Once in a while, a movie comes out that doesn't follow the typical "spell it out" formula we have become so accustomed to from Hollywood movies. A movie that gives one something to think about as the movie unfolds before your eyes is a real treat.

This was one of the treats delivered in The Fountain. The eye candy was another treat that I was grateful to munch upon along with my popcorn.

The Fountain gave me plenty to bemuse as the credits rolled amidst a backdrop of stars, and as I exited the theater and discussed my version of the movie, I was pleased to discover that my wife had an equally viable version stewing within her Dura mater.

While a couple we were with felt that there was no driving plot and may have been glad to spend their money elsewhere, I was most happy to sacrifice my greenery to the vision that director Aronofsky brought to the screen.

The Fountain is what a movie is supposed to be.  It is a journey into heart and soul, a challenge to the spirit, and a puzzle for the mind to decipher. It is a visual masterpiece in cinematography and lighting, and the performance by Hugh Jackman made me wish him an Oscar nomination for the role.

The theme of the "circle of life" was dominant as Tom, the title character, has to learn what life is really all about. In the pursuit for eternal life and peace, he discovers that it comes only through death and accepting the inevitability of the cycle of birth and rebirth. Although many shades of Buddhist philosophy resonate throughout this movie, the message is clear for Christians as well. It is only through the acceptance of our purpose here on Earth, including our death and the death of others, that we can truly find a peaceful ending.

Even in one of the more shocking scenes in the movie, (SPOILER HERE) we see that as the "Conquistador" partakes of the tree of life (the same one that God set in the Garden of Eden) he dies to himself and becomes a new creature. This makes me think of the verse in 2 Corinthians 5:17 which speaks of us becoming new creatures, though I doubt that if Adam and Eve had eaten of the original tree of life they would have received the same outcome.

I was also struck by the passion and dedication that Tom has to be reunited with his love. He goes to a distant nebula, a place that symbolizes death in the movie, and then becomes a part of the universe as he sacrifices himself to be united with his love. For me, this bears a striking resemblance to the story of Christ. Jesus Christ had such a passion and a love for us that he went to death on a cross to become reunited with us for eternity, and in doing so, he has put a part of himself in each one of us that choose to accept him into their lives. In Hebrews 9:23-28 (A great set of verses to study in contrast to the movie) we see that His sacrifice was for all time, once and for all.  Could there be a more complete and beautiful love story to coincide with this excellent screenplay?

I highly recommend this movie.  If you were intrigued by Pi or horrified by Requiem for a Dream (Aronofsky's other big works), you will be delighted and stimulated by The Fountain.