Rating: 
Summary: Is This Film Really About Drug Addiction?
Review: Most of the reviews here have focused on this film's being about a harrowing descent of 4 different, related characters into the nightmare world of drug addiction. It can be read on that level. I believe there is also another interpretation. These characters' lives were empty, hopeless, rootless and without any dreams or goals before they took the first drug. They took the drugs to get out of that state. But because hopes, dreams and goals must come from inside oneself, not outside, the drugs don't work. Since they have nothing else in their lives though, they do nothing to break the addiction. I see this as a movie that mourns characters who have no dreams and hence the title, "Requiem For A Dream." Much has been made of Ellen Burstyn's performance in this film and it is truly formidable. I was not surprised by this, however, since I have been a fan of hers since the '70s and have watched her in knock em dead performances decade after decade. "Resurrection," one of her very best films, I've seen countless times. There is another huge talent on this film, equal to Burstyn's, and that is writer-director Darren Aronofsky. He adapted the novel for the screen along with its novelist, Hubert Selby. This is film making talent of the highest order. Aronofsky puts you into the shoes of the characters, moment by moment, and you are in hell with them instead of being just a passive, voyeuristic bystander. It is an incredible accomplishment. Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, and Jennifer Connelly are also able to display their acting chops, as the other 3 addicts, and they each have a lot more talent than I previously imagined.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping and Tragic
Review: When I heard my friends talking about this movie I knew I had to see it. Having seen the directors previous movie, Pi, I expected a great movie! Without fail I got what i payed for! An intense, gripping, tragic and insightfull movie that brings 4 people to the brink of their own mortality. Do yourself a favor and check this movie out!
Rating: 
Summary: a trip gone wrong
Review: This movie is one of the few pictures that accurately portrays drug use. Aronofsky uses a few stylistic elements, from the split screen to the quick cut, in perfect sync with the tone and matter of the movie. It has style WITH substance. A rare treat in an age of pictures aspiring to be MTV montage videos. A lot of the same effects he used in "Pi" are incorporated into this film, only this time around, he perfects his technique. The picture centers around parallel stories of a mother and son. At first, you watch these characters and wonder what's so wrong with drugs. Midway, however, you come to realize why it's best to just say no. Things go terribly wrong for these characters. Terribly, Terribly wrong. Because of this, the picture might come off as a bit too moralizing or preachy. This is not a subtle movie. Still, it avoids the pitfalls of most junkie movies like "Trainspotting" and "Drugstore Cowboy" by visceralizing every detail wrong with drug use. Great performances throughout the picture, most notably Ellen Burstyn. She demands your pity in this movie. Definitely one of the better pictures of this year.
Rating:
Summary: Eerie
Review: This is one of the most haunting films you'll ever see. Requiem is a very artsy creepy movie which follows 4 lives to utter bleak destruction. It's a very suffocating film and I wouldn't suggest it for anyone who couldn't handle Frances...or anyone who wouldn't want to see some graphically disturbing depictions of sexuality turned morbid. If you're looking for something original and different...this is right for you.
Rating:
Summary: unquestionably the best director working right now
Review: Why was 'Requiem for a Dream' the best movie of last year ? The cast is definitely one of the reasons. Marlon Wayans, while not a tear jerking dramatic performance he showcases a side not often scene in films like 'Scary Movie' which he is better known for. Jennifer Connelly and Jared Leto have incredible chemistry as the central couple who create several unforgettable moments. Sean Guilette (star of Aronofsky's 'Pi') creates an incredibly evil character in only a few minutes on the screen. Last but surely not least Ellen Burstyn's role as Sarah Goldfarb. If ANY ROLE has ever deserved an Oscar that is it. The scene when she's telling her son about her lonely life and she's in between smiles and tears is one of the most powerful moments I've ever seen on screen. The second ingredient is the script written by Aronofsky and literary great Hubert Selby JR. Narratively the film never stumbles or comes close to letting the viewer down. The third thing that makes this film rise so high above the endless sea of cinema is Aronofsky's unforgettable visual style. His patented "hip-hop montages" give the film a fast, edgy contemporary feel. Also anyone who could breath new life into split screen is a god in my books. The time lapse shots, the subtle use of cgi, the fish eye, and that indelible montage scene at the end. Aronofsky seems to have an appreciation for every aspect of film making (script, cast, score, sound, editing, mise-en-scéne, etc.) that few other directors have. It's this very reason that Requiem for a Dream is so damn good.
Rating:
Summary: Sobering Film
Review: The devastating, downward spiral of four individuals addicted to drugs is examined in lurid detail in "Requiem for a Dream," directed by Darren Aronofsky, who paints a vivid picture of the physical and psychological damage that can be incurred by unrestrained chemical abuse. And it's not a pretty picture. Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto) and Marion Silver (Jennifer Connelly) are young and in love, but they have a problem; their recreational drug use has long since passed the point of "recreation," and the sad part is, they don't seem to realize it, or if they do, they're into big time denial. Harry's friend, Tyrone (Marlon Wayans), is in the same situation, and together they spend most of their time and resources trying to score their next fix. Even the fact that Harry has to repeatedly hock his own mother's television set for drug money doesn't clue them in to how deep their addiction runs; which is a truly sad state of affairs. Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) is a widow who lives alone, and only wishes that her son, Harry, would come around to see her once in awhile, besides when he needs her beloved TV, which is her only real companion in life. Sara doesn't realize it, but there's troubled times ahead for her, too, which begin with a telephone call informing her she's been chosen to appear on a television show, which to her is like being given the Holy Grail. Immediately, she begins to prepare for the moment, but she is bothered by her weight-- her favorite dress doesn't fit anymore. She's just too fat (she feels) to go on TV. The solution she discovers, however, is easy. Prescription diet pills, provided by a doctor recommended to her by one of her friends in her apartment building. Diet pills, nothing more. It seems so harmless. Director Aronofsky doesn't pull any punches with this film, and shows-- often in graphic detail-- just what drugs can do to a person. Some of the images he presents are hard to take, and are not easily forgotten; like the effects of a needle on an arm when injected repeatedly into the same spot over a prolonged period of time, or the delusions caused by ingesting vast amounts of "speed." But the visuals he offers are not the only powerful images; the psychological implications are quite potent as well. Each character at one time or another seems to comprehend, during one of their few-and-far-between lucid moments, what's happening to them. But they either do not want to address their situation, or they can't. Either way, it's harrowing to watch, let alone contemplate. Ellen Burstyn was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her work here, and rightfully so; her performance as Sara, a woman who gets taken unawares and must do battle with an unexpected demon, is astounding. It's a challenging, decidedly unglamorous role, and Burstyn certainly gave it everything she had, and it paid off. Sara is someone with whom you can sympathize on a number of levels, while at the same time, the way she comes into her situation is so disconcerting it makes you want to keep her at arms length, because it's something you don't really want to have to think about. Out of sight, out of mind. It's an emotionally taxing part-- for Burstyn, of course-- but for the audience, as well. Jared Leto gives an extremely convincing, believable performance, also, but his character tends to evoke mixed feelings. On one hand, you feel terrible for him, but on the other, you realize that-- unlike Sara-- Harry came to where he is because of his own unsound judgment and choices, which casts a rather subjective pall over his circumstances, and therefore the way you relate to him. Still, there's no getting around the fact that it's a depressing situation (to say the least) for everyone involved. The same can be said of Connelly's character, Marion, who seems to go deeper into her situation than the others with her eyes wide open, and it's disturbing to see someone so young, vital and seemingly intelligent allowing this to happen to herself. Connelly, who admirably of late has forsaken mainstream cinema for roles of more substance in independent films (like "Pollock" and "Waking the Dead"), turns in a memorable performance here, capturing that dark side of human nature and expressing it so well in terms of her character and the path she chooses to take. And of all of the characters in the film, it is through Marion that you really get a sense of the degradation and loss of self-esteem that comes with the territory to which these people have staked a claim. And it's just almost too horrendous to consider. The supporting cast includes Christopher McDonald (Tappy Tibbons), Louise Lasser (Ada), Marcia Jean Kurtz (Rae) and Peter Maloney (Dr. Pill). A powerful anti-drug film, "Requiem for a Dream" is a stark and realistic look at a problem that affects everyone either directly or indirectly, and it's so effective because there's no attempt to candy-coat the issue. Aronofsky tells it-- and shows it-- like it is, and like "Trainspotting" and "Traffic," it gives you a real grasp of just how far into our lives the tentacles of this evil reaches, and how vulnerable we all really are to it. This film may be a sobering trip, but it's definitely one worth taking.
Rating:
Summary: An original and pragmatic look on how drugs destroy
Review: This may very likely be the most truthful film on drug addiction and its grave consequences on the body, mind and soul. Darren Aronofsky's approach to this topic is engaging and stigmatizing. Using the arena of drug addiction, the film very persuasively depicts how innocence can be corrupted and how human dignity can be poisoned when a life has fear and uncertainty with no real sense of purpose. Aronofsky's approach to this film, like a good theatrical play, leaves you with a lasting sense of urgency on today's pop culture. The performances by Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans were very good but it must be said that the foundation of this film was Ellen Burstyn's acting. Her portrayal of the mother in the film is simply mesmerizing. It's obvious that she put in much heart and soul in her acting for this film. At times I lost the sence of watching a film and felt that I was experiencing a first hand view of a woman completely falling apart from her uncontrolled use of "acid" pills. Perhaps its because we no longer experience acting of this calliper anymore, just mere shallow performances dressed up with sensational special effects. It's unfortunate that Ellen Burstyn didn't win the Oscar for Best Actress in this film. However, it's even more unfortunate for the Oscar committee for lacking the insight and wisdom in not rewarding such splendid acting.
Rating:
Summary: Left outside of reality
Review: If you haven't the slightest what to think, you are feeling the same thing that happens after you watch this movie. I still get all tweeked when I hear the music fro the movie ( which they play on the site). There will never be anythin to top this film. Both content and eye candy have my full approval. PS-I am very picky about films I see.
Rating:
Summary: ghosts of things to come...
Review: This is one of the best movies Ive ever seen. It is also one of the most depressing. At the end of this movie you are left so inconsolable. I would definatly sugggest this movie to any one who's on drugs. Darren aronofsky did a great job filming thiis one. It also has a very very good sound track.
Rating:
Summary: Stapling the Pieces of My Heart Back Together
Review: This was a movie that I have heard so much about that I thought, "oh no...overkill." I am after all, a very bitter grape with a cynical eye towards marketing. But to treat myself for my birthday, I ordered this and 4 other DVD's (you will be hearing reviews of those too...but you gotta find 'em!). And tonight, with another grape-y friend of mine, I watched it. Let me just say, there will be SPOILERS so please read at your own discretion. The first time you see those quick cuts of the syringe filling, the eyes dilating, the cotton balls, and the sighs of pleasure in the background, it's inevitable...you think "wow! COOL!" But as the movie progresses and these 4 characters become less and less human, it ain't so cool no more. You see that montage of cuts over and over again and each time you see it, it means more doom. You start thinking "oh please, Harry..please don't do that..please..." It becomes ingrained in your head that this is no longer fun..it's a habit...it's an addiction..and the fact that it is shot so magnetically, you can't turn your head away no matter how much you start hating it. Much like drug addiction itself. Ellen Burstyn, in that scene with Jared Leto in her apartment...when she talks about that red dress and Seymour and her hopes and dreams for Harry...I don't think you can get any more heartbreaking than that...her pathetic nature, her descent into madness, it's all up there and you can't stop watching. This is a woman on the cusp and you have no doubt in your mind she's going to go over...what an incredible performance in this scene... Marion's prostitution and transformation into a full-blown junkie...you love her so much, and you hate her too for doing this to herself. Her degradation at the end was so un-sexual and I have no clue as to why the MPAA made such a big deal out of it...but what it was, and this is why I think they censored it and slapped it with an NC-17...was that it was NOT senseless....this scene is in there to show her humiliation, not her pleasure. And that this will surely not be the last time she does this. And sex that isn't mindless is not palatable to us sheep. Thus, the NC-17. What a pity we are treated like morons. Marlon Wayans, what a surprise...'nuff said...and Jared Leto...the center of the film....never thought he had it in him. When he turns his head away and suggests that Marion goes on the date (trick?) with Arnold for money...my heart broke. Add this to the visual style of the movie, the music, the sound...believe me folks...screw the MPAA and what they think is ok to see and not ok to see...this is an IMPORTANT film...on a critical level, you will never see performances stronger than these in any movie released in the last 2 years. On a social level...once you see this...once you see these characters (and that ARM!) go from healthy and loving to wisps of souls, you will never ever consider doing drugs...and if you already do, you will reconsider. Unless you are Harry, Marion, Tyrone, or Sara...chracters who can never turn back. The moral? There is a point where salvation will never find you. So don't even start walking in that direction. Excuse me now, kiddies. I have to find my Swingline and scrape my heart off the floor.
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