Requiem for a Dream - 2000 (R)

Actors: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Reviewed: 09 May 2005



I'll say first that this is one of my favorite films, so I'm biased. This whole movie is like 
a cautionary drug tale, following the rise and fall of our four antiheroes. There's Harry, a 
man in his 20's who lives with his girlfriend Marion. He and his best friend Tyrone get into 
the drug business and everything is going well for a while, but then... it all falls apart. 
The three lose everything, their entire lives crumble, and they are brought to the brink of 
destruction. The best performance comes from Burstyn, who plays Harry's mom, Sara. Her story 
is chilling, as she gets a call from a game show she watches obsessively. Jumping at the 
chance to "be on television" she gets some diet pills and promptly becomes addicted to them.
Her complete and utter collapse is the centerpiece of the film, and I admit it kept me up 
the night I watch it. This movie is among the most disturbing I've ever seen, and I think 
every kid in high school should see it. I know people it has provoked lifestyle changes in...
if you are sheltered, be warned. This movie will blow your innocent little mind. If you 
aren't so innocent, this movie may remind you of... you. This movie will dwell in your memory. 
It will haunt you. If you're going to watch it, sit down and watch it. Don't be distracted. 
Let it absorb you. You'll never see a junkie the same again.

SCORE: 10/10

GOOD QUOTE
-Oh, Harold! I'm gonna be on television!

BAD QUOTE
-In the end it's all nice.