Requiem for a Dream links the lives of 4 people: lonely widow Sara, her son Harry, his girlfriend Marion, and his best friend Tyrone. The film tells the story of these 4 lives as they each pursue their own vision of Happiness. As each of their lives fall apart, they still refuse to let go until each individual goes into a deep, downward spiral to hell.
This was a movie that I first heard about reading a newspaper and seeing it as one of the top 10 rentals of the week. So, one night, sitting bored, I decided to rent it expecting some sort of tale about gangs and drug lords where everyone ends up in a bloody shoot out. I was wrong. I was dead wrong. What I saw was so dark, so disturbing that it brought me through that downward spiral with each character.
Jared Leto gives an incredibly convincing performance as Harry. He's been in quite a few movies, but this will definately be the role he is remembered for the most. Jennifer Connelly plays Harrys girlfriend, Marion, but she also plays the character which probably put the most shivers down my spine. Her character's lust for drugs is so well brought out in this film that it's hard not to feel sorry for her. Marlon Wayans plays Tyrone, but this time Wayans has avoided his usual comedic (or attempt at comedic) roles and has taken on a serious one, and I must say that before this, I had no idea he was such a marvelous actor, and it makes you wish he switched from Comedy to Drama. But, the role which stands out the most in this film is the one of Sara, played by Ellen Burstyn. I felt such sympathy for her character that for the first time in a movie I was nearly going to cry. She plays such a frail and innocent character that gets pulled into such a dark, deep, and vast hole, all for her love of television. Although she was nominated, I am quite surprised she did not win an Oscar for her performance. It was one of those performances that stands out with all the other great performances in the history of film.
The Director, Darren Arronofsky gives this movie such a unique style of shooting with cut-away shots of the process of drug taking and the sudden affect of a high that it's hard not to get blown away with everything that is happening. This style is highly effective in giving the movie that feel where the viewer finds it hard to get comfortable, just like the characters themselves. The technique especially stands out during the final 30 minutes.
The film drags you into the darkest corner of the minds of each individual and doesn't let go until you scream of pain. Though the experience is a mindblowing and disturbing one, you still have trouble turning away because you are just so intrigued by the characters and where they will lead you to next.
The longer the film goes, the darker and more depressing it gets until it becomes a no-holds-barred film of utter madness and brilliance. This film gets my highest recomendation to all those looking for great film making and for those who need something new to watch. This is more than just a movie, it is an experience. |
