THE FOUNTAIN
2006
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Box Office: $15,845,981
Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play three different sets of characters set in the past, the present day and the future.
Why it shouldn’t have flopped: Metaphysics is a tricky concept to explore cinematically but Aronofsky is such a singular talent that he created with The Fountain a dizzying, hypnotic movie that will undoubtedly be better reviewed as the years pass.
Why it probably flopped: The film was originally penciled for Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett and you feel like a star like Pitt may have sweetened the pill for some moviegoers. Jackman, despite the goodwill directed towards him, doesn't have the ability to really open a movie. And it is unashamedly art-house.
What should have flopped instead: X-Men: The Last Stand. If you only see one 2006 Hugh Jackman movie, don't make it this one.
