Requiem for a Dream (2000), Darren Aronofsky

Watch Trailer

Genre: Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

This movie can be very controversial. I do not recommend seeing this film if sex or drugs are a touchy subject. It is very powerful, very emotional, very thrilling. This is in my favorites of all time list, and for those who can handle it, its a must see. The cinematography is also like none you've ever seen. Also, I've never seen a movie that so beautifully traces the lives and choices of all four main characters.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

Three drug addicts try to make it big by becoming dealers.  Two are in love, and we watch as a seemingly flawless love falls to pieces.  Also, the mother of one of them becomes obsessed with the idea of being on television, and tries to lose weight using a sketchy doctor's pills.  (I apologize... this does not do it justice.)

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn): Harry's mother, she becomes obsessed with a television show and tries to lose weight through a sketchy doctor's pills.

Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto): Despite his love for Jennifer, he gets frustrated with her never-quenched thirst for heroine, especially since he's doing all he can in order to get his hands on some.
Marion Silver (Jennifer Connelly): She seems to fall face first into the troubles and dangers of heroine addiction.
Tyrone C. Love (Marlon Wayans): Tyrone seems to act as not only Harry's best friend, but as Harry and Marion's drug connections.  He becomes lost in this world as well, trying to watch Harry's back.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

Drugs are huge.  Everywhere.  Some people claim that this movie is overkill, but I beg to differ.  These things are real, and they do happen.  Sure, not to everyone.  But all four cases were inspired by real life cases.  The movie just brings them together as one in a terribly beautiful movie.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

I wouldn't go so far as to say that we can all relate to these people's lives, but we can definitely relate to their choices. I first saw this movie over a year ago, and it has stuck with me ever since.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

This is probably one of the first films that caught my cinematographic eye.  It made me fall in love with movies, with quality, with unique ideas... and here I am today.  This movie is BEAUTIFUL.  You will not soon forget it.