Requiem for a Dream (2000) (Requiem for a Dream (DVD))

Member Name: Gillymoar09

Product:	Requiem for a Dream (DVD)
Date:	25/07/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Teriffic Drama, excellent direction and a great cast.

Disadvantages: Not for everyone, some may find it disturbing.

Darren Aronofsky: Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Genre: Drama

As an introduction I'd like to say that this movie is NOT for everyone. And I'm not being overprotective or something. It's very disturbing and awful in so many levels that I don't recommend it unless you are sure you can take it.
Now that I warned you, I can start reviewing. I'll split it up into little chapters so it's easier to navigate within.
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About The Director:

Aronofsky has a status of a legend amongst the film community. Prior to RfaD he made "Pi" (1998), which is a great movie. After RfaD he made 2 other movies: "The Fountain" in 2006 and "The Wrestler" last year, which also was his biggest commercial success. He has his unique style and all of his films are associated with deep emotions. I think Aronofsky is a genius of modern filmmaking along with Stanley Kubrick and Quentin Tarantino.
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The Cast:

First thing you'll notice is that you don't know any of them, except maybe Jared Leto (front man of a band). Aronofsky couldn't pay some superstars to act in his movies at that time, so he went small and succeeded. The acting throughout the movie is superior. The actors were completely in Aronofsky's control, so you'll see a few things you would never expect in this kind of film. Now that you know the important facts about the director and the cast I can tell you about the film itself.
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The Film:

If I had to describe it with one word, it would be "amazing". There are 4 major characters that carry out the plot. Harry Goldfarb (Leto) is a young man who's, together with his friend Tyrone (Wayans), and his girlfriend Marion (Connelly) hooked on heroin. His mom Sara Goldfarb (Burstyn) is worried about her son, but has her own problems. All characters have their dreams, which are shattered by their addictions: food, love, heroin... Throughout the film you'll see an Aronofsky touch: large use short shots for depiction of drug and food intake, split screen scenes and weird angles. The film runtime is 102 minutes and is very well paced. It starts off slow, but quickly begins spinning out of control. The last 30 minutes are a masterpiece of modern editing, making it to one of the greatest ends to a film I've ever seen. The story isn't very complicated, yet entertaining and it sucks you in. I am not going to spoil anything by retelling it - see for yourself. Another great thing is the music. It's perfectly suited and goes from electronic to classical full orchestra compositions. The composer was Clint Mansell (he did the music for all Aronofsky's movies), and the soundtrack is available for download - I highly recommend it too.
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Conclusion:

I love this film, and I think it's one of the best and most important films ever made. My advice is to watch it alone in the late afternoon, because after you see it, you'll hardly be up to anything. I say to watch it alone because the person you're watching it with might react different than you to certain parts and it could spoil the moment for you - don't let that happen.
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Final grade:

It's a great drama not suited for everyone, and I can give it a straight 10/10.
You'll notice that different reviewers, as well as the audience have opposing opinions of the film. Don't let that mislead you, watch it - you won't be sorry you did.

Summary: Read the reviews before you watch - it might not be your cup of tea.