“The Fountain” by Daren Aronofsky was my pick for this week.
It’s one of my favorite books, so I was thrilled to introduce it to my co-hosts. It’s got all the things I like in a graphic novel: great artwork, emotional and simple story, a little metaphysical truth, and pretty trees. I try not to be a stereotypical ”girl” in this group, but hey, I can’t help what I like… and I like floating bubbles containing tai-chi-dancing-bald-guys, and immortal love. Sue me.
So. Confessions aside, this book was written alongside (or actually instead of) a major motion picture. Daren Aronofsky is actually a film director, who has made the arty and critically acclaimed movies “∏”(Pi) and “Requiem for a Dream” (both of which I am still meaning to see…). “The Fountain” was meant to be his masterpiece, a major motion picture… but it was axed. Being resilient and persistent Aronofsky decided to make a graphic novel instead. (Something I wish more people would do.) This book is the outcome.
It tells three narratives which center around a sacred tree, and a man’s search for love and closure. It is really about his personal growth and acceptance of death, but then I’d suggest reading it for yourself and letting me know what you think.
That’s a few words about it from me. Listen to the podcast to hear the other’s opinions – and they are entitled to them, whether or not I agree… right?
’nuff said. Enjoy.
Angela Rout
Next Week Bill Willingham’s Jack of Fables Vol 1: The (Nearly) Great Escape
The idea of the two tree, knowledge and life, is quite interesting, I don’t think I’ve heard of that before. Need to read the Bible?
The modern third was like a foundation that helped everything else make sense, to provide a sort of inter-time context or something. It was the least appealing in the graphic novel though, since the imagery isn’t all that striking. I love how in the past when the conquistador finally reaches the tree of life and drinks the sap he erupts in life and becomes new vegetation, just like the First Father.
I looked up the guys that did the effects for the movie, it was done with almost no CGI and used macrophotography instead. There a beautiful video of some of that art here: http://www.chrisparksart.com/movies2/showreel_1200K.htm.