ShareThisBy BETSY PICKLEFriday, November 24, 2006There are films that get in your face so you won't notice that they have no substance. And then there is "The Fountain," which wants to get inside your head and heart.A poetic, mystical cinema experience, "The Fountain" is a journey that requires openness and curiosity from the viewer. It takes patience and trust, but it rewards generously."The Fountain" comes from writer-director Darren Aronofsky, who visited other surreal mental landscapes in "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream." Aronofsky's new themes aren't that hard to discern, but his approach may seem even more oblique than in his previous films."The Fountain" takes place in three eras spanning 1,000 years, with Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz playing variations on the same characters in each.Jackman is a 16th century conquistador, Tomas. Weisz is his queen, Isabel of Spain, who sends him to find the Tree of Life _ aka the fountain of youth _ in the New World so that she'll have the upper hand over her enemies.In the 21st century, Tommy is a scientist desperate to find a cure for his wife, Izzi, who has cancer. And Tom is a yoga-postured 26th century astronaut who guides his bubble-like spaceship with his thoughts. Memories of his lost love keep him traveling toward a golden nebula, Xibalba.The main lesson of the film _ that death is a natural part of life and should not be feared _ comes more easily to the Izzi character than to the incarnations of Tom.His choices as scientist Tommy are especially heartbreaking; he sacrifices precious time with Izzi in order to continue research that may or may not help her. Tomas is earthy and virile, while Tom is evolved and cerebral. But each version struggles for enlightenment.Jackman is the perfect vessel to convey the characters' strengths and weaknesses; his eyes reflect depths of passion. Weisz, with her angelic face and alabaster skin, seems regal and human and is nearly effortlessly appealing.The sets and costumes are extraordinary. And the repetition of visual and verbal themes in the three storylines gives the film the feel of a vibrant opera. Elements of several religions creep into the screenplay, but the atmosphere would have to be described as New Age-y. The film's underlying theme _ love and be loved in the time that you have _ is supported with haunting beauty by Clint Mansell's score, performed by the Kronos Quartet."The Fountain" is a daring film that is not for every taste. But for those in the mood to embrace it, it's absolutely refreshing.Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of violent action, some sensuality and language.Four stars (out of five).
Searching for love in three time zones
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/24/2006 - 12:16
Paying taxes unites us. It also divides us. People can pay five and even six times more in state and local taxes than other folks in similar circumstances making similar incomes.
Who's got your number?
In one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft, crooks are stealing tax refunds by swiping personal information and using it to trick the Internal Revenue Service.
