Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem For A Dream: Review and Trailer

It’s hard to enter into Darren Aronofsky‘s sophomore outing, Requiem For A Dream, and not leave this film profoundly effected by its continuious downward spiraling cautionary tale of drug addiction.  Needless to say, I had trouble sleeping after this one.

Following 4 character’s drug addictions and the subsequent consequences to which each is tragically fated, Requiem gives new meaning to the idiom, ”put through the wringer”.

There’s Harry (Jared Leto), whose heroin addiction leads to the loss of one very close attachment, plus the pimping out of his girlfriend, Marion (Jennifer Connelly), whose own addiction ushers her into a world of sexual degradation.  There’s Harry’s friend and business partner, Tyrone (Marlon Wayans), who is shot at and covered in some drug dealer’s blood and guts, and who is sentenced to a life of incarceration.  And finally, there’s Harry’s mother, Sara (Ellen Burstyn).  Sara is addicted to diet pills and television, and the consequences of her addiction is an irretrievable sanity to which she will never find, doomed to live out the rest of her days in a mental hospital.  I know, good times, right?

Responsible for the film’s prodigiously anguish laden effects on its viewer is Requiem For A Dream‘s talented cast who all turn in their best performances to date.  The fact that Ellen Burstyn was the only one of the cast recognized by the Oscar Academy is one more of a thousand reasons to discredit the Oscar’s worth.

But, perhaps the most surprising performance given from this ensemble is in Marlon Wayans’ brilliant portrayal of a junkie in turmoil. Yes, I am talking about the same Wayans brother responsible for White Chicks, Little Man and Dance Flick.  His accomplishment in transforming himself into a fearless and praiseworthy dramatic role was at the very least astonishing.

And as for Jennifer Connelly, to this day she has not had a better role nor performed anywhere near the heights in which she takes her Requiem character.

In summation, I thought I was prepared for Requiem, but apparently I wasn’t.  Watching this right before bed was perhaps not the best idea.  Then again, watching this before doing almost anything might not be any better of an idea.  Simply put, the film’s intention is not to have you feeling good about yourself. This is not a rainy day movie.  I suggest you watch this film for its masterful structure, technique and heart-wrenching story and then go outside, get some fresh air and sun, and try to find something or someone to make you laugh and smile.