The Fountain

Requiem for a Dream director Darren Aronofsky's long in development film The Fountain is finally seeing the light of day, and this graphic novel serves as one of the many steps taken in getting it there. Tom Verde is a man of many times in this story spanning over a thousand years. Once a conquistador, to a present day doctor, to a future savior of a dying star, Tom lives and fights all in the name of love. In this case, his love is Izzi, and he stops at nothing to ensure their love lasts forever. Because the fate of the film was up in the air, Aronofsky transformed it into this graphic novel, which in turn allowed for a more dynamic and epic story, although in the end it's too ambitious for it's own good. We don't ever really connect with Tom and his journey through the ages, but you have to admire Aronofsky's heart and desire to tell this story. The best part of The Fountain is undoubtadly the painted art by Kent Williams, which may take a while to grow on you, but once it does, you'll love what you see. If you've already seen the film starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz (replacing original attached stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchet), the graphic novel serves as a "director's cut" of sorts, but serves Aronofsky's purpose much better, and it's quite fitting to be under the Vertigo label. All in all, if you want to read something different and soulful, look no further.

I have read many reviews of the movie that this graphic novel is based on. I wll admit that it takes several viewings to understand the plot. This book, which was written when production stopped on the film when the large studio pulled the plug on filming, really helped me to understand the whole concept, even though it does not exactly match the movie. ***Then there is the artwork! By far, this is the most beautiful graphic novel I have come across. Kudos to the illustrator. This is something that I enjoy reading over and over again. It touches on all human emotions without making me feel that I am being led by the nose to feel them. I believe that every reader will get something personal from the story. I can't recommend this book more highly.

Most run of the mill love stories are fruity lame half attempts at conveying a true story. The Fountain is not run of the mill and it rewards an audience with an open mind and the willingness to read or watch more than once (depending on what version of the story you are enjoying).As a fan of the film, to me buying the graphic novel was a no brainer and if anything comes through both works is that Aronofsky has great love for this story and it was a project that was just a pain to get done.In comparison to the movie, there are differences in the story and the strengths of film are explored in its theatrical version while the best things of a graphic novel are used in this incarnation.As a fan of Aronofsky, I know I'm biased but as a fan of graphic novels, I know the difference between a great one and a run of the mill one. The artwork is simply beautiful and I think the art does justice to the story and vision of Aronofsky.Now if you didn't like the movie, I'm wondering why you're even looking at this product description, much less a review from someone who is a fan. But if by any chance you got here, by all means check the previews or go to a Barnes and Noble or Borders and browse the first ten pages. If you like what you see, buy it because like some of the best graphic novels, The Fountain deserves more than one read.

[To those who are worried about getting the photo book instead of the graphic novel: no worries. As long as you order from this page--the cover being Tommy with the tree tattooed on his back--then you'll get the graphic novel!]I got the graphic novel just 2 hours ago and have already finished it. The first thing I noticed is that the book itself is quite large: roughly 9"x12". Just like in the movie, the story is epic, lush and beautifully thought out. For the most part it's similar to the script of the movie, but goes more into detail in some parts. The only thing I'm not currently in love with is the visual style, although I knew in advance what it was going to be like. I usually prefer that the artistic style be somewhat realistic, and some of the illustrations seem flat and disproportionate. They truly come to life in large full-page scenes. As said on the back cover in small type, this is definitely meant for older readers (18+ in my opinion), as it does contain nudity (all of the space-traveler scenes) and a couple of swear words. Overall, still worth the money; it's worth paging through and retells the story we all know in a new and beautiful way.

Great "adaptation" companion piece for a wonderfully visual movie, starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weitz, spanning three eras in a couples reincarnated lives and telling an epic story of love conquering fate and time. Drawn by Kent Williams, the artist on, amongst other things, a comic miniseries starring Wolverine and Havok of the Uncanny X-Men called Meltdown, set during the Australian Outback years (believed by most comic officianados as the pinnacle of the mutant story) as coincidence would have it Wolverine is another character played by Hugh Jackman.

I am taking my time going through this graphic novel. I am an aronofsky fan, and the paintings in the novel are amazing and inspiring! I wasnt impressed by the packaging. The book seemed to have been mildly used before - only indication of this was the minor scratches on the cover that can be seen when light from a reading lamp reflects off it. The edges of the book etc were all in mint condition though.

if u love the movie, this novel is a must

Not what I expected, but still a work of art. I thought this was a book (I mean, an ordinary written book with images, draws and sketches from time to time), while it's a proper comic book. I'm not a huge fan of comic books, but the draws are extraordinary and the volume itself is very fancy. I haven't read it because, as I explained, I don't like comics, but I'm happy with my purchased because this is the kind of book you can be proud you own. :)

Íntimamente relacionado con la película homónima y sus vicisitudes de producción, es especialmente interesante como complemento de ésta. En tapa blanda, papel de calidad, buena impresión y color. Sobre el trabajo artístico en sí: "es cuestión de gustos". Bastante recomendable.