The Fountain

Tonight I was lucky enough to take a "sneak peek" at The Fountain, the latest movie starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz directed by Darran Aronofsky, also known for jewels such as Pi and Requiem for a Dream, amongst others.

The Fountain is quite simply, a visual spectacle. A love story spanning thousands of years; a man struggling to safeguard the woman he loves from an inevitable death by all means possible, through all time, against all odds. There's a scene in what appears to be La Alhambra in Spain involving Rachel Weisz as the Queen of Spain and Jackman as a Spanish conquistador which is especially deserving of praise. The movie intertwines Mayan and Christian mythology in a very interesting way, so if you're into legends and fantasy this movie will strike a chord with you.

My only problem is the premise. I'm skeptical about the whole theme of the undying love, the silly concept of the soulmate, the kindred soul and all that Valentine Day's nonsense that forms the cornerstone of the movie. Love is an arbitrary thing, it comes and goes and is quite easily beaten down by the circumstances. I see how a man could go great lenghts for a woman he wants, but I don't see how that would lead anywhere, especially given the cold rationality of women everywhere.

Then again, it makes for great movie material, so my recommendation is: go see this movie. Even better - go see it with your girlfriend. And when it's done, sneer at her and say something like: "Pff. Dumbass. He should've just moved on". You are guaranteed to score confidence points after that.


Rating: 4/5 Chigüiros.