Hugh Jackman Saves Rachel Weisz in This Underrated Darren Aronofksy Drama

The big picture

• the source
  follows the love story of Tom and Izzi with intertwined narratives against a tragic background.
• Darren Aronofsky originally looked for Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett
  the source
• Jackman and Weisz deliver riveting performances
  the source
  creating intimate bonds with the viewers.

Darren AronofskyThe filmography of may be one of the most interesting in the history of Hollywood. His greatest film, Requiem for a dreamit works like a love letter to the anime masterpiece Perfect blue. His latest film, The Whale, is polarizing; some think he was convincing, while others think he went overboard with his portrayal of a morbidly obese teacher. It has even been linked to reboots of RoboCop i Batmanwhich sound really intriguing (at least more than the real thing RoboCop reboot that graced theater screens in 2014.) One of his best films, the sourceoffers his own unique take on a love story with Hugh Jackman i Rachel Weisz like the protagonists. But it could have been very, very different Aronofsky originally had a bigger budget and a different pair of actors in mind.

What is 'La Font' about?

the source, at first glance, it looks like a love story, albeit with a tragic twist. Dr. Tommy Creo (Jackman) is a brilliant scientist working around the clock to keep his wife Izzi (Weisz) from succumbing to a brain tumor. Despite Creo's best efforts, Izzi dies, led him to seek a cure to stop death itself. That alone would be more than enough to carry a movie, but Aronofsky went further by adding a couple of intertwining narratives. One concerns Tomás Creo, a conqueror who goes on a pilgrimage to find the legendary Fountain of Youth and win Isabel's heart. The other jumps to the 26th century, as a man named Tom travels through space while tending to a massive tree. These three stories are connected by Jackman and Weisz; the two play multiple roles, while the script slowly begins to forge connections between its characters.

Darren Aronofsky sought a different pair of actors and a bigger budget for 'The Fountain'

Aronofsky's original plan for the source would have seen a different pair of actors slip into the role of star-crossed literal lovers. He pointed brad pitt i Cate Blanchett to interpret the protagonists, even projection Requiem for a dream for Pitt to persuade him to join. Production was soon halted when Blanchett became pregnant, causing ballooning costs. It wasn't until the producer Eric Watson secured financing from Regency which the source was able to move forward. But Pitt ended up leaving the project after the first day of shooting. Aronofsky admitted that the reason for Pitt's departure fell solely on his shoulders, as he had been unable to complete the revisions to the script that Pitt had requested. “After working together for two and a half years, Brad lost trust in me and faith in the project,” Aronofsky said. With cable. “He told me he felt like he was breaking up with a girl.”

Blanchett left the production soon after, leaving Warner Bros. close the shoot and even auction props. Finally, Jackman and Weisz were hired in 2004 and filming resumed. Aronofsky chose Jackman after seeing his performance in a Broadway production The boy from Oz and felt he could rise to the challenge of playing three characters. “I was like, this guy is great. Then I met him and he was really an amazing guy and I could see that it was the right time for both of us because I needed a role that could show a lot of dimension.” ironically, Russell Crowe was Aronofsky's first choice for a replacement: Jackman had outbid Crowe and Dougray Scottfor the role of Wolverine in X Men movies

Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz Make 'The Fountain' Worth Watching

Even if Aronofsky envisioned a different vision for the sourceJackman and Weisz turned out to be the best choices for the lead roles. Both are up to the challenge of playing multiple roles, resulting in thrilling performances. Jackman carries the pain of a man who is losing the love of his life and the determination to never let it happen again; a key moment shows him crying when he sees the imprint of his missing wedding band. It's a small but harsh reminder that the love of his life won't be coming back. Weisz also runs the gamut of emotions, especially as Queen Elizabeth. When he tasks Tomas with finding the Fountain of Youth, Aronofsky's camera stays on his eyes and hands, creating an intimate bond not only between the queen and the conqueror, but also between the filmmaker and the audience. When Isabella says “Together, we will live forever,” it seems as if she is speaking directly to the viewer. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Weisz delivering those lines, but Aronofsky, who was dating her at the time, was reluctant to cast her. It took some prodding from Jackman as he felt she would be right for the role. “She is the emotional core of this film,” he said in an interview.

'The Fountain' offers stunning visuals and deep themes on a small budget

When Aronofsky resumed work the source, I had a small budget. With an initial budget of $70 million, the final film has a budget of $35 million. but it still delivers images that are a visual wonder. Part of this is due to the photography of Matthew Libatique. Whether it's the vast expanses of space or the forests of Central America, Libatique uses light and framing to create images that look like paintings. Notable moments include Tom using his mind to travel through space and time, a tree growing from a wound in Tomas' stomach, and a pen sliding across papers as Tommy writes letters to Izzi . Aronofsky and editor Jay Rabinowitz Also use some clever camera tricks to create a fluid narrative. the source often uses party cuts, creating the illusion that the story is jumping through time and space. With the multiple roles played by Jackman and Weisz, it helps sell the idea that this is a story told from three different points of view.

the source received a mixed critical reception when it was first released, but over the years it has been praised for its ambition and narrative. It deserves it, as Aronofsky handles the themes of death and love with care, while Jackman and Weisz deliver phenomenal performances. Its ending even manages to tie the three stories together, and true to form, it's an ending that defies the very concept of time. While Aronofsky might be a divisive filmmaker in Hollywood, the source it is one of the entries, if not the best, in his filmography.

the source is available to rent on Amazon in the US

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