On Watching Theology, Joe and Melissa take a single film and examine it closely, looking at the assumptions and ideas in the story. Every episode considers the theological, philosophical and thematic elements of a film, listening closely to what the author has to say, and interacting with those ideas. (It's more fun than it sounds).

Joe watches too many movies. He grew up in central Washington, earned his B.A. in Education and Fine Art, an M.A. in Theology and currently works in the printing industry. During school, he fit in a few film classes. He is interested in writing, theology and hopes to one day compose the ultimate Joe Versus the Volcano commentary track.

Melissa has a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English with an emphasis on Film Studies. She has taken classes on everything from silent to romance to post-colonial films and much in between. Her research and interests lie mainly in feminist film theory, women in film, Hitchcock and the studio era. At the end of the day, however, she just loves films; from Notorious to Die Hard!

Go to watchingthedirectors.com for more from Joe and Melissa.

Show DescriptionWatching Theology

The Fountain (2006)

Watching Theology May 22nd, 2007

The Fountain (2006)It's easy to talk about the meaning of life - we can test those philosophies here and now. But what about the meaning of death? How do we face death and dying, especially in the face of losing those we most care about? Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain is a movie/poem/existential mini-epic that wants to ask these questions. On this episode, we'll look closer at his questions and answers. Did the Mayans know something we don't and is there peace to be found in accepting our end?
See the Hollywood Jesus article.

Watching The Directors next edition: May 29 - Rob Reiner
Next WT edition: June 5 - Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride (1987)

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4 Responses to “The Fountain (2006)”

Craig May 22nd, 2007

Hi - Great show. I agree that the film 'The Fountain' is like a tone-poem. I'd like to add that someone in an interview (which I cannot find the link to) suggested that Darren Aronofsky's three movies - 'Pi,' 'Requiem For A Dream,' and 'The Fountain' - could make up a Mind, Body and Soul trilogy as each movie deals with one of those concepts. From what I remember Aronofsky seemed rather suprised by this, but it does work. Also, some of the main characters in each film are like seekers who are going down a dangerous path.

Daniel May 27th, 2007

I really enjoyed your discussion of the film. I also did not agree with all of Aranofsky's conclusions, but I did appreciate many aspects of the film. I think another interesting film that you guys could discuss is Magnolia. I would love to hear your ideas about this film. But, great work on your analysis of "The Fountain" and I look forward to your future broadcasts.

Mat June 6th, 2007

I enjoyed your discussion of this film and look forward to many more. I have been a big fan of "Watching the directors" and look forward to whatever comes next.

Joseph R. June 29th, 2007

I finally got to see The Fountain and listen to your podcast. At first I was reluctant to see it since I did not enjoy and found little to appreciate in Pi and Requiem for a Dream. The Fountain was a refreshing change from the director (for me, at least). Thanks for encouraging me to see an engaging and worthwhile film I otherwise would have blown off.

Keep up the good work.

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