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Rumor · Nov 27, 2006, 07:32 PM

I watched this movie while up in Washington last week.

The previews had led me to a different type of movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised at this film.

It was pretty artsy with some interesting visuals.

My mother's boyfriend jokingly suggested that we burned one before the movie. I suggested peyote.

All in all, I thought it was a very good film with an interesting story.

Did anyone else see it?

scotth_uk · Nov 27, 2006, 10:16 PM

I saw it on Saturday. Can't say that I enjoyed the story, but I did enjoy the experience. Something different at least.

jonasmac · Nov 27, 2006, 11:14 PM

Was it anything like Solaris? That's the feeling I got from the previews.

Atomic Rooster · Nov 27, 2006, 11:23 PM

Ebert and Roeper say it sucks big time.

http://tvplex.go.com/buenavista/eber...per/today.html

keekeeree · Nov 28, 2006, 01:50 AM

My wife and I saw it over the weekend and we both really enjoyed it, but it's definitely not a movie for everyone. On the way out of the theater, I said I thought the movie was a blend of Pink Floyd's The Wall, 2001: A Space Odyssey and The English Patient. I don't know how accurate that is, but those were the movies that popped into my head at the time.

Rumor · Nov 29, 2006, 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by scotth_uk

I saw it on Saturday. Can't say that I enjoyed the story, but I did enjoy the experience. Something different at least.

That's how I was explaining it to a friend earlier tonight. It's not the same main stream bang bang explosion stuff we usually get.

Originally Posted by Atomic Rooster

Ebert and Roeper say it sucks big time.

Ebert & Roeper, Reviews for the Weekend of November 25 - 26, 2006

That's too bad. I usually agree with Ebert on movies.

Dakar² · Nov 29, 2006, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by Rumor

I was pleasantly surprised at this film.

It was probably afraid you'd throw a red bull can through the screen if it sucked.

Chuckit · Nov 29, 2006, 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by Rumor

That's too bad. I usually agree with Ebert on movies.

In his Sun-Times review, Ebert kind of panned it, but it was the most positive bad review I've ever heard. Basically, he said, "It didn't work for me, but everybody involved deserves a lot of respect and did a really good job."

quattrokid73 · Nov 29, 2006, 02:55 AM

its from the man who brought us such shocking titles as "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream", so it should be shot very differently than most movies.

Darren Arnofsky is very gifted, i want to see it because there are so few of his movies and even if it sucks, 2 out of 3 is a good record.

Teronzhul · Nov 29, 2006, 03:19 AM

Originally Posted by Rumor

That's too bad. I usually agree with Ebert on movies.

That wasn't technically eberts review as far as I can tell. That was "Scott" who was guest hosting with Roeper.

The sun times review was apparently by his website editor jim emerson.

Oversoul · 06:32 AM

Since when did we all let reviewers decide what movies are good (as subjective as that is) or not?

I saw The Fountain last Friday and found it to be hauntingly beautiful. The spaceship in space scenes were literally otherworldly (and apparently done without CGI). The amber lighting that pervaded the scenes adds a dream-like quality to the movie. Without giving away too much, I think these touches were definitely fitting, as at least one narrative may have been just that and another is debateable. In the end, The Fountain is a love story that aims to transcend time and if there's any reason why one might want to live forever I can't think of any better reason than true love.

Hugh Jackman is terrific as Tomas/Tommy/Tom and conveys both love and loss with a powerful performance. I can't see Brad Pitt, who was originally cast in the role, ever being able to approach that level of acting. Rachel Weisz is, well, loveable as Rachel Weisz is. Ellen Burstyn also puts in a moving performance as Tommy's boss.

If movies that spur discussion and open interpretation aren't your thing, you probably will not like The Fountain. It's editing gives you bits that requires some work on your part to piece together. And the movie itself, like Pi and even Reqieum, is open to interpretation. Aronofsky is certainly brilliant and it's a shame some people don't open themselves up to that vision.

One last note, The Fountain's been compared by some to 2001 and there are certainly Kubrickesque influences here.

I definitely enjoyed it. But I realize The Fountain is ultimately going be one of those love-it-or-hate-it type of movies. And true enough, I think the reviews are pretty evenly split down the middle. If that provokes thought or discussion, I'm all for that.

I also have to add: The string quartet musical score is amazing. It's haunting and cryptic, and definitely sets a pace for the film. Especially in the future segments, as the spaceship is approaching the star, the music embues the screen with a sort of mystery and anticipation.

Rumor · Nov 29, 2006, 06:06 AM

Funny. I own Requiem but have never watched it.

jokell82 · Nov 29, 2006, 09:18 AM

I was looking forward to this movie ever since I saw the first trailer.

I frackin hated it.

powerbook867 · Nov 29, 2006, 12:05 PM

You should watch Requiem Rumor...If you have kids, just don't let them watch it.

Unless you want them to know what massive drug abuse can do to ya..

Amazingly depressing movie.

Eug Wanker · Nov 29, 2006, 02:37 PM

50% on Rotten Tomatoes.

I haven't seen it, but given those reviews, I won't bother seeing it in the theatres.

Rumor · Nov 29, 2006, 02:45 PM

I think the reviews aren't that good because it's not your typical mainstream movie.

xi_hyperon · Nov 29, 2006, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by powerbook867

You should watch Requiem Rumor...If you have kids, just don't let them watch it.

Unless you want them to know what massive drug abuse can do to ya..

Amazingly depressing movie.

A good flick, and the fact that Jennifer Connelly played a role made it even better.

Eug Wanker · Nov 29, 2006, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

I think the reviews aren't that good because it's not your typical mainstream movie.

The cream-of-the-crop guys usually give good artsy movies better ratings than the general number might suggest. However, they give this one an even lower rating, at 27%.

Oversoul · Nov 29, 2006, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by powerbook867

Unless you want them to know what massive drug abuse can do to ya..

Amazingly depressing movie.

Originally Posted by xi_hyperon

A good flick, and the fact that Jennifer Connelly played a role made it even better.

The ending! Yes, Requiem was amazingly depressing, especially the ending! And I'm all for a little skin by Jennifer Connelly, but wow...

Still, watch it.

Apple Pro Underwear · Nov 29, 2006, 03:28 PM

Snakes in a the Fountain™

RAILhead · Nov 29, 2006, 03:35 PM

MOTHERWELL · Nov 29, 2006, 04:39 PM

I think Arronofsky is a very good, unique director, but this film looks like pretentious garbage. Bradd Pitt make a good decision when he dropped out of acting in the movie.

I am looking forward to hearing the soundtrack though.

sek929 · Nov 29, 2006, 04:57 PM

My g/f really didn't like it, but I have yet to see it so I can't judge.

If it's half the movie 2001 is then I'll probably love it.

scotth_uk · Nov 29, 2006, 05:25 PM

What was the quote on the TV review....? Something like "It takes a very talented director to make such a memorable failure?" I only caught a little bit of it.

Chuckit · Nov 29, 2006, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Quoted for Rachel Weisz.

Incidentally, I met her and Aronofsky while they were promoting this movie. She's even more beautiful in person. And he's every bit as strange as you'd imagine. When I walked up to him, the first thing he said was, "Are you going to see this movie? You aren't, are you?"

Eug Wanker · Nov 29, 2006, 06:28 PM

^^^ So did you see this movie?

Chuckit · Nov 29, 2006, 07:02 PM

Hee, not yet. I'm planning to, though. I actually didn't realize it was out until a couple of days ago.

Atomic Rooster · Nov 30, 2006, 03:59 AM

It IS really bad!!!

Rumor · Nov 30, 2006, 04:48 AM

Originally Posted by Atomic Rooster

It IS really bad!!!

Well aren't you Mr. Negative.

red rocket · Nov 30, 2006, 10:52 AM

I was looking forward to watching it, but now that somebody's compared it to The English Patient, which was complete shîte, I'm not so sure anymore. Let's compare it to π. Is it as good as or better than π? π was alright, in my book.

quattrokid73 · Nov 30, 2006, 01:13 PM

definitly see requiem. its incredibly produced and has an awesome message..its just very graphic.

Oversoul · Dec 2, 2006, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by red rocket

Let's compare it to π. Is it as good as or better than π? π was alright, in my book.

I don't know if I can say whether it was better than π -- just different. π has a very gritty independent feel to it, whereas The Fountain is polished and cinematic. π is more manic but the cuts flowed better, whereas The Fountain does have a sense of desperation and the cuts are occasionally abrupt but interweaving.

Both movies lend themselves to interpretation. I think π might have a little more mystery and drama due to different interests conspiring or vying for the proof. The Fountain is a lot more enclosed in that the drama is internalized in Tommy's struggle to find eternal life/rebirth. Where there's conflict, it's against nature and time. The fun is in understanding how the three narratives fit together.