Somewhat of a cinematic poem, "The Fountain" scrapes at the scabs over those old thoughts of life and death we so easily let slip from our minds during the day to day. With a careful, artistic hand, it paints images, scenes, more meant to invoke a feeling that feels right to the theme than to make absolute sense. Now, I'm not saying the film doesn't make sense. It does, but what it does better -- is make feeling.

It's really very beautiful on many levels. First, the imagery for such an ambitious undertaking is sweetly sincere. It feels large -- as life -- and honest as well. And the acting echoes that sincerity. The cinematography is careful, looking for textures, patterns, intimately close, while hosting all of this in a candlelit atmosphere that almost falls into sepia.

The pace remains disciplined, slow, but not languishing. And it works, although, just at about 10 minutes toward climax, that slow pace starts to distract. A few edits or at least a pick up in that pace would have helped, just in that small window of film.

It's a very visual experience with a beautiful love at its center -- one that Jackman and Weisz make real, make chemically, emotionally believable, enviable. But, it's also got a secret that unfolds as a puzzle and will keep you thinking even after the film. (Best seen on the big screen.)

Warning: Stop reading here -- I may spoil. But, I simply must say this. I think the film should have ended with that gorgeous scene in which Tommy falls to the ground and flowers sprout from him. That makes the whole film work on a thematic level. IE -- you can't fight death -- and once you accept death, life will come to you, but not necessarily in the way you thought you wanted. But it will definitely come in a wonderful and joyous way. That's as much as my mind can make tight the film. As for the supernova recreating from death, that also works. And if you look at the ring as "being bound" to the cycle of life and death -- then further endings make more sense. Especially considering the name of the wife: Izzy Creo -- Iz (a hint at the word "is") and Creo (Latin, for "creation").

Lastly, watching the film for me was made even more eerie as I've just published my second novel in a series that dances along in some of these same themes -- using the tree as the returning motif as well. If you're curious see www.RossAnthony.com/books. (It's called "Something Happens" in the "Rodney Appleseed" series.)

Free Ross Anthony Signed Book Contest!