The Fountain

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn, Mark Margolis

The Fountain tells an epic tale spanning almost a thousand years, from sixteenth-century Spain to an imagined twenty-sixth century of space exploration. Three parallel plots weave around the search for the fountain of eternal youth, legendary for giving immortality to those who drink from it. In sixteenth-century Spain, explorer Tomas searches for the Tree of Life, fabled for its mysterious life-giving properties, while modern day Doctor Tommy Creo searches for a cure that will save his wife, Isabel (Rachel Weisz) from cancer. Finally, in twenty-sixth century space Tom, an astronaut, begins to understand the questions that have plagued him.

Hugh Jackman stars as Thomas Cleo, in his various incarnations, and plays the part with a subtlety and panache that can be expected from such a versatile actor. Rachel Weisz equally shines as Isobel/Izzy – the multiple incarnations of the woman who has inspired this search across all time. Darren Aronofksy lives up to his reputation as an eccentric filmmaker, and displays his usual flair with the sometimes complex interweaving plot structure. Both Weisz and Jackman agreed to work at a reduced rate on this film, and it's not hard to see why. The Fountain has both a solid intriguing plot, and deeply spiritual undertones that question everything.

A haunting, melancholy and spiritual tale of enduring love, The Fountain really does have everything. Beautifully directed and with a star studded cast, it touches on the questions of the universe, and will leave you with a bittersweet sense of your own morality, and thinking long after you have left the cinema and have made your way home.

Rachel Crofts