a high rating, this isn't my favorite movie. 'The Boondock Saints' takes the cake in that respect. But it is a mandatory film in my collection. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you watch it by yourself and really get in to it. Don't be afraid to turn up the volume either. You won't be disappointed.