Archive for October 21, 2008

the fountain vs. frankenstein


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Opening scene in the film. Direct quote from the bible

“Therefore, the Lord God banished Adam and Even from the garden of Eden and place a flaming sword to protect the tree of life.”

Genesis 3:24

–Very similar to Frankenstein’s message that the tree of knowledge is forbidden and that its secrets of life are to remain mysterious. Adam and Eve in The Fountain are the characters Tom and Izzi who cannot experience a life of love due to nature’s hold over life. This is very similar to the plot of Frankenstein for Elizabeth and Victor cannot be together because Victor’s creation, the monster, kills Elizabeth and destroys any chance for Victor to live a life of love with Elizabeth.

Imagery used in this scene shows the tree of knowledge, also symbolizing the fountain of youth and the man’s lover. It’s protected in a transparent bubble. Imagery reveals that the tree of knowledge is protected and untouchable. Repetitive images of this in the movie. Also the tree is floating in space which is often referred to as the Heavens, another example of divine power; this makes the secret of knowledge seem even more unattainable.

go here for the view of the opening scene of the fountain.