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I prefer it too, but I do think the film leaves it very ambigious. And, even if future Tom is real, at least he had peace at the final moment.

I do too, which is why I actually prefer the interpretation that future Tom is part of the book and not real. If future Tom is real, then it took him 500+ years to truly understand and embrace his humanity, and he only found comfort at the very end of his life. If future Tom is not real...

On first viewing I thought future Tom was the end of the book that Tom was finishing. After a second viewing I backed away from that a bit, but I agree with Chuck that it's ultimately irrelevant to the themes of the story.

I've been watching this one in bits and pieces ever since I watched it all the way through two weeks ago. Can't seem to shake the film and there is just so much presented to digest.

Yes, part of the brilliance of the film is how it is relentless about making you focus on what you don't want to focus on, which is the same thing that Tom didn't want to focus on.

Watched this again last night. My second viewing, the wife's first. Man, liked it even better the second time. The film had a lot more emotional pull on second viewing, since I wasn't so busy trying to figure things out. Wife liked it too, said it was unlike anything she's ever seen...

Rich: The reason I love the film is because the film forces the characters (and the viewer) to face the reality that they are going to do a physical death someday. There is nothing they can do about it: they are going to die. Their best strivings cannot change that fact, and they come to...

32...yes, the mystical number. That should suffice.

Tim: I saw Bond, and Deja Vu, and The Fountain. You are weak! :) FYI--the pale man scene from Pan's Labyrinth is up on youtube as well.

In retrospect, this might have done better as an October release. But I don't care about any of that, because it is a marvelous film that I will revisit (and share) often.

Clint Mansell just picked up a GG nom for his excellent score for The Fountain

I didn't think there was any way that United 93 and Superman Returns could be topped, but The Fountain did it (rather easily too)...and on first viewing. Definitely need a second (which will unfortunately have to wait for the day I buy the DVD).

The critics are on crack (what else is new?). This film is easily my favorite of 2006, and could very well end up on my all time top 20. More after I read back through this thread.

I'd like to note my objection for the record. :) I think both are important...a film has to have a worthwhile message but convey that message in a crafty way.

Chuck: If you went to hear a presentation, and the presenter spoke in Italian, Japanese, or any other language which you did not speak, you wouldn't be a moron if you left halfway through the presentation. Now, if you knew the presentation was in a foreign language, but you went anyway, then...

Well, I'm not so sure about that. The Fountain may be an amazing film (can't wait to see it) but it's themes and messages may not be communicated in a way that everyone can understand and process. That doesn't make them morons, in my book. Just means they don't speak Aronofsky's language. :)

Michael: I haven't seen the movie yet, so I can't say whether it's pretentious, etc. But isn't it possible that you can be intelligent and not like The Fountain? Cause your post makes it sound like only a mental zombie could dislike the film.

Again, I was just comparing the reviews, not the films. And while many were disappointed with TPM/AOTC because of unmet expectations, many of the reviews praised the visuals but criticized the script...just like some reviews for The Fountain. That's my sole point.

Yeah, I meant "TPM/AOTC" vibe just in terms of visuals v. script. There is also a bit of Matrix Reloaded undercurrent in the reviews as well (i.e. plot is complex or difficult to understand).

I'm getting a definite TPM/AOTC vibe from the reviews on RT...most acknowledge that the film is visually stunning but point out problems in the script. Devin at CHUD calls it the best film of 2006 but Steve Rhodes calls it the worst...sounds like this one will be a love/hate kind of deal.

I just watched the trailer. Amazing visuals. Looks like a powerful story too. Very excited for this one.

Disappointing, since we rarely get a fall film that looks this promising. But, as Chuck said, a Casino Royale-The Fountain double feature will do nicely.

Just saw the trailer. Wow. Easily one of my most anticipated in 2006. The visuals are amazing.:emoji_thumbsup: