Requiem for a Dream

Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Christopher McDonald
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A widow (Ellen Burstyn), her son (Jared Leto), his girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) and his best friend (Marlon Wayans) all struggle with the destruction force of drugs.

Review:

Tim: What can you say about Requiem for a Dream? It is one of the most controversial, disturbing, unforgettable movies about drugs ever made. It was brought to the screen by Darren Aronofsky, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of the 2000s. I agree with so much of the praise, but I also think that this movie is right on the edge between being very, very good, and great. I know this will be somewhat controversial, but I don't automatically grant this film greatness. I admit I go back and forth in my mind on this one.

There is so much I love about this movie. It is gritty, disturbing, and oftentimes, very difficult to watch. It shows the downward spiral of drugs, and how they can truly ruin lives. This film is emotional, powerful, and brilliantly acted. I loved all those aspects. Sadly, there were some I did not. I think many of those come from Darren Aronofsky's relative inexperience behind the camera. This was only his second feature film, and it occasionally shows. Aronofsky wanted this film to be a visual representation of how drugs affect the mind and peoples' lives. We get so many quick-cut scenes, particularly concerning the taking of drugs. I understand Aronofsky probably intended this to show the repetitive lives of people looking for their next fix. It was also probably a decent way to get us in the minds of these drug users. I just thought those scenes were a bit overdone.

As much as I like grit and realism, I also think Aronofsky occasionally tended to go for the shocking. Some of the scenes here might not have been necessary- especially in their gruesome details. I love those when used properly, but I feel like Aronofsky used the shock gimmick a bit too much. There were some scenes that just went on far too long (the possessed refridgerator, for example) and others that felt visually unique for no purpose other than to be different (the split screen scenes, especially at the beginning). It felt like Aronofsky tended to push the boundaries visually for the sake of being different, rather than as the best way to tell this already powerful story.

I will say that the acting is top notch. Ellen Burstyn rightly received an Academy Award nominee for Best Actress. I actually believe she gave a better performance than Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich, but what are you going to do? Burstyn is so real and so emotional that it is impossible not to get sucked into her character. There were times I wanted to cry for her, and yet, there were times when I almost recoiled in disgust. Her performance is truly stunning, and the best of the entire film. There are so many moments I will never forget from this film, but most of all, I will never forget Burstyn's haunting portrayal of a widow hooked on drugs.

I thought Jared Leto was good, but might have been one of the weaker aspects of the film. I have no complaints about his performance, but I wasn't as blown away by him as I should have been. He can be a good actor, but I wanted more from him here. Jennifer Connelly is very good. She hits the right notes, and should be applauded for her bravery in taking a part other actresses turned down. This was not an easy role, and yet, she brought so much to the film with her performance. I also have to mention Marlon Wayans. I think Wayans is a very bad actor, but he was without fault here. He gave a very good performance, which is stunning in its own right.

As I've said, I go back and forth with this movie. While I love so many aspects, I also admit that this film has some flaws. I should have been so blown away by this movie that it was never a question. And yet, I've flip flopped on the end result. I suppose in the end, I will lean towards this being a great movie. I believe Burstyn makes this great, and Aronofsky delivers- but needed to tone down some of the boundary pushing. I didn't love this movie, but I can't shake it and I will never forget it. For those reasons, Requiem for a Dream manages to overcome many of its shortcomings. I can say that this is a great movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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