DVD Picks Of the Week: Pan’s Labyrinth and The Fountain
Pan’s Labyrinth and The Fountain
2006 was a banner year for science fiction and fantasy films with searing intelligence and passionate storytelling. Two of those films arrive on DVD this week:
Guillermo del Toro is arguably the most daring of the new guard of Mexican filmmakers to emerge in recent years. His Pan’s Labyrinth is a splendid morality tale about the choices that make us who we are. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish civil war, the story follows young Ophelia’s test of mettle in the face of evil both fantastical and all too frighteningly real. Sergi Lopez, as the girl’s facist general stepfather, is one of the great villains of recent years; little Ivana Baquero gives a startlingly mature performance as Ophelia. While the creatures that guide the girl on her way (the brilliantly lithe Doug Jones plays both the mentoring faun and the nightmarish Pale Man) are dazzling to behold, the tale at hand is simple and timeless, and the ending, heartbreaking yet full of hope. The film, which won three Oscars, arrives in a dandy two-disc special edition with director commentary and numerous special features.
Much like Pan’s Labyrinth, the message of Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain is quite simple–in the face of life’s inevitabilities, accept your place in the universe and spend every precious minute with those you love. However, the manner in which the maverick director of Pi and Requiem For A Dream tells his tale is elliptical, abstract and at times so loaded with stunning visuals that one might thinks it’s more complex than it actually is. It’s simplicity is still no excuse for the lack of accolades or the outright bile it received in some circles; it may not appeal to all tastes, but it’s most certainly a delicacy. While leading lady Rachel Weisz is both iron-willed and wonderfully fragile, Hugh Jackman delivers his best performance to date, demonstrating a range and vulnerability that – screw the awards - ought to have every script in Hollywood chucked his way, if there’s any justice. The Fountain DVD includes a fun six-part behind the scenes featurette, though not much else and it’s disappointingly lacking Aronofsky commentary.
Other recommended titles for May 1st: Rockford Files: Season 4; Wings: Season 4
—Nicole Campos
