Amazon.co.uk Review
Fantasy mixes with the harsh reality of addiction and the desire for hope in Requiem for a Dream. Beginning at the dawn of a new summer in Coney Island, the film charts the relationship of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) and her son Harry (Jared Leto)--two characters who are lost with in a world of the self-absorbed desire to feed their addictions at the cost of hope and love. With a sublime score (performed by the Kronos Quartet) accompanying some intense visual imagery, the film sets up an almost fairy-tale wash over the characters' lives, with every hit of their chosen drug turning them into beautiful people surrounded by a haze which enhances all their features. However, unlike films such as Trainspotting which turn the dream into a nightmare then end with a huge dose of hope, Requiem for a Dream forces the viewer through all loss of hope and the descending madness of reality, as winter begins.
Darren Aronofsky's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Pi is a movie which exposes not only the terror caused by addiction of any kind--be it TV or Heroin--but also offers a powerful insight into the destruction caused by the desire to achieve "the American Dream". Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr, the film sacrifices dialogue in favour of imagery and movement: the editing and cinematography are reminiscent of MTV, however the movie takes this very aggressive style and moulds it to its own needs, adding a beautifully haunting narrative and powerful performances by its four main characters (Burstyn just missing out on an Oscar for Best female lead to Julia Roberts). Ultimately the viewer is left with a sense of desperation and despair: Requiem for a Dream exposes drugs and addiction in the most powerful and truthful way a film has ever managed, leaving no stone unturned.
On the DVD: This disc is bursting with excellent special features. The anamorphic widescreen picture makes the most of the film's stylish visuals, and the soundtrack offers choice of either Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. As well as offering the obligatory theatrical trailer, scene selection and a fantastic director's commentary, there's also a "making-of" featurette, TV trailers charting the reviews and success of the film, an "Anatomy of a scene", and a wide range of deleted scenes. By far the best feature is Hubert Selby Jr's interview with Ellen Burstyn, which offers the writer a chance to put across not just his opinions on his work but also on life as a whole. All these features are placed within an impressively formatted menu. --Nikki Disney
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Boys Shouldn't Play Junkies.......2008-02-11
This is a good film which misses out on being a great one for a couple of reasons - firstly, the casting of Jared Leto as Harry. Although he turns in a competent performance, he looks far too wholesome and healthy to be a junkie (contrast to the skull-like face of Euan McGregor in Trainspotting), no matter how much you drench him in water to pretend he's going cold turkey. To be honest, much the same can be said of co-stars Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans. Secondly, the regrettable decision by both writer and director to lay on the `human misery' far too thick at the end. The film is constantly dark and often extremely poignant (witness the scene where Harry phones girlfriend Marion from jail; "Can you come home tonight?" and many of the scenes featuring Ellen Burstyn, who turns in a simply superb performance as Harry's pill-popping mother ("I like thinking about the red dress"). But a subtler and, dare I say, slightly more ambiguous ending would have been far more effective. Alright, no-one expects a film like this to end with the heroes riding off into the sunset, but as I was assailed by the merciless montage of woe at the end, I actually found myself laughing at the over-the-topedness of it all - not what director Darren Anonofsky had in mind, I'm sure. A shame - well worth watching, but not as good as it could have been.
Brilliant but never again!!.......2008-01-14
I was lent this movie by a friend who had watched it and recently bought it. As soon as I put it on I was absolutely at the mercy of this unflinching onslaught of a movie. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted. It wishes to hit home the dangers of drugs, both hard and even more socially acceptable ones. It did its job with visceral zeal and after the credits rolled, I felt completely wrung out emotionally. I think it is a fantastic film and one I never wish to see again. I don't need to, I got the message! Incidentally, my friend and I were talking about a list, published by some film institute, of great movies that you would only want to see once, and I said immediately that I bet Requiem was on it. He laughed and said it was around number 3 and actually come to mention it, he hadn't watched it once after buying it. Here endeth the lesson.
The drugs don't work..........2008-01-02
Acclaimed film director Darren Aronofskys' ('The Fountain', 'Pi') 2000 film is a dark and disturbing look at the highs and lows of drug dependancy in Brooklyn. Based upon the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. (who briefly appears in the movie), REQUIEM FOR A DREAM paints a pretty bleak picture of the tangled lives of four very individual people - each battling with their own inner demons.
The film opens with the introduction of the two main protaganists - Harry (Jared Leto) and Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). We first meet them as they pawn a TV set owned by Harry's mother in the hope of gaining quick cash in order to buy heroin. We later learn that Harry always pawns this TV set whenever he needs a quick fix - thus, stating the low depths this guy will go to feed his own drug dependancy. This initial incident in the picture sparks off the eventual downward spiral that each of the characters encounter. We quickly meet Harrys' girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) and his own mother (Ellen Burstyn). Each character is drawn up to provide the audience with an easily identifiable dependancy to relate to. For instance, Harrys' widowed mother is obsessed with geting onto a game show and this slow interest begins to consume her entire life, blissfully unaware that her son is running a drugs racket with his girlfriend and best buddy.
Aronofsky throws in every kind of MTV trick in the book to dazzle his audience, which at some times is truly stunning - but, at others comes across as awkward and beguiling. You don't really feel connected to the foursome and their exploits neither interest or depress you in the way that they should (Check out TRAINSPOTTING for a more gritty take on the highs and lows of drug dependancy). The film offers no really likeable people - each character is either mentally depressed or self-obsessed, and no real hope is offered at all (I'm not saying I want a Hollywood style Drugs movie with a 'light at the end of the tunnel' type finale, but life has equal ups and downs, and all this movie is interested in is displaying a beautiful MTV style hell with pretty young people teetering on the edge of their own destruction).
The cast are very good, with the exception of lead Jared Leto. His pretty boy looks and dull acting style deny this movie with the strong emotional arm that it needs to succeed. You want to connect to him, but feel nothing for his plight and come away feeling cold and uninterested. Marlon Wayans drops his usual comedy schtick for a well deserved acting role that allows him to develop and excel - he shines in his limited screen time. Jennifer Connelly (who I remember as a little kid seeing her in LABRYNTH and that Dario Argento flick PHENOMENA/CREEPERS) too is pretty good, and she (along with the excellent Ellen Burstyn) pull this movie along giving it a gravitas that it truly needs. Aronofskys' direction is good, with art-house touches here and there - fused with a late 90s MTV sensability that at times dazzles and others infuriates - coming across like a rabid hybrid of David lynch and MIchael Bay.
The disc is good. A directors commentary is added plus additional deleted scenes (they don't detract or add to the film). Also, a raw 'making-of' documenatary is good and adds insight into a real making of a movie, ie: it looks pretty dull. Picture quality is good, highlighting Matthew Libatiques' excellent cinematography that changes mood and colour as quick as Aronofsky cuts his movie. All-in-all, a flashy, yet art-house attempt at creating another in the long line of underground american movies that depict the dark and seedy underbelly of the US. Not particularly rewarding or enticing. See FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS instead.
A different take on the subject of addictions.......2007-12-16
I've always been a great fan of Trainspotting and have always considered it to be the best movie that has tackled this difficult subject.
Requiem for a Dream approaches the subject from a completely different angle.
Whereas Trainspotting tells the story with some humour and irreverence along side the horrors of the addict's lifestyle; Requiem for a Dream remains taught and cold from start to finish (with only a brief bit of "hope" in the middle) - in fact, the ending is incredibly depressing and sad.
Clint Mansell's Soundtrack is awesome. Lux Aeterna and the other variations in the mix really do match the spiralling problems that the cast members lives take.
This movie isn't for the fient hearted, or for those that like happy endings; but like Trainspotting, it makes for an excellent anti-drug movie that doesn't pull its punches.
Grim, but essential viewing.......2007-11-25
Four people bound by one common goal; to get that next fix.
Regardless of how their lust for drugs originated, all four of them quickly descend into manic depression, anger or crime. For one, Harry, it costs him his arm. The least dependant of the four gets what some would call `bad luck', and what starts out as a small, barely noticeable blemish on his arm quickly turns into a horrific bruised gash taking up a good percent of his lower forearm. But, showing Harry's true dependency on the drugs, he does not hold up on his pursuit of what he believes to be happiness; that next fix.
A second, Marion, is a girl born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents give her the start she needs, but she blows it all away as she reaches this year in her life. It isn't told whether Marion's addiction started with Harry as a chief cause, but it is often suggested. The girl, becoming ever more dependant on drugs as we watch the film go by, finally turns away from Harry when he can no longer supply what she wants. Eventually, she turns to more dangerous methods to get the drugs; selling her body in pursuit of what she needs; that next fix.
The third, Tyrone, Harry's best friend; clearly the most under-developed of the four major characters. Some would argue that his addiction stemmed from the need of `respect', others that he just wants to get by, but no real cause for his addiction is explored. However, just because an addiction's origins are murky, does not mean that the ending is any different. Eventually, Tyrone is stripped of what he needs, and the results are no less devastating, even if they are more subtle. Tyrone is left in jail, a quivering wreck, looking back on a simpler time when he lay in his Mother's arms. And all because he wanted to get what believed would bring him happiness; that next fix.
And this simpler life is metaphorically portrayed by a forth woman, Sara, Harry's mother. Learning that she has been chosen for a TV show, she begins to take diet pills, and soon plunges into the same result; addicted to the thing that she thought would solve her troubles. However, other addictions are at work with the forth and definitely most interesting character; the want to be liked, the simple and sometimes clichéd addiction to television, and the addiction to wanting to achieve a son's love. However, after many tumultuous months of incredible, suspenseful, intense build, Sara is left a wreck, a shell of her former self. The elderly lady is treated in hospital, by alternative methods that prove as detrimental to her emotional side as they do beneficial to her physical. Proving, that even if the woman is addicted to simpler things, or technically `softer' drugs, addiction is never a good thing. And even though Sara never truly wanted or needed the drugs, her other addictions drove her to get what she should never have needed; that next fix.
A gritty, heart-wrenching yet brutal film that will send the audience on a tumultuous ride, filled with unrelenting turns and seemingly forgotten emotions. The thoughts and feelings that you never thought you could experience in a film flood out during this one; a masterpiece that has the ability to render you disdainful yet sympathetic, as well as emotionally moved yet physically sick.
Ellen Burstyn excels, with sublime performances from Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans. Burstyn is incredible as Sara, making you identify with a character that, on paper, seems unidentifiable. Her bizarre doings and equally strange addictions are played to a tee by Burstyn, in a way that I wouldn't have thought any actress ever could. Leto, although initial scenes of the film suggest that he isn't altogether `getting' the role, he later sums up the tone of Harry's downfall excellently, leaving nothing but thoughts of his great performance in the latter half of this film in your mind. In addition, Wayans breaks out of his mould as the `dude who pulls funny faces while smoking a spliff'. He portrayes the real side of drugs excellently, and puts across the fact that nothing but harm can eventually come of it if you are too dependant on drugs. A seemingly impossible task was achieved by Wayans; breaking out of his usual typecast role and believably portraying the complete opposite, pushing all of his past performances firmly out of mind. Supporting was Jennifer Connelly, who portrayed the dark, alternative effects of drugs well. Marion's (Connelly) character's downward spiral never stopped in the film, and resulted in her selling herself in sex shows for paying customers. Although Connelly and Leto's love scenes sometimes felt cheesy, Connelly made up for it by perfectly displaying her spiral in a way that left the viewer sympathetic, even though the girl never showed any sign of wanting to escape her addictions.
Another interesting aspect of this film is its musical score. The simplistic tones of the music really give an extra feel of how easy it was for the characters to begin this downward spiral, yet the recurring, masterful main theme is a piece of orchestral brilliance, that starts off similar to the other music in its simplicity, but grows in complexity with the rest of the film and its characters.
In conclusion, a fine cast helped make the picture, as without an amazing, breath-taking performance from Ellen Burstyn this film wouldn't have been what it was. All four of the key character's pursuit of what they perceive to be `happiness' are replaced by a heart-wrenching downward spiral, sending out a clear, brutal message about the effects of drugs. In a sentence; a modern masterpiece.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Fantasy mixes with the harsh reality of addiction and the desire for hope in Requiem for a Dream. Beginning at the dawn of a new summer in Coney Island, the film charts the relationship of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) and her son Harry (Jared Leto)--two characters who are lost with in a world of the self-absorbed desire to feed their addictions at the cost of hope and love. With a sublime score (performed by the Kronos Quartet) accompanying some intense visual imagery, the film sets up an almost fairy-tale wash over the characters' lives, with every hit of their chosen drug turning them into beautiful people surrounded by a haze which enhances all their features. However, unlike films such as Trainspotting which turn the dream into a nightmare then end with a huge dose of hope, Requiem for a Dream forces the viewer through all loss of hope and the descending madness of reality, as winter begins.
Darren Aronofsky's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Pi is a movie which exposes not only the terror caused by addiction of any kind--be it TV or Heroin--but also offers a powerful insight into the destruction caused by the desire to achieve "the American Dream". Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr, the film sacrifices dialogue in favour of imagery and movement: the editing and cinematography are reminiscent of MTV, however the movie takes this very aggressive style and moulds it to its own needs, adding a beautifully haunting narrative and powerful performances by its four main characters (Burstyn just missing out on an Oscar for Best female lead to Julia Roberts). Ultimately the viewer is left with a sense of desperation and despair: Requiem for a Dream exposes drugs and addiction in the most powerful and truthful way a film has ever managed, leaving no stone unturned.
On the DVD: This disc is bursting with excellent special features. The anamorphic widescreen picture makes the most of the film's stylish visuals, and the soundtrack offers choice of either Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. As well as offering the obligatory theatrical trailer, scene selection and a fantastic director's commentary, there's also a "making-of" featurette, TV trailers charting the reviews and success of the film, an "Anatomy of a scene", and a wide range of deleted scenes. By far the best feature is Hubert Selby Jr's interview with Ellen Burstyn, which offers the writer a chance to put across not just his opinions on his work but also on life as a whole. All these features are placed within an impressively formatted menu. --Nikki Disney
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Boys Shouldn't Play Junkies.......2008-02-11
This is a good film which misses out on being a great one for a couple of reasons - firstly, the casting of Jared Leto as Harry. Although he turns in a competent performance, he looks far too wholesome and healthy to be a junkie (contrast to the skull-like face of Euan McGregor in Trainspotting), no matter how much you drench him in water to pretend he's going cold turkey. To be honest, much the same can be said of co-stars Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans. Secondly, the regrettable decision by both writer and director to lay on the `human misery' far too thick at the end. The film is constantly dark and often extremely poignant (witness the scene where Harry phones girlfriend Marion from jail; "Can you come home tonight?" and many of the scenes featuring Ellen Burstyn, who turns in a simply superb performance as Harry's pill-popping mother ("I like thinking about the red dress"). But a subtler and, dare I say, slightly more ambiguous ending would have been far more effective. Alright, no-one expects a film like this to end with the heroes riding off into the sunset, but as I was assailed by the merciless montage of woe at the end, I actually found myself laughing at the over-the-topedness of it all - not what director Darren Anonofsky had in mind, I'm sure. A shame - well worth watching, but not as good as it could have been.
Brilliant but never again!!.......2008-01-14
I was lent this movie by a friend who had watched it and recently bought it. As soon as I put it on I was absolutely at the mercy of this unflinching onslaught of a movie. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted. It wishes to hit home the dangers of drugs, both hard and even more socially acceptable ones. It did its job with visceral zeal and after the credits rolled, I felt completely wrung out emotionally. I think it is a fantastic film and one I never wish to see again. I don't need to, I got the message! Incidentally, my friend and I were talking about a list, published by some film institute, of great movies that you would only want to see once, and I said immediately that I bet Requiem was on it. He laughed and said it was around number 3 and actually come to mention it, he hadn't watched it once after buying it. Here endeth the lesson.
The drugs don't work..........2008-01-02
Acclaimed film director Darren Aronofskys' ('The Fountain', 'Pi') 2000 film is a dark and disturbing look at the highs and lows of drug dependancy in Brooklyn. Based upon the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. (who briefly appears in the movie), REQUIEM FOR A DREAM paints a pretty bleak picture of the tangled lives of four very individual people - each battling with their own inner demons.
The film opens with the introduction of the two main protaganists - Harry (Jared Leto) and Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). We first meet them as they pawn a TV set owned by Harry's mother in the hope of gaining quick cash in order to buy heroin. We later learn that Harry always pawns this TV set whenever he needs a quick fix - thus, stating the low depths this guy will go to feed his own drug dependancy. This initial incident in the picture sparks off the eventual downward spiral that each of the characters encounter. We quickly meet Harrys' girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) and his own mother (Ellen Burstyn). Each character is drawn up to provide the audience with an easily identifiable dependancy to relate to. For instance, Harrys' widowed mother is obsessed with geting onto a game show and this slow interest begins to consume her entire life, blissfully unaware that her son is running a drugs racket with his girlfriend and best buddy.
Aronofsky throws in every kind of MTV trick in the book to dazzle his audience, which at some times is truly stunning - but, at others comes across as awkward and beguiling. You don't really feel connected to the foursome and their exploits neither interest or depress you in the way that they should (Check out TRAINSPOTTING for a more gritty take on the highs and lows of drug dependancy). The film offers no really likeable people - each character is either mentally depressed or self-obsessed, and no real hope is offered at all (I'm not saying I want a Hollywood style Drugs movie with a 'light at the end of the tunnel' type finale, but life has equal ups and downs, and all this movie is interested in is displaying a beautiful MTV style hell with pretty young people teetering on the edge of their own destruction).
The cast are very good, with the exception of lead Jared Leto. His pretty boy looks and dull acting style deny this movie with the strong emotional arm that it needs to succeed. You want to connect to him, but feel nothing for his plight and come away feeling cold and uninterested. Marlon Wayans drops his usual comedy schtick for a well deserved acting role that allows him to develop and excel - he shines in his limited screen time. Jennifer Connelly (who I remember as a little kid seeing her in LABRYNTH and that Dario Argento flick PHENOMENA/CREEPERS) too is pretty good, and she (along with the excellent Ellen Burstyn) pull this movie along giving it a gravitas that it truly needs. Aronofskys' direction is good, with art-house touches here and there - fused with a late 90s MTV sensability that at times dazzles and others infuriates - coming across like a rabid hybrid of David lynch and MIchael Bay.
The disc is good. A directors commentary is added plus additional deleted scenes (they don't detract or add to the film). Also, a raw 'making-of' documenatary is good and adds insight into a real making of a movie, ie: it looks pretty dull. Picture quality is good, highlighting Matthew Libatiques' excellent cinematography that changes mood and colour as quick as Aronofsky cuts his movie. All-in-all, a flashy, yet art-house attempt at creating another in the long line of underground american movies that depict the dark and seedy underbelly of the US. Not particularly rewarding or enticing. See FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS instead.
A different take on the subject of addictions.......2007-12-16
I've always been a great fan of Trainspotting and have always considered it to be the best movie that has tackled this difficult subject.
Requiem for a Dream approaches the subject from a completely different angle.
Whereas Trainspotting tells the story with some humour and irreverence along side the horrors of the addict's lifestyle; Requiem for a Dream remains taught and cold from start to finish (with only a brief bit of "hope" in the middle) - in fact, the ending is incredibly depressing and sad.
Clint Mansell's Soundtrack is awesome. Lux Aeterna and the other variations in the mix really do match the spiralling problems that the cast members lives take.
This movie isn't for the fient hearted, or for those that like happy endings; but like Trainspotting, it makes for an excellent anti-drug movie that doesn't pull its punches.
Grim, but essential viewing.......2007-11-25
Four people bound by one common goal; to get that next fix.
Regardless of how their lust for drugs originated, all four of them quickly descend into manic depression, anger or crime. For one, Harry, it costs him his arm. The least dependant of the four gets what some would call `bad luck', and what starts out as a small, barely noticeable blemish on his arm quickly turns into a horrific bruised gash taking up a good percent of his lower forearm. But, showing Harry's true dependency on the drugs, he does not hold up on his pursuit of what he believes to be happiness; that next fix.
A second, Marion, is a girl born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents give her the start she needs, but she blows it all away as she reaches this year in her life. It isn't told whether Marion's addiction started with Harry as a chief cause, but it is often suggested. The girl, becoming ever more dependant on drugs as we watch the film go by, finally turns away from Harry when he can no longer supply what she wants. Eventually, she turns to more dangerous methods to get the drugs; selling her body in pursuit of what she needs; that next fix.
The third, Tyrone, Harry's best friend; clearly the most under-developed of the four major characters. Some would argue that his addiction stemmed from the need of `respect', others that he just wants to get by, but no real cause for his addiction is explored. However, just because an addiction's origins are murky, does not mean that the ending is any different. Eventually, Tyrone is stripped of what he needs, and the results are no less devastating, even if they are more subtle. Tyrone is left in jail, a quivering wreck, looking back on a simpler time when he lay in his Mother's arms. And all because he wanted to get what believed would bring him happiness; that next fix.
And this simpler life is metaphorically portrayed by a forth woman, Sara, Harry's mother. Learning that she has been chosen for a TV show, she begins to take diet pills, and soon plunges into the same result; addicted to the thing that she thought would solve her troubles. However, other addictions are at work with the forth and definitely most interesting character; the want to be liked, the simple and sometimes clichéd addiction to television, and the addiction to wanting to achieve a son's love. However, after many tumultuous months of incredible, suspenseful, intense build, Sara is left a wreck, a shell of her former self. The elderly lady is treated in hospital, by alternative methods that prove as detrimental to her emotional side as they do beneficial to her physical. Proving, that even if the woman is addicted to simpler things, or technically `softer' drugs, addiction is never a good thing. And even though Sara never truly wanted or needed the drugs, her other addictions drove her to get what she should never have needed; that next fix.
A gritty, heart-wrenching yet brutal film that will send the audience on a tumultuous ride, filled with unrelenting turns and seemingly forgotten emotions. The thoughts and feelings that you never thought you could experience in a film flood out during this one; a masterpiece that has the ability to render you disdainful yet sympathetic, as well as emotionally moved yet physically sick.
Ellen Burstyn excels, with sublime performances from Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans. Burstyn is incredible as Sara, making you identify with a character that, on paper, seems unidentifiable. Her bizarre doings and equally strange addictions are played to a tee by Burstyn, in a way that I wouldn't have thought any actress ever could. Leto, although initial scenes of the film suggest that he isn't altogether `getting' the role, he later sums up the tone of Harry's downfall excellently, leaving nothing but thoughts of his great performance in the latter half of this film in your mind. In addition, Wayans breaks out of his mould as the `dude who pulls funny faces while smoking a spliff'. He portrayes the real side of drugs excellently, and puts across the fact that nothing but harm can eventually come of it if you are too dependant on drugs. A seemingly impossible task was achieved by Wayans; breaking out of his usual typecast role and believably portraying the complete opposite, pushing all of his past performances firmly out of mind. Supporting was Jennifer Connelly, who portrayed the dark, alternative effects of drugs well. Marion's (Connelly) character's downward spiral never stopped in the film, and resulted in her selling herself in sex shows for paying customers. Although Connelly and Leto's love scenes sometimes felt cheesy, Connelly made up for it by perfectly displaying her spiral in a way that left the viewer sympathetic, even though the girl never showed any sign of wanting to escape her addictions.
Another interesting aspect of this film is its musical score. The simplistic tones of the music really give an extra feel of how easy it was for the characters to begin this downward spiral, yet the recurring, masterful main theme is a piece of orchestral brilliance, that starts off similar to the other music in its simplicity, but grows in complexity with the rest of the film and its characters.
In conclusion, a fine cast helped make the picture, as without an amazing, breath-taking performance from Ellen Burstyn this film wouldn't have been what it was. All four of the key character's pursuit of what they perceive to be `happiness' are replaced by a heart-wrenching downward spiral, sending out a clear, brutal message about the effects of drugs. In a sentence; a modern masterpiece.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Fantasy mixes with the harsh reality of addiction and the desire for hope in Requiem for a Dream. Beginning at the dawn of a new summer in Coney Island, the film charts the relationship of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) and her son Harry (Jared Leto)--two characters who are lost with in a world of the self-absorbed desire to feed their addictions at the cost of hope and love. With a sublime score (performed by the Kronos Quartet) accompanying some intense visual imagery, the film sets up an almost fairy-tale wash over the characters' lives, with every hit of their chosen drug turning them into beautiful people surrounded by a haze which enhances all their features. However, unlike films such as Trainspotting which turn the dream into a nightmare then end with a huge dose of hope, Requiem for a Dream forces the viewer through all loss of hope and the descending madness of reality, as winter begins.
Darren Aronofsky's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Pi is a movie which exposes not only the terror caused by addiction of any kind--be it TV or Heroin--but also offers a powerful insight into the destruction caused by the desire to achieve "the American Dream". Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr, the film sacrifices dialogue in favour of imagery and movement: the editing and cinematography are reminiscent of MTV, however the movie takes this very aggressive style and moulds it to its own needs, adding a beautifully haunting narrative and powerful performances by its four main characters (Burstyn just missing out on an Oscar for Best female lead to Julia Roberts). Ultimately the viewer is left with a sense of desperation and despair: Requiem for a Dream exposes drugs and addiction in the most powerful and truthful way a film has ever managed, leaving no stone unturned.
On the DVD: This disc is bursting with excellent special features. The anamorphic widescreen picture makes the most of the film's stylish visuals, and the soundtrack offers choice of either Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. As well as offering the obligatory theatrical trailer, scene selection and a fantastic director's commentary, there's also a "making-of" featurette, TV trailers charting the reviews and success of the film, an "Anatomy of a scene", and a wide range of deleted scenes. By far the best feature is Hubert Selby Jr's interview with Ellen Burstyn, which offers the writer a chance to put across not just his opinions on his work but also on life as a whole. All these features are placed within an impressively formatted menu. --Nikki Disney
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Boys Shouldn't Play Junkies.......2008-02-11
This is a good film which misses out on being a great one for a couple of reasons - firstly, the casting of Jared Leto as Harry. Although he turns in a competent performance, he looks far too wholesome and healthy to be a junkie (contrast to the skull-like face of Euan McGregor in Trainspotting), no matter how much you drench him in water to pretend he's going cold turkey. To be honest, much the same can be said of co-stars Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans. Secondly, the regrettable decision by both writer and director to lay on the `human misery' far too thick at the end. The film is constantly dark and often extremely poignant (witness the scene where Harry phones girlfriend Marion from jail; "Can you come home tonight?" and many of the scenes featuring Ellen Burstyn, who turns in a simply superb performance as Harry's pill-popping mother ("I like thinking about the red dress"). But a subtler and, dare I say, slightly more ambiguous ending would have been far more effective. Alright, no-one expects a film like this to end with the heroes riding off into the sunset, but as I was assailed by the merciless montage of woe at the end, I actually found myself laughing at the over-the-topedness of it all - not what director Darren Anonofsky had in mind, I'm sure. A shame - well worth watching, but not as good as it could have been.
Brilliant but never again!!.......2008-01-14
I was lent this movie by a friend who had watched it and recently bought it. As soon as I put it on I was absolutely at the mercy of this unflinching onslaught of a movie. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted. It wishes to hit home the dangers of drugs, both hard and even more socially acceptable ones. It did its job with visceral zeal and after the credits rolled, I felt completely wrung out emotionally. I think it is a fantastic film and one I never wish to see again. I don't need to, I got the message! Incidentally, my friend and I were talking about a list, published by some film institute, of great movies that you would only want to see once, and I said immediately that I bet Requiem was on it. He laughed and said it was around number 3 and actually come to mention it, he hadn't watched it once after buying it. Here endeth the lesson.
The drugs don't work..........2008-01-02
Acclaimed film director Darren Aronofskys' ('The Fountain', 'Pi') 2000 film is a dark and disturbing look at the highs and lows of drug dependancy in Brooklyn. Based upon the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. (who briefly appears in the movie), REQUIEM FOR A DREAM paints a pretty bleak picture of the tangled lives of four very individual people - each battling with their own inner demons.
The film opens with the introduction of the two main protaganists - Harry (Jared Leto) and Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). We first meet them as they pawn a TV set owned by Harry's mother in the hope of gaining quick cash in order to buy heroin. We later learn that Harry always pawns this TV set whenever he needs a quick fix - thus, stating the low depths this guy will go to feed his own drug dependancy. This initial incident in the picture sparks off the eventual downward spiral that each of the characters encounter. We quickly meet Harrys' girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) and his own mother (Ellen Burstyn). Each character is drawn up to provide the audience with an easily identifiable dependancy to relate to. For instance, Harrys' widowed mother is obsessed with geting onto a game show and this slow interest begins to consume her entire life, blissfully unaware that her son is running a drugs racket with his girlfriend and best buddy.
Aronofsky throws in every kind of MTV trick in the book to dazzle his audience, which at some times is truly stunning - but, at others comes across as awkward and beguiling. You don't really feel connected to the foursome and their exploits neither interest or depress you in the way that they should (Check out TRAINSPOTTING for a more gritty take on the highs and lows of drug dependancy). The film offers no really likeable people - each character is either mentally depressed or self-obsessed, and no real hope is offered at all (I'm not saying I want a Hollywood style Drugs movie with a 'light at the end of the tunnel' type finale, but life has equal ups and downs, and all this movie is interested in is displaying a beautiful MTV style hell with pretty young people teetering on the edge of their own destruction).
The cast are very good, with the exception of lead Jared Leto. His pretty boy looks and dull acting style deny this movie with the strong emotional arm that it needs to succeed. You want to connect to him, but feel nothing for his plight and come away feeling cold and uninterested. Marlon Wayans drops his usual comedy schtick for a well deserved acting role that allows him to develop and excel - he shines in his limited screen time. Jennifer Connelly (who I remember as a little kid seeing her in LABRYNTH and that Dario Argento flick PHENOMENA/CREEPERS) too is pretty good, and she (along with the excellent Ellen Burstyn) pull this movie along giving it a gravitas that it truly needs. Aronofskys' direction is good, with art-house touches here and there - fused with a late 90s MTV sensability that at times dazzles and others infuriates - coming across like a rabid hybrid of David lynch and MIchael Bay.
The disc is good. A directors commentary is added plus additional deleted scenes (they don't detract or add to the film). Also, a raw 'making-of' documenatary is good and adds insight into a real making of a movie, ie: it looks pretty dull. Picture quality is good, highlighting Matthew Libatiques' excellent cinematography that changes mood and colour as quick as Aronofsky cuts his movie. All-in-all, a flashy, yet art-house attempt at creating another in the long line of underground american movies that depict the dark and seedy underbelly of the US. Not particularly rewarding or enticing. See FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS instead.
A different take on the subject of addictions.......2007-12-16
I've always been a great fan of Trainspotting and have always considered it to be the best movie that has tackled this difficult subject.
Requiem for a Dream approaches the subject from a completely different angle.
Whereas Trainspotting tells the story with some humour and irreverence along side the horrors of the addict's lifestyle; Requiem for a Dream remains taught and cold from start to finish (with only a brief bit of "hope" in the middle) - in fact, the ending is incredibly depressing and sad.
Clint Mansell's Soundtrack is awesome. Lux Aeterna and the other variations in the mix really do match the spiralling problems that the cast members lives take.
This movie isn't for the fient hearted, or for those that like happy endings; but like Trainspotting, it makes for an excellent anti-drug movie that doesn't pull its punches.
Grim, but essential viewing.......2007-11-25
Four people bound by one common goal; to get that next fix.
Regardless of how their lust for drugs originated, all four of them quickly descend into manic depression, anger or crime. For one, Harry, it costs him his arm. The least dependant of the four gets what some would call `bad luck', and what starts out as a small, barely noticeable blemish on his arm quickly turns into a horrific bruised gash taking up a good percent of his lower forearm. But, showing Harry's true dependency on the drugs, he does not hold up on his pursuit of what he believes to be happiness; that next fix.
A second, Marion, is a girl born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents give her the start she needs, but she blows it all away as she reaches this year in her life. It isn't told whether Marion's addiction started with Harry as a chief cause, but it is often suggested. The girl, becoming ever more dependant on drugs as we watch the film go by, finally turns away from Harry when he can no longer supply what she wants. Eventually, she turns to more dangerous methods to get the drugs; selling her body in pursuit of what she needs; that next fix.
The third, Tyrone, Harry's best friend; clearly the most under-developed of the four major characters. Some would argue that his addiction stemmed from the need of `respect', others that he just wants to get by, but no real cause for his addiction is explored. However, just because an addiction's origins are murky, does not mean that the ending is any different. Eventually, Tyrone is stripped of what he needs, and the results are no less devastating, even if they are more subtle. Tyrone is left in jail, a quivering wreck, looking back on a simpler time when he lay in his Mother's arms. And all because he wanted to get what believed would bring him happiness; that next fix.
And this simpler life is metaphorically portrayed by a forth woman, Sara, Harry's mother. Learning that she has been chosen for a TV show, she begins to take diet pills, and soon plunges into the same result; addicted to the thing that she thought would solve her troubles. However, other addictions are at work with the forth and definitely most interesting character; the want to be liked, the simple and sometimes clichéd addiction to television, and the addiction to wanting to achieve a son's love. However, after many tumultuous months of incredible, suspenseful, intense build, Sara is left a wreck, a shell of her former self. The elderly lady is treated in hospital, by alternative methods that prove as detrimental to her emotional side as they do beneficial to her physical. Proving, that even if the woman is addicted to simpler things, or technically `softer' drugs, addiction is never a good thing. And even though Sara never truly wanted or needed the drugs, her other addictions drove her to get what she should never have needed; that next fix.
A gritty, heart-wrenching yet brutal film that will send the audience on a tumultuous ride, filled with unrelenting turns and seemingly forgotten emotions. The thoughts and feelings that you never thought you could experience in a film flood out during this one; a masterpiece that has the ability to render you disdainful yet sympathetic, as well as emotionally moved yet physically sick.
Ellen Burstyn excels, with sublime performances from Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans. Burstyn is incredible as Sara, making you identify with a character that, on paper, seems unidentifiable. Her bizarre doings and equally strange addictions are played to a tee by Burstyn, in a way that I wouldn't have thought any actress ever could. Leto, although initial scenes of the film suggest that he isn't altogether `getting' the role, he later sums up the tone of Harry's downfall excellently, leaving nothing but thoughts of his great performance in the latter half of this film in your mind. In addition, Wayans breaks out of his mould as the `dude who pulls funny faces while smoking a spliff'. He portrayes the real side of drugs excellently, and puts across the fact that nothing but harm can eventually come of it if you are too dependant on drugs. A seemingly impossible task was achieved by Wayans; breaking out of his usual typecast role and believably portraying the complete opposite, pushing all of his past performances firmly out of mind. Supporting was Jennifer Connelly, who portrayed the dark, alternative effects of drugs well. Marion's (Connelly) character's downward spiral never stopped in the film, and resulted in her selling herself in sex shows for paying customers. Although Connelly and Leto's love scenes sometimes felt cheesy, Connelly made up for it by perfectly displaying her spiral in a way that left the viewer sympathetic, even though the girl never showed any sign of wanting to escape her addictions.
Another interesting aspect of this film is its musical score. The simplistic tones of the music really give an extra feel of how easy it was for the characters to begin this downward spiral, yet the recurring, masterful main theme is a piece of orchestral brilliance, that starts off similar to the other music in its simplicity, but grows in complexity with the rest of the film and its characters.
In conclusion, a fine cast helped make the picture, as without an amazing, breath-taking performance from Ellen Burstyn this film wouldn't have been what it was. All four of the key character's pursuit of what they perceive to be `happiness' are replaced by a heart-wrenching downward spiral, sending out a clear, brutal message about the effects of drugs. In a sentence; a modern masterpiece.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Fantasy mixes with the harsh reality of addiction and the desire for hope in Requiem for a Dream. Beginning at the dawn of a new summer in Coney Island, the film charts the relationship of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) and her son Harry (Jared Leto)--two characters who are lost with in a world of the self-absorbed desire to feed their addictions at the cost of hope and love. With a sublime score (performed by the Kronos Quartet) accompanying some intense visual imagery, the film sets up an almost fairy-tale wash over the characters' lives, with every hit of their chosen drug turning them into beautiful people surrounded by a haze which enhances all their features. However, unlike films such as Trainspotting which turn the dream into a nightmare then end with a huge dose of hope, Requiem for a Dream forces the viewer through all loss of hope and the descending madness of reality, as winter begins.
Darren Aronofsky's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Pi is a movie which exposes not only the terror caused by addiction of any kind--be it TV or Heroin--but also offers a powerful insight into the destruction caused by the desire to achieve "the American Dream". Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr, the film sacrifices dialogue in favour of imagery and movement: the editing and cinematography are reminiscent of MTV, however the movie takes this very aggressive style and moulds it to its own needs, adding a beautifully haunting narrative and powerful performances by its four main characters (Burstyn just missing out on an Oscar for Best female lead to Julia Roberts). Ultimately the viewer is left with a sense of desperation and despair: Requiem for a Dream exposes drugs and addiction in the most powerful and truthful way a film has ever managed, leaving no stone unturned.
On the DVD: This disc is bursting with excellent special features. The anamorphic widescreen picture makes the most of the film's stylish visuals, and the soundtrack offers choice of either Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. As well as offering the obligatory theatrical trailer, scene selection and a fantastic director's commentary, there's also a "making-of" featurette, TV trailers charting the reviews and success of the film, an "Anatomy of a scene", and a wide range of deleted scenes. By far the best feature is Hubert Selby Jr's interview with Ellen Burstyn, which offers the writer a chance to put across not just his opinions on his work but also on life as a whole. All these features are placed within an impressively formatted menu. --Nikki Disney
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Boys Shouldn't Play Junkies.......2008-02-11
This is a good film which misses out on being a great one for a couple of reasons - firstly, the casting of Jared Leto as Harry. Although he turns in a competent performance, he looks far too wholesome and healthy to be a junkie (contrast to the skull-like face of Euan McGregor in Trainspotting), no matter how much you drench him in water to pretend he's going cold turkey. To be honest, much the same can be said of co-stars Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans. Secondly, the regrettable decision by both writer and director to lay on the `human misery' far too thick at the end. The film is constantly dark and often extremely poignant (witness the scene where Harry phones girlfriend Marion from jail; "Can you come home tonight?" and many of the scenes featuring Ellen Burstyn, who turns in a simply superb performance as Harry's pill-popping mother ("I like thinking about the red dress"). But a subtler and, dare I say, slightly more ambiguous ending would have been far more effective. Alright, no-one expects a film like this to end with the heroes riding off into the sunset, but as I was assailed by the merciless montage of woe at the end, I actually found myself laughing at the over-the-topedness of it all - not what director Darren Anonofsky had in mind, I'm sure. A shame - well worth watching, but not as good as it could have been.
Brilliant but never again!!.......2008-01-14
I was lent this movie by a friend who had watched it and recently bought it. As soon as I put it on I was absolutely at the mercy of this unflinching onslaught of a movie. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted. It wishes to hit home the dangers of drugs, both hard and even more socially acceptable ones. It did its job with visceral zeal and after the credits rolled, I felt completely wrung out emotionally. I think it is a fantastic film and one I never wish to see again. I don't need to, I got the message! Incidentally, my friend and I were talking about a list, published by some film institute, of great movies that you would only want to see once, and I said immediately that I bet Requiem was on it. He laughed and said it was around number 3 and actually come to mention it, he hadn't watched it once after buying it. Here endeth the lesson.
The drugs don't work..........2008-01-02
Acclaimed film director Darren Aronofskys' ('The Fountain', 'Pi') 2000 film is a dark and disturbing look at the highs and lows of drug dependancy in Brooklyn. Based upon the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. (who briefly appears in the movie), REQUIEM FOR A DREAM paints a pretty bleak picture of the tangled lives of four very individual people - each battling with their own inner demons.
The film opens with the introduction of the two main protaganists - Harry (Jared Leto) and Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). We first meet them as they pawn a TV set owned by Harry's mother in the hope of gaining quick cash in order to buy heroin. We later learn that Harry always pawns this TV set whenever he needs a quick fix - thus, stating the low depths this guy will go to feed his own drug dependancy. This initial incident in the picture sparks off the eventual downward spiral that each of the characters encounter. We quickly meet Harrys' girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) and his own mother (Ellen Burstyn). Each character is drawn up to provide the audience with an easily identifiable dependancy to relate to. For instance, Harrys' widowed mother is obsessed with geting onto a game show and this slow interest begins to consume her entire life, blissfully unaware that her son is running a drugs racket with his girlfriend and best buddy.
Aronofsky throws in every kind of MTV trick in the book to dazzle his audience, which at some times is truly stunning - but, at others comes across as awkward and beguiling. You don't really feel connected to the foursome and their exploits neither interest or depress you in the way that they should (Check out TRAINSPOTTING for a more gritty take on the highs and lows of drug dependancy). The film offers no really likeable people - each character is either mentally depressed or self-obsessed, and no real hope is offered at all (I'm not saying I want a Hollywood style Drugs movie with a 'light at the end of the tunnel' type finale, but life has equal ups and downs, and all this movie is interested in is displaying a beautiful MTV style hell with pretty young people teetering on the edge of their own destruction).
The cast are very good, with the exception of lead Jared Leto. His pretty boy looks and dull acting style deny this movie with the strong emotional arm that it needs to succeed. You want to connect to him, but feel nothing for his plight and come away feeling cold and uninterested. Marlon Wayans drops his usual comedy schtick for a well deserved acting role that allows him to develop and excel - he shines in his limited screen time. Jennifer Connelly (who I remember as a little kid seeing her in LABRYNTH and that Dario Argento flick PHENOMENA/CREEPERS) too is pretty good, and she (along with the excellent Ellen Burstyn) pull this movie along giving it a gravitas that it truly needs. Aronofskys' direction is good, with art-house touches here and there - fused with a late 90s MTV sensability that at times dazzles and others infuriates - coming across like a rabid hybrid of David lynch and MIchael Bay.
The disc is good. A directors commentary is added plus additional deleted scenes (they don't detract or add to the film). Also, a raw 'making-of' documenatary is good and adds insight into a real making of a movie, ie: it looks pretty dull. Picture quality is good, highlighting Matthew Libatiques' excellent cinematography that changes mood and colour as quick as Aronofsky cuts his movie. All-in-all, a flashy, yet art-house attempt at creating another in the long line of underground american movies that depict the dark and seedy underbelly of the US. Not particularly rewarding or enticing. See FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS instead.
A different take on the subject of addictions.......2007-12-16
I've always been a great fan of Trainspotting and have always considered it to be the best movie that has tackled this difficult subject.
Requiem for a Dream approaches the subject from a completely different angle.
Whereas Trainspotting tells the story with some humour and irreverence along side the horrors of the addict's lifestyle; Requiem for a Dream remains taught and cold from start to finish (with only a brief bit of "hope" in the middle) - in fact, the ending is incredibly depressing and sad.
Clint Mansell's Soundtrack is awesome. Lux Aeterna and the other variations in the mix really do match the spiralling problems that the cast members lives take.
This movie isn't for the fient hearted, or for those that like happy endings; but like Trainspotting, it makes for an excellent anti-drug movie that doesn't pull its punches.
Grim, but essential viewing.......2007-11-25
Four people bound by one common goal; to get that next fix.
Regardless of how their lust for drugs originated, all four of them quickly descend into manic depression, anger or crime. For one, Harry, it costs him his arm. The least dependant of the four gets what some would call `bad luck', and what starts out as a small, barely noticeable blemish on his arm quickly turns into a horrific bruised gash taking up a good percent of his lower forearm. But, showing Harry's true dependency on the drugs, he does not hold up on his pursuit of what he believes to be happiness; that next fix.
A second, Marion, is a girl born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents give her the start she needs, but she blows it all away as she reaches this year in her life. It isn't told whether Marion's addiction started with Harry as a chief cause, but it is often suggested. The girl, becoming ever more dependant on drugs as we watch the film go by, finally turns away from Harry when he can no longer supply what she wants. Eventually, she turns to more dangerous methods to get the drugs; selling her body in pursuit of what she needs; that next fix.
The third, Tyrone, Harry's best friend; clearly the most under-developed of the four major characters. Some would argue that his addiction stemmed from the need of `respect', others that he just wants to get by, but no real cause for his addiction is explored. However, just because an addiction's origins are murky, does not mean that the ending is any different. Eventually, Tyrone is stripped of what he needs, and the results are no less devastating, even if they are more subtle. Tyrone is left in jail, a quivering wreck, looking back on a simpler time when he lay in his Mother's arms. And all because he wanted to get what believed would bring him happiness; that next fix.
And this simpler life is metaphorically portrayed by a forth woman, Sara, Harry's mother. Learning that she has been chosen for a TV show, she begins to take diet pills, and soon plunges into the same result; addicted to the thing that she thought would solve her troubles. However, other addictions are at work with the forth and definitely most interesting character; the want to be liked, the simple and sometimes clichéd addiction to television, and the addiction to wanting to achieve a son's love. However, after many tumultuous months of incredible, suspenseful, intense build, Sara is left a wreck, a shell of her former self. The elderly lady is treated in hospital, by alternative methods that prove as detrimental to her emotional side as they do beneficial to her physical. Proving, that even if the woman is addicted to simpler things, or technically `softer' drugs, addiction is never a good thing. And even though Sara never truly wanted or needed the drugs, her other addictions drove her to get what she should never have needed; that next fix.
A gritty, heart-wrenching yet brutal film that will send the audience on a tumultuous ride, filled with unrelenting turns and seemingly forgotten emotions. The thoughts and feelings that you never thought you could experience in a film flood out during this one; a masterpiece that has the ability to render you disdainful yet sympathetic, as well as emotionally moved yet physically sick.
Ellen Burstyn excels, with sublime performances from Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans. Burstyn is incredible as Sara, making you identify with a character that, on paper, seems unidentifiable. Her bizarre doings and equally strange addictions are played to a tee by Burstyn, in a way that I wouldn't have thought any actress ever could. Leto, although initial scenes of the film suggest that he isn't altogether `getting' the role, he later sums up the tone of Harry's downfall excellently, leaving nothing but thoughts of his great performance in the latter half of this film in your mind. In addition, Wayans breaks out of his mould as the `dude who pulls funny faces while smoking a spliff'. He portrayes the real side of drugs excellently, and puts across the fact that nothing but harm can eventually come of it if you are too dependant on drugs. A seemingly impossible task was achieved by Wayans; breaking out of his usual typecast role and believably portraying the complete opposite, pushing all of his past performances firmly out of mind. Supporting was Jennifer Connelly, who portrayed the dark, alternative effects of drugs well. Marion's (Connelly) character's downward spiral never stopped in the film, and resulted in her selling herself in sex shows for paying customers. Although Connelly and Leto's love scenes sometimes felt cheesy, Connelly made up for it by perfectly displaying her spiral in a way that left the viewer sympathetic, even though the girl never showed any sign of wanting to escape her addictions.
Another interesting aspect of this film is its musical score. The simplistic tones of the music really give an extra feel of how easy it was for the characters to begin this downward spiral, yet the recurring, masterful main theme is a piece of orchestral brilliance, that starts off similar to the other music in its simplicity, but grows in complexity with the rest of the film and its characters.
In conclusion, a fine cast helped make the picture, as without an amazing, breath-taking performance from Ellen Burstyn this film wouldn't have been what it was. All four of the key character's pursuit of what they perceive to be `happiness' are replaced by a heart-wrenching downward spiral, sending out a clear, brutal message about the effects of drugs. In a sentence; a modern masterpiece.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Fantasy mixes with the harsh reality of addiction and the desire for hope in Requiem for a Dream. Beginning at the dawn of a new summer in Coney Island, the film charts the relationship of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) and her son Harry (Jared Leto)--two characters who are lost with in a world of the self-absorbed desire to feed their addictions at the cost of hope and love. With a sublime score (performed by the Kronos Quartet) accompanying some intense visual imagery, the film sets up an almost fairy-tale wash over the characters' lives, with every hit of their chosen drug turning them into beautiful people surrounded by a haze which enhances all their features. However, unlike films such as Trainspotting which turn the dream into a nightmare then end with a huge dose of hope, Requiem for a Dream forces the viewer through all loss of hope and the descending madness of reality, as winter begins.
Darren Aronofsky's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Pi is a movie which exposes not only the terror caused by addiction of any kind--be it TV or Heroin--but also offers a powerful insight into the destruction caused by the desire to achieve "the American Dream". Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr, the film sacrifices dialogue in favour of imagery and movement: the editing and cinematography are reminiscent of MTV, however the movie takes this very aggressive style and moulds it to its own needs, adding a beautifully haunting narrative and powerful performances by its four main characters (Burstyn just missing out on an Oscar for Best female lead to Julia Roberts). Ultimately the viewer is left with a sense of desperation and despair: Requiem for a Dream exposes drugs and addiction in the most powerful and truthful way a film has ever managed, leaving no stone unturned.
On the DVD: This disc is bursting with excellent special features. The anamorphic widescreen picture makes the most of the film's stylish visuals, and the soundtrack offers choice of either Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. As well as offering the obligatory theatrical trailer, scene selection and a fantastic director's commentary, there's also a "making-of" featurette, TV trailers charting the reviews and success of the film, an "Anatomy of a scene", and a wide range of deleted scenes. By far the best feature is Hubert Selby Jr's interview with Ellen Burstyn, which offers the writer a chance to put across not just his opinions on his work but also on life as a whole. All these features are placed within an impressively formatted menu. --Nikki Disney
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Boys Shouldn't Play Junkies.......2008-02-11
This is a good film which misses out on being a great one for a couple of reasons - firstly, the casting of Jared Leto as Harry. Although he turns in a competent performance, he looks far too wholesome and healthy to be a junkie (contrast to the skull-like face of Euan McGregor in Trainspotting), no matter how much you drench him in water to pretend he's going cold turkey. To be honest, much the same can be said of co-stars Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans. Secondly, the regrettable decision by both writer and director to lay on the `human misery' far too thick at the end. The film is constantly dark and often extremely poignant (witness the scene where Harry phones girlfriend Marion from jail; "Can you come home tonight?" and many of the scenes featuring Ellen Burstyn, who turns in a simply superb performance as Harry's pill-popping mother ("I like thinking about the red dress"). But a subtler and, dare I say, slightly more ambiguous ending would have been far more effective. Alright, no-one expects a film like this to end with the heroes riding off into the sunset, but as I was assailed by the merciless montage of woe at the end, I actually found myself laughing at the over-the-topedness of it all - not what director Darren Anonofsky had in mind, I'm sure. A shame - well worth watching, but not as good as it could have been.
Brilliant but never again!!.......2008-01-14
I was lent this movie by a friend who had watched it and recently bought it. As soon as I put it on I was absolutely at the mercy of this unflinching onslaught of a movie. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted. It wishes to hit home the dangers of drugs, both hard and even more socially acceptable ones. It did its job with visceral zeal and after the credits rolled, I felt completely wrung out emotionally. I think it is a fantastic film and one I never wish to see again. I don't need to, I got the message! Incidentally, my friend and I were talking about a list, published by some film institute, of great movies that you would only want to see once, and I said immediately that I bet Requiem was on it. He laughed and said it was around number 3 and actually come to mention it, he hadn't watched it once after buying it. Here endeth the lesson.
The drugs don't work..........2008-01-02
Acclaimed film director Darren Aronofskys' ('The Fountain', 'Pi') 2000 film is a dark and disturbing look at the highs and lows of drug dependancy in Brooklyn. Based upon the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. (who briefly appears in the movie), REQUIEM FOR A DREAM paints a pretty bleak picture of the tangled lives of four very individual people - each battling with their own inner demons.
The film opens with the introduction of the two main protaganists - Harry (Jared Leto) and Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). We first meet them as they pawn a TV set owned by Harry's mother in the hope of gaining quick cash in order to buy heroin. We later learn that Harry always pawns this TV set whenever he needs a quick fix - thus, stating the low depths this guy will go to feed his own drug dependancy. This initial incident in the picture sparks off the eventual downward spiral that each of the characters encounter. We quickly meet Harrys' girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) and his own mother (Ellen Burstyn). Each character is drawn up to provide the audience with an easily identifiable dependancy to relate to. For instance, Harrys' widowed mother is obsessed with geting onto a game show and this slow interest begins to consume her entire life, blissfully unaware that her son is running a drugs racket with his girlfriend and best buddy.
Aronofsky throws in every kind of MTV trick in the book to dazzle his audience, which at some times is truly stunning - but, at others comes across as awkward and beguiling. You don't really feel connected to the foursome and their exploits neither interest or depress you in the way that they should (Check out TRAINSPOTTING for a more gritty take on the highs and lows of drug dependancy). The film offers no really likeable people - each character is either mentally depressed or self-obsessed, and no real hope is offered at all (I'm not saying I want a Hollywood style Drugs movie with a 'light at the end of the tunnel' type finale, but life has equal ups and downs, and all this movie is interested in is displaying a beautiful MTV style hell with pretty young people teetering on the edge of their own destruction).
The cast are very good, with the exception of lead Jared Leto. His pretty boy looks and dull acting style deny this movie with the strong emotional arm that it needs to succeed. You want to connect to him, but feel nothing for his plight and come away feeling cold and uninterested. Marlon Wayans drops his usual comedy schtick for a well deserved acting role that allows him to develop and excel - he shines in his limited screen time. Jennifer Connelly (who I remember as a little kid seeing her in LABRYNTH and that Dario Argento flick PHENOMENA/CREEPERS) too is pretty good, and she (along with the excellent Ellen Burstyn) pull this movie along giving it a gravitas that it truly needs. Aronofskys' direction is good, with art-house touches here and there - fused with a late 90s MTV sensability that at times dazzles and others infuriates - coming across like a rabid hybrid of David lynch and MIchael Bay.
The disc is good. A directors commentary is added plus additional deleted scenes (they don't detract or add to the film). Also, a raw 'making-of' documenatary is good and adds insight into a real making of a movie, ie: it looks pretty dull. Picture quality is good, highlighting Matthew Libatiques' excellent cinematography that changes mood and colour as quick as Aronofsky cuts his movie. All-in-all, a flashy, yet art-house attempt at creating another in the long line of underground american movies that depict the dark and seedy underbelly of the US. Not particularly rewarding or enticing. See FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS instead.
A different take on the subject of addictions.......2007-12-16
I've always been a great fan of Trainspotting and have always considered it to be the best movie that has tackled this difficult subject.
Requiem for a Dream approaches the subject from a completely different angle.
Whereas Trainspotting tells the story with some humour and irreverence along side the horrors of the addict's lifestyle; Requiem for a Dream remains taught and cold from start to finish (with only a brief bit of "hope" in the middle) - in fact, the ending is incredibly depressing and sad.
Clint Mansell's Soundtrack is awesome. Lux Aeterna and the other variations in the mix really do match the spiralling problems that the cast members lives take.
This movie isn't for the fient hearted, or for those that like happy endings; but like Trainspotting, it makes for an excellent anti-drug movie that doesn't pull its punches.
Grim, but essential viewing.......2007-11-25
Four people bound by one common goal; to get that next fix.
Regardless of how their lust for drugs originated, all four of them quickly descend into manic depression, anger or crime. For one, Harry, it costs him his arm. The least dependant of the four gets what some would call `bad luck', and what starts out as a small, barely noticeable blemish on his arm quickly turns into a horrific bruised gash taking up a good percent of his lower forearm. But, showing Harry's true dependency on the drugs, he does not hold up on his pursuit of what he believes to be happiness; that next fix.
A second, Marion, is a girl born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents give her the start she needs, but she blows it all away as she reaches this year in her life. It isn't told whether Marion's addiction started with Harry as a chief cause, but it is often suggested. The girl, becoming ever more dependant on drugs as we watch the film go by, finally turns away from Harry when he can no longer supply what she wants. Eventually, she turns to more dangerous methods to get the drugs; selling her body in pursuit of what she needs; that next fix.
The third, Tyrone, Harry's best friend; clearly the most under-developed of the four major characters. Some would argue that his addiction stemmed from the need of `respect', others that he just wants to get by, but no real cause for his addiction is explored. However, just because an addiction's origins are murky, does not mean that the ending is any different. Eventually, Tyrone is stripped of what he needs, and the results are no less devastating, even if they are more subtle. Tyrone is left in jail, a quivering wreck, looking back on a simpler time when he lay in his Mother's arms. And all because he wanted to get what believed would bring him happiness; that next fix.
And this simpler life is metaphorically portrayed by a forth woman, Sara, Harry's mother. Learning that she has been chosen for a TV show, she begins to take diet pills, and soon plunges into the same result; addicted to the thing that she thought would solve her troubles. However, other addictions are at work with the forth and definitely most interesting character; the want to be liked, the simple and sometimes clichéd addiction to television, and the addiction to wanting to achieve a son's love. However, after many tumultuous months of incredible, suspenseful, intense build, Sara is left a wreck, a shell of her former self. The elderly lady is treated in hospital, by alternative methods that prove as detrimental to her emotional side as they do beneficial to her physical. Proving, that even if the woman is addicted to simpler things, or technically `softer' drugs, addiction is never a good thing. And even though Sara never truly wanted or needed the drugs, her other addictions drove her to get what she should never have needed; that next fix.
A gritty, heart-wrenching yet brutal film that will send the audience on a tumultuous ride, filled with unrelenting turns and seemingly forgotten emotions. The thoughts and feelings that you never thought you could experience in a film flood out during this one; a masterpiece that has the ability to render you disdainful yet sympathetic, as well as emotionally moved yet physically sick.
Ellen Burstyn excels, with sublime performances from Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans. Burstyn is incredible as Sara, making you identify with a character that, on paper, seems unidentifiable. Her bizarre doings and equally strange addictions are played to a tee by Burstyn, in a way that I wouldn't have thought any actress ever could. Leto, although initial scenes of the film suggest that he isn't altogether `getting' the role, he later sums up the tone of Harry's downfall excellently, leaving nothing but thoughts of his great performance in the latter half of this film in your mind. In addition, Wayans breaks out of his mould as the `dude who pulls funny faces while smoking a spliff'. He portrayes the real side of drugs excellently, and puts across the fact that nothing but harm can eventually come of it if you are too dependant on drugs. A seemingly impossible task was achieved by Wayans; breaking out of his usual typecast role and believably portraying the complete opposite, pushing all of his past performances firmly out of mind. Supporting was Jennifer Connelly, who portrayed the dark, alternative effects of drugs well. Marion's (Connelly) character's downward spiral never stopped in the film, and resulted in her selling herself in sex shows for paying customers. Although Connelly and Leto's love scenes sometimes felt cheesy, Connelly made up for it by perfectly displaying her spiral in a way that left the viewer sympathetic, even though the girl never showed any sign of wanting to escape her addictions.
Another interesting aspect of this film is its musical score. The simplistic tones of the music really give an extra feel of how easy it was for the characters to begin this downward spiral, yet the recurring, masterful main theme is a piece of orchestral brilliance, that starts off similar to the other music in its simplicity, but grows in complexity with the rest of the film and its characters.
In conclusion, a fine cast helped make the picture, as without an amazing, breath-taking performance from Ellen Burstyn this film wouldn't have been what it was. All four of the key character's pursuit of what they perceive to be `happiness' are replaced by a heart-wrenching downward spiral, sending out a clear, brutal message about the effects of drugs. In a sentence; a modern masterpiece.
UK DVD:
- Rome: The Complete HBO Season 1 (6 Disc Box Set) [2005]
- Secret Diary Of A Call Girl [2007]
- Shadowlands
- Smiley's People : Complete BBC Series [1982]
- Soldier Soldier : The Complete Series 1 - 7 (23 Disc Box Set)
- Stand By Me [1987]
- State Of Play : Complete BBC Series 1 [2003]
- Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street [2007]
- Tess Of The D'Urbervilles [1998]
- The Bridges Of Madison County [1995]
UK DVD List
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