Movie Review: The Fountain

**Review contains SPOILERS**

This movie was not without its merits, mostly contained in its small observations and parallels.

I enjoyed the imagery of Izzi's hair paralleled with the hair on the tree.

• I liked the juxtaposition of a panicked and feared Tommy racing towards Dr. Lilly for a consoling hug, only to met by a congratulatory one (which was unfortunately followed by a horrible cliche--he found the cure...just a moment too late!).

• I liked Tommy's gesture of creating a band where his wedding ring was, and then Tom carving out rings on himself representing the years, just like a tree.

• I did love Tomas's fate, though the sight of foliage bursting out of him was also slightly comical.

I am unaware of any misfortune in director Darren Aronofsky's life, but this movie struck me as one that would have been made as catharsis after experiencing a tragedy.

This movie was not unfocused; rather, it was the opposite. It focused too much on mundane ideas, and the one "transcendent" one--that death brings life--was repeated enough that it became mundane. Aronofsky liked to show one particular vignette over and over: Izzi inviting Tommy out for a walk in the season's first snow. Yes, a small moment like this can show that Tommy is placing more importance on Izzi's cure than actually spending time with her, and then it's used as a moment of divergence. But when a scene is repeated, I want it to be interesting.

**END SPOILERS**

In fact, especially because the movie is set in three different time periods, I wanted the entire movie to be filled with more interesting scenes. Though Aronofsky's points get across, this movie did not take any uncoventional paths; there were few striking scenes, and most of them were at the end. No, simply making a movie non-linear does not cut it. No, visual beauty alone does not cut it.

To sum up: this movie bored me, and I only cared for the Tommy/Izzi relationship based on archetypes in my head (just as the idea of an orphan saddens me, so does the idea of a husband losing a wife), not the actual characters.

It's really quite interesting how the audience and critics have diverged on this one. Audience are scoring this movie at 7.5/10 on IMDB and 81% positive on Rotten Tomatoes; critics, however, are at 48% positive. This is one movie where I would have predicted the opposite.

Other notes: Dan liked it quite a bit. Also, it's easy to dismiss my point of view because I did not like Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream either, which comes across as heresy to his fans. I liked Pi, though, so I'm holding out hope for Flicker.

Movie Review: Casino Royale

I suppose I'm far from being the ideal reviewer of this movie--I have purposefully steered clear of Bond movies in the past, so I'm unable to compare.

The reason why I became excited about this one, though, was Daniel Craig and the reputation of the movie for being grittier. I thought Daniel Craig was perfect, but I still fail to see how this role allowed him to reveal much of his acting chops. I can see how he would be far superior to, say, Pierce Brosnan, but like I said, I haven't seen any Bond movies besides this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first chase sequence, where Bond's style and personality are contrasted with the smooth-running bombmaker. Bond, though in amazing physical shape, has to rely on his brains also to catch up to an even more amazing target. I remember discussing with Johanna how much we liked the fact that Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi really displayed their characters' different personalities in their Couching Tiger duel, and for the same reason I like Bond's fighting style here. I like the fact that Bond seems to have to work hard for what he has; heck, I know he has had to work out a ton to get a body like that.

I expected some corniness, but the overall experience was enjoyable enough to forgive those moments: a Bond girl striding into the scene on a white horse...on a beach(!!); poker hands revealed, each hand topping the previous. But counterpoint: some things I expect from a spy film, such as the vixen tendering some betrayal, was dealt with a twist here.

If they keep making Bond movies like this, they can count me in.

Ticker Tape

Dan really likes the Kai perfume on me.

His birthday present has not yet arrived. He is curious about it. Muhahaha. Also, today he discovered my super-secret journal that contained embarassingly nerdy stuff, e.g. Star Wars prequel rewrites.

And due to some funding restrictions, our wedding will be super small. I will be hand-making the centerpieces, compiling the mixed CDs, and our guests will eat on paper plates. Hmm, only half-kidding. Still, it's sure to be a blast. I will change costumes during the reception; the bear costume is especially flattering and I expect copious compliments. Exact date to be set. Sometime in Feb. 2008 (not March as originally planned). North Carolina, not L.A. Invites when locale and date set. Will be awhile. Hey, wanna send me some money? Yes, please.