The Fountain- Duncan Owen

     Released in 2006, the film The Fountain depicts the differences between a husband and wife in accepting death. Tom is losing is wife Izzi, to a brain tumor and is desperate in finding a cure to prolong her time on earth. Despite Izzi accepting her diagnosis and fate, Tom, a doctor, fails to mentally accept the situation, and is always researching cures for her tumor. After an experimental surgery on a monkey goes well, Tom tries to persuade Izzi to undergo the procedure and she declines. Instead of new treatment methods, Izzi would rather enjoy the remaining time left on earth, rather than spend her final days with the hopes to prolong her life. Towards the end of her life, Izzi begins writing a story and asks Tom to finish it. Shortly after, Izzi passes and Tom is distraught. In an alternate life, Tom is searching for cures and his body is turned into dirt and plants grow through him, representing death.    

    The main theme throughout the film is the concept of death, and how two characters process its affects. Tom is in denial and is hoping to find a cure to prevent Izzi’s death, while Izzi has accepted a realist outlook on her life and would rather live in the moment and enjoy her last couple of days. My question that I would like to leave you all with is, would you rather spend your last few days after being diagnosed with a terminal illness filled with searching for a cure, or enjoying life to the fullest.


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