I have felt the urge to express my thoughts on this film during numerous occasions, but I never had the capability to do so. Until today, After revisiting it once again.
Requiem for a Dream was a film that came out in 2000, directed by Darren Aronofsky. It was based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr.. Aronofsky wrote the screenplay for this film. I first discovered it when I was 17 years old and I stumbled upon it when sifting through what to watch on Hulu. Truth be told, I knew nothing about it, only what Jennifer Connolly was in it. The poster for the movie looked interesting, and I divided right in without reading the synopsis. I knew nothing it. This was the best and worst decision on my part. After I had seen it for the first time I was stunned to the core. I felt a lingering cold and dreary feeling days after seeing it.
The film illustrates the lives of 4 individuals. Sarah Goldfarb, who is the mother of Harry Goldfarb. Marion Silver, who is the girlfriend of Harry. Tyrone C. Love, who is the friend of Harry and Marion. While these character’s have their own distinct dreams and aspirations, they share the similar problem. That problem being drug addiction. In the case of Harry and Tyrone, the abuse of drugs seems pretty obvious in the beginning. But the addiction and inevitable downfall of Harry, Tyrone, Sarah, and Marion is far worse than one can imagine. As I mentioned before, these characters have specific desires they are reaching for. Harry and Marion want to open a clothing store with Marion’s designs. Tyrone searches for a way to get out of the ghetto, and be accepted by his mother. Sarah get’s a call about being invited on her favorite game show, and after receiving this information she starts a strict diet to lose weight in order to fit into a red dress that she wore for Harry’s Graduation. These hopes that the characters have may be harmless, but it is still significantly undermined by the excessive use of drugs.
This film is a slow burn. The first act sets up the current situation between our characters. Through small and simple conversations, we learn about who they are and their relationships. The second act goes up a few notches in terms of intensity. The drug abuse becomes more prevalent, making it more stressful on the main characters. It’s subtle, but more noticeable than earlier. The final act is devastating. The characters hit rock bottom.
This is where Aronofsky seems more comfortable stylistically. His technical choices, while ambitious, work to his advantage. Given the subject matter, he is able to perfectly convey the swift pleasure of drug use followed by the terrifying repercussions. He also’s uses side by side shots that work pretty well too.
The cast is very great. Each one does terrific in their respected roles. The stand out being Ellen Burstyn, who gives a masterful performance. You care for her the most because she has the best intention’s at heart, but also that she is a good person. What happens to her in the third act is probably the worst out of the bunch.
The film shows us the we are creatures of our own demise. We easily and seemingly destroy our own lives for a quick thrill. Pain and suffering can and will be more long lasting as a result of our decisions. We won’t be able to retreat to what we once dreamed of because we will know full well at that point, that it will never happen to us. One of the last few moments of the film shows the aftermath of the addiction and our characters all in unison curling up in the fetal position.
Not for the squeamish or the faint of heart, but truly a memorable experience.
Cedric Cinema 