Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly
The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep.
For some reason I believed I wasn’t going to enjoy this movie, but it was so much better than expected. The film depicts two very different kind of drug addictions, but both with the same damaging effects on the individual as they slowly but surely deteriorate.
Harry and his girlfriend Marion, and their friend Tyrone, are using hard drugs, which they start selling to make money. Harry’s mother received a call claiming she’s been selected as a contestant for a TV show. Desperately wanting to wear a dress with sentimental value, she decides to go on a diet to fit in the dress again. These ‘prescribed’ slimming drugs eventually has a devastating effect on her, both physically and mentally.
The film intercuts between the mother and the youngsters, effectively illustrating the demise of these four people. The editing is fantastic and I loved the film’s visual style. The photography is excellent in creating the illusion of being in an intoxicated state. The film also has a very good score, good make-up, a good script, and superb performances. Ellen Burstyn, especially, was fantastic as the mother, Sara Goldfarb.
I’m happy to say I’ve never done – or had the urge – to do drugs. Before you even consider taking drugs of any kind for a short-lived state of bliss, watch ‘Requiem for a Dream’. Everyone should see this ALONE at least once.
‘Requiem for a Dream’ received 106 award nominations winning 36. Ellen Burstyn received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
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