tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post116401292720936669..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: The FountainBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164865904909157682006-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:002006-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:00I loved it, but I also love reading about philosop...I loved it, but I also love reading about philosophy and listening to people talk about philosophy, eternity, etc.<BR/><BR/>In other words, this was like reading about philosophy, except it was visual. I enjoyed it quite a bit. And kudos to Aronofsky for not using any CG.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164580734434274572006-11-26T14:38:00.000-08:002006-11-26T14:38:00.000-08:00first, i would not recommend people to see this mo...first, i would not recommend people to see this movie. it is difficult, and only some find it rewarding.<BR/><BR/>second, for me, this movie failed on many levels. it was a bit long, some of the dialog seemed trite and forced, and i was not emotionally attached to the main characters.<BR/><BR/>third, this movie had some amazing elements. the special effects and music are superb for starters. the themes and plot are deep and meaningful -- and well resoloved. if it wasn't for the problems mentioned about it was be one the best movies.<BR/><BR/>finally SPOILERS: i think it does make sense. the doctor wants to save his wife at all costs -- even at the cost of spending her last moments with her. he eventually finds the fountain, but too late. he spends hundreds of years medatating on life, and trying to end the story his wife wrote. eventually he travels (now that in 2600 you can) to the nebula of death and rebirth, where, upon reaching that location and finally understanding the importance of death (and therefore life), he is able to let go. his ending to the story reflects that seeking eternal life is not fruitful (ha!), and dies (reborn with the star, and the tree) as he meditates on how he should have spend his last days with his wife: on walk instead of conducting research. <BR/><BR/>great stuff.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164399902576694102006-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:002006-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00I do not know if The Fountain is a great movie or ...I do not know if The Fountain is a great movie or not, but your review Ken Levine seems very similar to the initial reviews of critics for 2001: A Space Odyssey. <BR/>When 2001 first came out in theaters, several critics wrote the same things for 2001 that you have posted in your review for The Fountain. Anyone that watches science fiction films knows that 2001 is the best science fiction film of all the time, one of the best films of all time and is worthy even to to be placed as the best film of all time. I would really like to know how you feel about 2001 because if you feel the same way about 2001 that you feel for The Fountain then you are just being a very biased critic without any objectivity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164300492885531512006-11-23T08:48:00.000-08:002006-11-23T08:48:00.000-08:00As one of the two people on planet earth who liked...As one of the two people on planet earth who liked "Dune" I will definantly have to see this movie. But then, I cried like a baby for "What Dreams May Come" so it's not like I'm and intellectual heavyweight.Kerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09784642369957250699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164194015040365632006-11-22T03:13:00.000-08:002006-11-22T03:13:00.000-08:00Listen, if you're going to try and bash a guy's in...Listen, if you're going to try and bash a guy's intelligence and taste, don't pick a guy who wrote for MASH, Cheers, and Frasier. He didn't like a movie that you liked. Argue your case, like he did.<BR/><BR/>I enjoyed a lot of The Fountain, and had it completely figured out. Then it ended, and I realised that no, actually I had no idea what the hell just happened. I'm not stupid. I like "good" movies. I like them better when the filmmakers understand them, I'm kind of silly and fussy that way. Probably because I'm stupid and only like Michael Bay movies.James Moranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11949906302217025023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164160705301771062006-11-21T17:58:00.000-08:002006-11-21T17:58:00.000-08:00Where's the Altman post?Where's the Altman post?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164156655278371492006-11-21T16:50:00.000-08:002006-11-21T16:50:00.000-08:00And I thought CACHE was superb, and you didn't nee...And I thought CACHE was superb, and you didn't need to study up on the French/Algerian conflict to get it. Heard Ron Howard bought the remake rights (seriously). Don't miss it.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, liked about 20 min. of Pi and thought Requium was stylish but depressing.<BR/><BR/>Aronofsky did, however, bag Rachel Weisz, so he must know something...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164145402895708462006-11-21T13:43:00.000-08:002006-11-21T13:43:00.000-08:00"I'm guessing that WB cares a great deal whether A..."I'm guessing that WB cares a great deal whether Adam shows up."<BR/><BR/>No, they won't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164143738883030012006-11-21T13:15:00.000-08:002006-11-21T13:15:00.000-08:00Actually, at a budget ~$35M plus whatever marketin...Actually, at a budget ~$35M plus whatever marketing money is being spent, I'm guessing that WB cares a great deal whether Adam shows up. <BR/><BR/>In fact, I believe they'll be sending a car around to pick him up after work on opening day. Adam, I'd suggest not trying to run when the nice men in the unmarked white van pull up; it'll go easier that way.<BR/><BR/>Seriously, if this movie can only attract an art-house crowd, it will probably be a financial bust. If it's as good as its defenders here claim and can bridge into the mass market, that's a different story. I just don't see that as very likely. Selling things as "too smart/cool/clever for you" isn't usually an effective marketing strategy. <BR/><BR/>Quick: who plays the Mac and who plays the PC in the now defunct Apple ads? I'd wager those ads did more for John's than Justin's career.R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164141822980912162006-11-21T12:43:00.000-08:002006-11-21T12:43:00.000-08:00"I was willing to give this flick a chance, but af..."I was willing to give this flick a chance, but after Ken's warning and the "You OB-viously aren't intellectually equipped to appreciate this film" crowd, I think that says plenty. Better to stay home do something more meaningful and life-enriching, like waxing the cat."<BR/><BR/>No offense but i don't think anybody would care if you show up or not. Me, i already have my tickets to go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164134664670112702006-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:002006-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:00I worked at the NuWilshire back when "Pi" came out...I worked at the NuWilshire back when "Pi" came out. We had a staff screening the night before opening, and we all agreed that it was a pretentious (though stylish) waste of celluloid. The next evening we had a sponsored showing, and I remember the lines of hipsters who had that look that said, "I know I'm not going to understand this movie. I also know I'm not going to miss out on an opportunity to tell everyone who hasn't seen it that I have, thus making me appear deep."<BR/><BR/>I was willing to give this flick a chance, but after Ken's warning and the "You OB-viously aren't intellectually equipped to appreciate this film" crowd, I think that says plenty. Better to stay home do something more meaningful and life-enriching, like waxing the cat.Adam Rakunashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10999789700805333400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164131071337290072006-11-21T09:44:00.000-08:002006-11-21T09:44:00.000-08:00'I'll have to see the movie before I make a decisi...'I'll have to see the movie before I make a decision either way. But judging from some of the film's defenders, I'd wager that even if the Emporer isn't naked, he can't be wearing much."<BR/><BR/><BR/>Don't play victim because there are people bashing the film with out even seeing it themselves. At least those who has seen the movie could give an opinion, good or bad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164128799447459532006-11-21T09:06:00.000-08:002006-11-21T09:06:00.000-08:00The showgirls reference was stupid and it has noth...The showgirls reference was stupid and it has nothing to do with the film at all. <BR/><BR/>Yes, i saw the film and i liked it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164128186068640362006-11-21T08:56:00.000-08:002006-11-21T08:56:00.000-08:00Ken, have you seen Caché? I'm curious to read what...<I>Ken, have you seen Caché? I'm curious to read what you think of it.</I><BR/><BR/>Ken, if you like watching hours of security cam video then turd's for you. I shit you not, that's what this pretentious French "art" film literally does. <BR/><BR/>BTW, in my humble opinion, Showgirls was a PERFECT movie. Bad can be perfect too, you know. I don't remember having that much fun at movie. Saw it at a WGA screening and the audience participation section was better than being at a midnight screening of the Rocky Horror Show.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164128079257930382006-11-21T08:54:00.000-08:002006-11-21T08:54:00.000-08:00"I loved the film and anybody who thinks that its ..."I loved the film and anybody who thinks that its on the same level as showgirls really in my opinion did not see the same film."<BR/><BR/>It's valid to have an opinion <I>on</I> the film - crap, genius, waste of celluloid, masterpiece - but a little less so to have an opinion about whether Ken <I>saw</I> the film. He saw it; he hated it.<BR/><BR/>You might question his judgment and taste, but opining on whether he saw the film? Do you suspect he walked into the wrong theater? Do you think he was victim of a conspiracy by anti-Aronofsky forces? Do you think someone replaced the reels with outtakes from <I>Reefer Madness</I>?R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164125407153512922006-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:002006-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:00I loved the film and anybody who thinks that its o...I loved the film and anybody who thinks that its on the same level as showgirls really in my opinion did not see the same film.<BR/><BR/>You really should stick with Cartoons.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164124800340173572006-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:002006-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00Worse than Showgirls (my personal bar on bad movie...Worse than Showgirls (my personal bar on bad movies - well, that and Roadhouse) says it all . . . thanks for the warning, I'll go see Casino Royale again insteadDianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15552248284380193013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164121006657333702006-11-21T06:56:00.000-08:002006-11-21T06:56:00.000-08:00I know you won't let these comments get you Ken . ...I know you won't let these comments get you Ken . . . Liking and disliking is too subjective. The same comments could be elicited, with the same level of emotional commitment, discussing who does and does not like that horrible green bean casserole at Thanksgiving dinner!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164120685197455712006-11-21T06:51:00.000-08:002006-11-21T06:51:00.000-08:00It can't be THAT bad of a film,at least Adam Sandl...It can't be THAT bad of a film,<BR/>at least Adam Sandler or Julia Roberts isn't in it.Richard Marcejhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05103986097053252333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164117915929451232006-11-21T06:05:00.000-08:002006-11-21T06:05:00.000-08:00"this generation's "Last Year At Marienbad." Ok......"this generation's "Last Year At Marienbad." <BR/><BR/>Ok...? Anyway i saw the film during the summer and i enjoyed it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164117616171526702006-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:002006-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00I love it when people mistake incomprehensible for...<I>I love it when people mistake incomprehensible for smart. It's "I (heart) Huckabees" all over again.</I><BR/><BR/>Yes, but at least "Huckabees" had a little humor (not to mention Naomi Watts in a swimsuit). This sounds like pretentious claptrap, this generation's "Last Year At Marienbad."VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164117319454403472006-11-21T05:55:00.000-08:002006-11-21T05:55:00.000-08:00You mean the same anonymous posts that bash the fi...You mean the same anonymous posts that bash the film as well?<BR/><BR/>It goes both ways, anyway i can't wait for the film to come out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164116744023944812006-11-21T05:45:00.000-08:002006-11-21T05:45:00.000-08:00I love watching and reading the sociological machi...I love watching and reading the sociological machinations of the comments section play itself out...<BR/>There are a fair number of people who simply agree to disagree. But it's fascinating to watch the rest...<BR/><BR/>Granted Ken's dislike (ok, revulsion) for this movie was strong, but it's amazing how many felt the need to not only disagree, but to make a snide comment in return. And how many "anonymous" post there are with those. Sign your name. The blog police aren't coming to your door (And beside, Google/Blogspot already knows your IP address. The BlogPolice will be able to track you down...IF the want to)<BR/><BR/>Sign of the times? I guess. Just makes me curious when this trend began to become so prevalent. I don't think it started with the internet or did it? Perceived anonymity makes one bolder.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164112039253726202006-11-21T04:27:00.000-08:002006-11-21T04:27:00.000-08:00I saw it a few nights ago in Chicago and i thought...I saw it a few nights ago in Chicago and i thought it was pretty good. Its worth the wait.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1164110720440322282006-11-21T04:05:00.000-08:002006-11-21T04:05:00.000-08:00I saw the film in Toronto and it was extraordinary...I saw the film in Toronto and it was extraordinary. If you have a problem with good films that will make you think, stay home and watch Michel Bay films.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com