Requiem for a Dream (18)

Film

Drama

User ratings:

<strong>Rating: </strong>5/5
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Time Out says

Refused a US censor's rating, this adaptation of Hubert Selby's 1978 novel is as visually experimental and thematically uncompromising as director Aronofsky's first feature Pi. A relentless sensory assault threatens to overwhelm the viewer, but the visceral images and frantic editing capture the euphoric 'highs' and repetitive rituals of drug blighted lives, while drawing clear parallels between the characters' different forms of addiction. Aronofsky interweaves the tales of four Coney Island residents, each desperate to escape a dull existence. Burstyn gives a fearless, heartbreaking performance as Sara Goldfarb, a widow who shrugs off lethargy when promised an appearance on her favourite TV game show; but an amphetamine-based crash diet slowly disconnects her from reality. Her junkie son Harry (Leto) dreams of becoming a bigtime dealer with his friend Tyrone (Wayans). With the profits, Harry plans to open a clothes shop, based on his girlfriend Marion's designs. Burnished camerawork and ex-Pop Will Eat Itself head Mansell's part-punchy, part-elegiac score reinforce and counterpoint the increasingly nightmarish visuals.

Author: NF

5

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Release details

Rated:

18

UK release:

2000

Duration:

101 mins

Cast and crew

Screenwriter:

Hubert Selby Jr, Darren Aronofsky

Cast:

Louise Lasser, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher McDonald, Jared Leto, Hubert Selby Jr, Ellen Burstyn, Marlon Wayans

Producer:

Palmer West, Eric Watson

Cinematography:

Matthew Libatique

Director:

Darren Aronofsky

Music:

Clint Mansell

Production Designer:

James Chinlund

Editor:

Jay Rabinowitz

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Comments & ratings

Rated as: 5/5 (3 ratings)

  • Gripping and mortifying. It's a bit slow near the beginning, but delivers like a truck after drawing you in with perfect camera work and directing on Aronofsky's part.

    Ian Fri Mar 20 2009
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  • I cannot understand why this film is so well received. Other than the mother's story, the film fails to depict anything of any poignany whatsoever. All the protagonists fall victim to the worst possible effects of their addictions. What is the point here? Addiction is bad? Fine, then why not create some situations where there is some empathy? The film is unflinchingly dark and pessimistic which, to be honest, is a view that would drive most addicts headfirst into the throws of their addiction. Like 'PI' and 'The Fountain', this film is indulgent on the part of Aronofsky. What grates with me most, however, is critics' and viewers' wilingness to jump on the bandwagon. For the most part, all I can gather from reading reviews is that this film is great simply because it is relentlessly and intensely horrible.

    Tim Thu Nov 13 2008
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  • Visceral. Most terrifying movie I have ever seen

    Palmerston Sat Oct 25 2008
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • Good movie, terrible ending. so sad and depressing. made me wanna go shoot up!

    Kristin Wed Mar 19 2008
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • BEST MOVIE EVER!

    George Wed Mar 19 2008
    Rated as: 5/5
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