Rating: 
Summary: Restored my faith in Film... Again
Review: There are only few film directors that I have faith in all the time... Amongst them are David Fincher, Steven Soderbergh, Oliver Stone, Michael Bay, P.T. Anderson, and now Darren Aronofsky. The film is superbly directed in every aspect, and, the actors don't miss a step either.I've read dozens of reviews on the film, and it exceeded my expectations. I thought "Traffic" was bad, well, this makes "Traffic" seem like an episode of Full House. When I say "Traffic" is bad, I don't mean a bad movie, I mean bad like showing what it's really like. I loved "Traffic", and it opened up my eyes to a lot, but "Requiem For a Dream" scared me beyond being scared. Although the film isn't primarily a drug film, it's still got quite a bit to do with drugs. Not a drug film means it doesn't neccessarily mean it's specifically about DRUGS(like heroin, or speed). Darren Aronofsky stated that it shows how anything can be a drug, T.V. dope, hope, or even love. Stealing a page from EW, I must say that this film DOES INDEED need to be shown in every high school to EVERY student(I'm a froshman, soon to be Sophmore), and EVERY film school class in the world. Half the time I didn't know whether to be scared from what just happened, or in awe of the cinematography. Pretty much both. The film deserves multiple viewings, just to take in the different aspects. Jared Leto superbly portrays Harry. I liked seeing him in a bigger role, since my only REAL exposure to him is "American Psycho"(Hilarious), and "Fight Club". Ellen Burstyn's performance can't be explained with words, that's how frightening she becomes. Marlon Wayans proves he CAN act outside of a comedic-environment, and I respect him much more because of it. Jennifer Connely doesn't slack any either. This DVD is a must for everyone. The menus even got me excited, and there's tons of supplementals. Among them: Making of(35 min. long), Anatomy of a Scene(6 min.), Deleted Scenes,and commentary tracks. I can't say enough that this movie was worse than I expected. It was great, but really scared me. When I read about the scene where Ellen Burstyn has hallucinations of her refrigerator attacking her, I laughed... It's no laughing matter. If your a high school teacher, and your reading this : SHOW THIS TO YOUR STUDENTS!! I DONT CARE WHAT YOU TEACH! Everyone else, just watch it at least twice; once for the story, the second for the magnificent directing. Kudos to Aronofsky.
Rating:
Summary: Complete and total shock
Review: When this movie opened in Boston last November, I dragged my best friend to see it with me. I knew I couldn't go alone. Two hours later, I knew WHY I couldn't see it alone and was racked with nightmares for weeks afterward. "Requiem For A Dream" is the second film by indie-auteur Darren Aronofsky, former Brooklyn native and Harvard dropout. Good thing he screwed up at Harvard or this film would never have been made. After reading Hubert Selby's "almost as disturbing" 1964 novel "Last Exit To Brooklyn," he discovered this book, the story of four formerly everyday innocents sucked into and trapped by a downward spiral into a place with which hell could never compete. The odd part is that he never finished it. It disturbed him too much. I can identify with that. The visuals that encompass this film are so stunning, so frightening, so spastically violent and cruel that you may find yourself hiding behind the nearest large object to avoid the wrath of what leaps out of the screen and assaults you with all its might. The Kronos Quartet, who provides the disturbingly beautiful soundtrack, plays with a continued intensity through the entire film up to including its vicious finale. In addition to the cinematography and score, though, are four actors that easily make this film one of the top ten of the last ten years. Hands down. No questions asked. Ellen Burstyn's performance in this movie was easily one of the most heart-wrenching, dynamic sucker-punches in a VERY long time. To watch this sweet old woman, Sara Goldfarb, descend into loneliness and drug addiction will easily bring you to tears, particularly at its finale. Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans cause you to do a double-take as the best friends, Harry and Tyrone, who go into business for themselves only to find themselves worse off than they ever were before (to say it mildly). They both take off into directions they have never previously achieved. And Jennifer Connelly's artistic sweetheart-turned-whore is nearly as worthy of Oscar praise as her co-star Burstyn is. I can't imagine any of them will ever have better performances in their lifetime. To say this is an excellent movie is an understatement. To say it is graphic in terms of its violence, sexuality and drug use is also an understatement. Be prepared to have the images of their hell swimming through your mind with every moment of the weeks ahead. But, whatever you do, don't be afraid of what I say as well as what the other reviewers say; you MUST see this movie. You will never forget it.
Rating:
Summary: Disturbing Dreams, Haunting Realities
Review: Don't get me wrong, I love Julia Roberts. As a longtime fan of her, I was pleased that she finally won an Oscar, for her performance in in the title role of Erin Brochovich. However, if you really want to see the Best Actress of 2000, you'll need to see Ellen Burstyn's incredible performance in Darren Aronofsky's cutting edge, brilliant film "Requiem for a Dream". Burstyn plays a mother whose heart desire is to simply get into an old red dress to appear on a television show. To help her slim down to fit into this garment, she slowly becomes addicted to a multi-colored set of pills that gradually overtake her sad, pathetic life. Burstyn portrays this woman's decent into hell with such style and horror you believe what you are seeing is true. Masterful acting from a masterful actor. Ellen's Burstyn's performance isn't the only reason to watch this movie. Aronofsky's movie is a no-holds barred look at four characters as their lives decend into the hell caused by drugs. Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, and Jennifer Connelly add tremendously to this film. But Aronofsky does something not many film maker's today do: he doesn't protect his characters. In this film, the effects of their decisions lead to horrific results, and he never moves in to protect them. It's amazing filmmaking and Aronofsky will be a director to reckon with in years to come. Don't miss out. Rent or buy this immediately.
Rating:
Summary: Unrated=NC17?
Review: I desperately need to know whether or not this is the theatrical version of the movie or if it is a step down, as one other user asked. I loved the theatrical version, and it is one of my favorite movies. I just think that the few things cut out in the rated R version add to the full feeling of the movie. Those scenes show the absolute desperation the characters end up in. If anyone knows if the unrated dvd has the theatrical version or not, please let me know. My email is: theroid[at]hotmail.com.
Rating:
Summary: Very disturbing and very powerful!
Review: This has to be one of the most disturbing films that I have ever seen. I just got the video the other day, and let me tell you, it had a strong impact on me. I wasn't really expecting that kind of a "wham-bang" ending! The performances are spectacular, and ELLEN BURSTYN DESERVED THAT OSCAR! No offense to Julia Roberts, but Ellen's performance was the most powerful for the year 2000. I agree with the rest of the reviewers: This film should be shown all around high schools everywhere. It is a graphic, disturbing account of the effects of drugs on four different people and how it sent their hopes and dreams down the toilet. The end will leave you shocked. You will not be able to get this film out of your head for a few days. Believe me.
Rating:
Summary: Misunderstanding a Classic
Review: Many people have watched this movie and come out a little non-plussed. "I know people who are on worse drugs," some have said, "and they haven't come out that bad." They have obviously missed the point of the movie. This movie was never a "drug" movie, nor was it intended to be. It was simply about the state of addiction, and drugs are an easy metaphor for whatever may addict us. In fact, pills are not the only device the movie uses to make its point. Note Sara Goldfarb, addicted to TV and food. As she turns on her TV, it is shown using the same methods Aronofsky uses for shooting up. Could he be saying that the two are one and the same? He could, and is, as he states on the DVD. That said, this is a movie about addiction and despair, and how it is easy to fall into a self-destructive trap if we don't face our lives head-on, instead of running. And it's the best, most disturbing thing I've ever seen.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Just a Movie About Drug Addicts
Review: This movie was EXTREMELY dark, gritty, scary, disgusting and yet I could not look away! This is just not some movie about drug addicts. It's about how things in our every day lives can be a drug... sex, power, food, money, social acceptance, and even television. I cannot say enough about ALL of the perfomances in the movie. ESPECIALLY ELLEN BURSTYN! She was so awesome in this movie and is probably the best thing I 've seen her in. Marlon Wayans is also a big surprise in the movie and really brought the character of Ty to life. Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly also turn in fine performances although it is hard to feel any pity for either of them. The sound, lighting, direction, and basically all of the effects in the movie are haunting. This DVD has some really nice features and is well put together. "The Requiem" scene in the movie is brutally graphic. This film is certainly not for everyone... but I enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't bring myself to press play.
Review: Why? Because I cried just watching the trailer and remembering the film. I saw this (twice) at the movies and I'm not ready to enter this world again. In the words of Hubert Selby, Jr. during the interview on this disc, "I want my Mommy." This movie will make you want your Mommy. I have to say, I didn't realize how deeply this movie had touched me, until I began thinking back on seeing it at the theater...such beautiful images. Beautiful, but dark and horrible. After seeing the Selby interview and reading some of the quotes from the novel, I may check out the book. I recommend this disc for the interview. I identified with the glimpse it showed of Selby's world view. The function of suffering is to let us know that our perceptions are skewed.
Rating: 
Summary: Magnolia By Way of Boogie Nights.
Review: This is another example of hype over actual substance.I could'nt help but thinking that i've seen this same film countless times before.This territory has been covered,more effectively,by more talented Directors.The ensemble of drug addicted character's in a perpetual freefall,struggling to find an better life,Yawn.I have to agree with another reviewer,none of the dialogue rings true,the characterizations are totally false,and everyone,save for Ellen Burstyn,is woefully miscast.And all those cheap editing tricks,that can be done on an Mac or PC,detract from the impact of the story.It was totally unnecessary.Usually a director will manipulate images,and utilize various editing techniques if he lacks confidence in his ability to tell a story.How many times do we have to see that little drug montage,and the sped up frame rate?Some people said they could'nt sleep for a time after watching this film.Honestly,i slept like a baby because i felt no sorrow for the characters,they were just a bunch of fools who got what they deserve.I know,i was supposed to feel pity for their worthless lives,i was supposed to be blown away by the PT Anderson/Scorcese images.I'm sorry,but this little endeavor was so overrated it practically brought tears to my eyes.If it was'nt for the average special effects,this could have been an ABC after school special about addiction.I guess The director is getting a pass for his other ovverated film,"PI",because i could'nt have watched the same movie everyone was praising.It's rumored that Aronofsky is going to direct the next Batman movie.I pray that it is only an rumor,because if you think the last installment was horrendous,just wait until this guy gets a hold of it.Don't Believe the Hype. ...
Rating:
Summary: A Film That Should Be Submitted In The National Registry
Review: Requiem For A Dream is nothing short of groundbreaking, provocative, disturbing, and most of all entertaining. It is easily one of the best films of 2000 and displays some of the year's best acting as well. The film, as you probably know, focuses on drug addiction. The film focuses on the lives of four people and their addictions. The film focuses on Harry Goldfarb (played by Jared Leto, in one of the best male acting performances seen in 2000) and his friend Tyrone (played surprisingly well by Marlon Wayans) as they decide to make a business of trading drugs on the streets of New York City. Harry also loves to use drugs with his girlfriend Marion (played nicely in an award-nominated performance by the beautiful Jennifer Connelly) who tends to fall out of her deep relationship with Harry several times in the movie. Now, here comes the most excellently told story out of the three parts of the film. Sara Goldfarb, Harry's mother has nothing to do with her life but watch television and eat food, which both are much-loved hobbies. She also sometimes spends time with the other ladies at the front of the building she lives in as well. You notice these hobbies as Harry continues to steal her television set for drugs several times with Sara eventually buying the set back. One day, while watching her favorite show "Juice" a show that is meant to help the lives of it's contestants, Sara gets a call that tells her she has been picked to be on the show and will get an application in the mail soon. This turns out to be a trick but Sara sadly does not believe this as she tries to fit back into her favorite red dress that she wore at Harry's graduation. When she doesn't fit into it, she goes on a diet until a friend mentions how her relative took diet pills. After much temptation, Sara decides to get a prescription and to take the pills and eventually is pressured to take more and more to lose more weight while she has yet to get a response from the network when she already mailed out her application months ago. Ellen Burstyn is everything the "Best Actress" should be: believingly heartbreaking, emotive, well-received, and well-liked. Everyone who has seen "Requiem For A Dream" knows that she was snubbed at the 2001 Academy Awards and many (including me) would love to get an address of the Academy so letters can be sent showing disappointment. Ellen Burstyn plays the role so well that she is the one character in the film you want to reach your hands out and tell her that she is beautiful, and that she needs to change for the better. However, as sympathetic you feel for the other three characters you undesrtand there actions are intentional as they know the dangerous consequences that may befall on them. "Requiem For A Dream" is a movie that can be called "A Just Say No!" film but is so much more even thought it completely teaches about the consequences of drugs. The film is so educational and well-written, directed, and acted the National Film Registry should enter this in their library so the film can get public acknowledgement for it's brilliant story-telling of the consequences of addiction. Rating: 5 Out Of 5 Stars
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