December 4, 2005
Darren Aronofsky - The Fountain
After bringing the unsettling Requiem for a Dream to the big screen, how could Darren Aronofsky possibly disappoint? As you might have guessed, I’m a big fan. His storytelling and imagery brings to mind a fusion of Stanley Kubrick and David Fincher, though how I came up with that even I couldn’t say. I hope Aronofsky will make more films as he continues to develop his unique style. Anyway, on to the latest film…
The Fountain is about plenty of things like life, death and time-travel. Aronofsky.net has a quote from the man himself:
When asked about the film Darren said, “It’s a post-Matrix, metaphysical Sci-Fi movie, and it’s very different to anything you’ve seen. I call it post-Matrix because Matrix reinvented sci-fi in the same way Star Wars did, or 2001. I’m in a new environment, I’m trying to figure out what type of film would play to an audience now, and I think we came up with something really cool.”
The film has fallen on plenty of hard times. Between Brad Pitt ditching the project for Troy and plenty of difficulties actually writing the story, it’s a wonder this film is still being made. Of course, many of the changes along the road have indeed been positive. Hugh Jackman signed on for the lead role, with Rachel Weisz and Ellyn Burstyn in supporting roles. I believe Jackman will be much better for this movie because even though I looooooove Brad Pitt, I notice that his roles are VERY similar between movies (he also said he had “issues with the script” … not very reassuring for your lead actor). Besides, when you’re a young filmmaker with a bit of experience, do you really want the life or death of your first foray into multi-million dollar blockbuster filmmaking riding on the shoulders of Tyler Durden? Rachel Weisz is, of course, amazing and Ellyn Burstyn returns from her beautifully twisted performance in Requiem for a Dream. Maybe this time she’ll get an award like she deserves.
All in all, I can’t wait to see what this movie is like. It goes beyond being interested in the subject (which, from what I’ve heard so far, is fascinating) because frankly, the movie could be about a can of beans and Aronofsky would find a way to make it grow a magical beanstalk, enabling a small powerless man to confront a giant.
