Requiem for a Dream Reviews

Jared Leto stars as a junkie looking for a way onto easy street for himself, his bored upper class girlfriend Jennifer Connelly and partner in crime Marlon Wyans. It's easy to dismiss Requiem For A Dream as a simplistic "drugs are bad" fable, but if you watch it with unbiased eyes, it actually is not preachy at all. It is a beautifully shot, visually inventive and extremely well acted tale documenting the modern world's obsession with the quick fix; every character in their own way is dealing with their empty, meaningless lives by avoiding dealing with them with the use of various addicitons; whether it be heroin, chocolate or television which inevitably leads to an unending spiral of degradation. After all, if you spend all of your time avoiding your problems, when they finally catch up with you they will inevitably be infinitely worse. Making Trainspotting look like The Little Mermaid, it's a harrowing, grimly affecting yet hypnotic film that you can feel gnawing at you in the pit of your stomach. This is cinema as an artform, and the best film David Lynch never made.

With Requiem for a Dream director Darren Aronofsky proved to be one of the greatest directors of our times and also one with a unique voice. There has not been a film like this ever in the history of filmmaking. The impact which this film had to me and still has is something quite hard to describe. Here is film that succeeds in being inventive, heartbreaking, dark, authentic and even cautionary.
There has been made films earlier which deal with drug use but too often those films are far away from the reality and even romanticize drugs overall. I am not saying that Aronofsky is trying to teach a lesson here but he certainly does not romanticize the downward spirall that these people live in. Requiem for a Dream is a story about lives and hopes that get shattered. It is a story about grim reality that somethimes hits you in the face. It is not here to say us that drugs are bad, it just shows us the consequences that these people will have to pay for their decisions and just because they are reaching out for their dreams.
Hope of better tomorrow can be seen in Hubert Selby Jr's source material but this is also one of the most disturbing journeys into a hell on earth. Aronofsky has split his film into a three segments; summer, fall and winter. Each of these segments brings main characters of the story more closer to their destiny and that destiny is not a pretty sight to watch. Believe me when i say that this film will leave you wounded. It is an assault to your senses and it shows no mercy with it's approach.
It is fascinating how Aronosky uses different techniques here. He certainly does not shy away from experimenting as a filmmaker. With his cinematographer Matthew Libatique and composer Clint Mansell he has created an oddly intense piece of art that has moments of pure horror and tender moments with heartbreaking quality. This film was and still is ahead of it's time.
Screenplay by Aronofsky and Hubert Selby Jr. centers on a life of four different main characters. Two of them are young men who are also friends and two of them are women, another young woman and another caring and lonely mother. All of these people are linked together and so are their lives and in the end their fate also. The way Selby and Aronofsky paces the story is masterful piece of work. Each segment of the film has different kind of pace and little by little the film accelerates it's rhytm until in the final third it gets into the maximum speed. There has rarely been a film with a final third this hard to sit through. Aronofsky is not using any cheap shocks here he just keeps his camera pointing firmly there where it should be pointing and shows us the ugliness of it all. When the film reaches it's climax you will feel emotionally like a wreck. There are images that will follow you into your nightmares and scenes that will haunt you for weeks, maybe even for years.
None of this would be as effective as it is without the great actors which this film has. Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, Jare Leto and Marlon Wayans all give exceptional performances here. Their dedication to the material is something you won't see happening that often in films. Each and everyone of them strip them selves to the bone emotionally. It is all more disturbing to watch because of the dedication of these great actors.
Overall since this film was released back in 2000 i have found it as a one of the most effective film experiences ever made. It is also one of the greatest film experience i have had in my whole life. Not many films in my life has had the same kind of effect to me like Requiem of a Dream has. This film might be tough one to sit through but for me it is an extremely important and personal film. Requiem for a Dream is Darren Aronofsky's masterpiece and a modern classic.

From the director of [Pi].

Great Impressive Film! "Requiem for a Dream" is not a movie for everyone. It is the essence of independent film making, a daring, engrossing, artful film that stays with you long after you finish seeing it. The cinematography of Matthew Libatique gives total light on the characterizations of the people inhabiting Aronofsky's sick world, from the silently flickering sick-green fluorescent to the exaggerated wide angle shots and the beautifully sad and haunting Coney Island picturesque of the pier which suggests a certain beauty amidst all the sadness and depravity. The direction of Aronofsky, brilliant, beautiful, empathic. There are not enough words to describe his direction or this film and I think the best way to say it is that I am speechless. Aronofsky has shown me that, jaded by so many films, something can still prompt me to sit up and take notice. To see something that I have never seen before or learn something I don't already know. The ending, is sheer power. A masterpiece of all the elements of what filmmaking is about, mixed together in some sick souffle and thrown into your face, burning hot and scalding. The film leaves a deep impression, in fact, a huge scar. And it is a scar I am proud to wear.

Drugs. They consume mind, body and soul. Once you're hooked, you're hooked. Four lives. Four addicts. Four failures. Despite their aspirations of greatness, they succumb to their addictions. Watching the addicts spiral out of control, we bear witness to the dirtiest, ugliest portions of the underworld addicts reside in. It is shocking and eye-opening but demands to be seen by both addicts and non-addicts alike.

An intense, hallucinatory film about drug addiction, and solely drug addiction. The plot does not veer away from the characters, but instead focuses on the effects the drugs have on them and their lives. Although confusing and jumpy with many explanations missing, the editing, music and imagery will stay with you for many years after. Ellen Burstyn gives an astounding performance that stands out among other searing performances from Jared Leto, and Jennifer Connelly.

This movie is intense. Be prepared before watching this movie. This movie is so meticulously well put together that I have to give this movie the credit it deserves. I can't emphasize enough how well this movie was directed. Down to the pacing and the camera work, this movie is driven to shock audiences... but i ain't watching this movie again. I'm not planning to eff with the mood of my day.

One of hardest movies i have ever seen. The message is quite clear...Dont do drugs or else! Following the downfall of a mother, her son, his girlfriend, and his best friend, Requiem for a Dream has this way of emotionally scarring you. Starting with ambitious beginnings to depressing ends, this has to be one of the most talented films up to date.

After multiple viewings, this film is straight up brutal!

such a difficult film to digest. the construction of the film was nearly perfect. aronofsky made excellent choices on direction style, and the subject matter could not have been handled better. the film was built like an 80's horror flick, and our villain was drug abuse. the hard part about a film like this is that i cant walk away from it thinking "wow i cant wait to see that again". the film couldnt have been made any better but it still suffers from being what it is. overall, great film.

Darren Aronohsky crafts a solid, disturbing picture about addiction. Brilliantly shot using odd cinematography, Requiem for a Dream is a well crafted drama that is brilliantly acted and directed. Aided with a great cinematography to give the impression that you're experiencing the taste of the "high" of the characters, Arnoksky conveys a sense of helplessness both in the characters and the viewer. Requiem for a Dream is an almost perfect film. Aronofsky has crafted a solid film supported by a great cast of talented actors. Each actor is simply wonderful in the parts they play. However for me, the best performances of all were Ellen Burstyn and Jared Leto. Requiem for a Dream is a haunting, chilling film that really exposes the helplessness of addiction. That is one of the reasons why this film is so powerful. The film is complimented with a great soundtrack, which many people have heard. Requiem for a Dream has some interesting cinematography that adds emphasis on the characters addictions. This is a brilliant, well acted and directed film. Requiem for a dream is an important film that emphasizes addiction, and is a definite must see film for film buffs. The film has a unique style which adds to the grittiness of the picture, and it immerses you further in its story. Truly a unique film that is worth watching.

Requiem for a Dream is too good for words to describe, and I have never before seen such a intense drama like this, and trust me, no junkie is gonna be doing drugs after this. The story revolves around four people who become addicted to drugs and their lives slowly become worthless. The storyline was too incredible for words, this movie is the greatest anti drug film ever, and it shows people that any kind of addiction will lead to nothing but terrible things. Darren Aronofsky has become one of my favorite directors, and im at a loss which I loved more of his work, this, The Wrestler, or Black Swan, all were incredible. The cast was amazing and I think the performance I will remember the most will be Ellen Burnstyn, she was incredible. The music score in this film is some of the greatest music I have ever heard in film, its possible the best music I have ever heard in film, god I love this soundtrack. The cinematography was also a great importance, Aronofsky uses the camera to make us feel like how they feel, and it truly was some one of a kind camerawork. Requiem for a Dream is a work of sheer genius, and this film will horify your mind until the day you die, and all my life I have seen my peers get in to that stuff and I will just never understand why, and I am glad they created this ingenious movie, because it has a great lesson some people need to see, I completely and indefinently loved Requiem for a Dream.

A difficult movie for me to rate, as I often find it hard to relate to the characters in films about drugs. Same here, where we never learn why the kids are addicted and there is never even the slightest hope of them getting away from it. Things go further down the spiral with every minute and while that is impressively filmed in the style of an 80s pop video and the acting is outstanding, it left me entirely indifferent, emotionally. A bleak, depressing film that ends with all the characters curling up into embryo position when they reached the absolute low in the end. I can't say I get why that would be someone's favorite film.

Shocking and crazy to watch at certain points. But you still watch, cause it's that good.

Incredibly strange and awkward at times, it's highly original and is shot very well. I like the series of montages and time lapses. It really adds to the druggy feel of the film. Brilliant performances from all and although not something I'd necessarily like to watch again, it could be very good to use as a reference point for experimental films.

Extraordinary performances, brilliant editing, and a haunting tone make Requiem for a Dream a message more than a film. It's intensity gives the viewer rare insight down a path no one wants to travel, and one we should avoid. Aronofsky is a master at what he does, and this is what he does best: creating a film that spins the mind until it screeches to a halt, lost among a dark mood and chaotic editing and cinematography. I mean that in a good way. Aronofsky always chooses art over entertainment with his films, and he usually makes it work beautifully. This film is one of those occasions.

There aren't enough words or praises to describe this film. It's so brilliant in every way! One of the most depressing films I have every seen in my life. I did not cry, but there were multiple instances where I was close to breaking down.

The actors do a perfect job of delivering the story. Ellen Burstyn gives a monumental performance. I am unfamiliar with her other work, but this must be among her best performances. Jennifer Connelly gives the second best performance. So much emotion and tragedy in her...great performance. The rest of the cast also delivers; Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans both give fantastic performances. I really felt connected to the characters. It's not often that you can feel for them like this, but when it happens, it makes the experience so much more powerful.

The way the movie was filmed also stands out; the frequent use of closeups and also the fast, almost picture slideshow effects during the drug scenes, work nicely. The direction was wonderful. Darren Aronofsky is a great director. This was only my second film of his, and he's already leaving a huge impact on me.

The musical score by Clint Mansell was perfect. The music added a special something to every scene that lifted this film in so many ways.

Requiem for a Dream is incredible! Powerful, emotional, depressing, almost untasteful...but all the while, the incredible power that comes from this film is undeniable. A dark, beautiful masterpiece!

A frightening perspective on drugs and addiction. Some very innovative editing and an intense orchestrated soundtrack will certainly make you feel uncomfortably edgy. Great performances by the cast especially Ellen Burstyn, will make this film feel all too real. This is one horror of a ride and it accomplishes all it's shocking and disgusting goals.

Its one of those movies that sticks with you for a long time after you've seen it - the top-notch performances and the vivid directorial style are second only to the grim and utterly frightening message the movie sends. Would serve great in an anti-drug campaign.

This movie always gets high praise and the book by Selby deserves it. However the on screen portrayal of characters that I have held so close for so long, was little more than disappointing. If you have not read the book this movie will entertain, disgust and intrigue you and even if you have read the book, maybe your idea of the characters were closer to the movie than mine. Taking on the widely publicised but largely underground of both legal and illegal drug addiction, through out the spectrum of class and age, this movie, as the book is one for the times and should be watched with wide eyes and a heavy heart.

This movie is amazing. It's a very real view on drugs and what they do to you. This movie has a great story with great performances and a very intense ending.

Grade: A