Powerful And Heartbreaking

Rating: 9/10 (7 September 2010)

I just finished watching Darren Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream. I don't know why it has taken this long for me to see it. It just has. And now that's it's over, I feel like I just got punched in the face. Maybe even kicked there too. Now I'll admit it. I like the Academy Awards. I do. They may get things wrong often. But if I'm being honest, they get many things right too. However, every now and then they make a mistake that is so egregious, there's no justification for it. And not, at the very least, nominating Requiem for best picture is one of those inexcusable mistakes. Don't get me wrong. I liked Gladiator. In fact, Gladiator (which won best picture for 2000) is a film that exceeded my expectations. There was far more depth found within it than I could have imagined. But when we're talking about the realm of overall societal and cultural relevance and importance, Gladiator does not hold a candle to Requiem...plain and simple. All too often, films get labeled "important" just for being edgy and willing to test the boundaries of a difficult subject matter. Well Requiem doesn't just test the boundaries when it comes to portraying the destructiveness of drug addiction, it obliterates them. This really is one of the most important films ever made. Aronofsky pulls no punches here. He is determined, with this film, to lay bare any and all deceptions that are attached to drugs. And he exposes them for what they really are. Slow, painful, and methodical killers. The downward spiral that is exhibited by the characters is both heartbreaking and disturbing. And the acting is phenomenal. There's no doubt that Ellen Burstyn deserved her Oscar nomination. Her performance was just about as realistic as it gets. But I think other nods could have been given as well, especially in regards to Jennifer Connelly. I really don't even have words to describe her performance except to say that it was mesmerizing. I can't imagine how difficult it had to have been for her to prepare for this role. The content is raw and uncompromising. And to be completely honest, some of the scenes are difficult to watch. However, in the end it is the message that rings loud and clear. It is the message that trumps everything else. And it's the message that maybe, just maybe will make someone who is thinking about dabbling in drugs change his or her mind.