Emotionally Draining Eye Opener

Rating: 9/10 (9 September 2013)

The movie industry has always had an obscure relationship with drugs. Originally being completely taboo, they are now a staple in many modern horrors and comedies. Where some films glamourise them such as the 'Stoner-Comedy' sub-genre, there are other films that really show the grittier, downward spiral that narcotics can easily take people down such as 'Less Than Zero' or 'Spun'.
Having seen Darren Aronofsky's 'Requiem for a Dream' before, I knew what film I was going to be sitting through. There would be no settling down, and no entertainment. This isn't to say that it is not a great film but you really do feel emotionally drained after the viewing. It isn't a movie you watch prior to settling down to sleep but one that will haunt you for a time after the credits have rolled. The surreal parts emphasise occurrences superbly, going from a very limited dark colour palette in reality to vibrant, energetic colours in their hallucinogenic, vegetated state that enables you to see things from their perspective without making drugs seem alluring. Far from it. This is potentially one of the greats of anti-drug cinema.
There is no way to really prepare yourself for such an experience. It is bleak straight from the opening scenes where Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto) is introduced. Entering his own mother, Sara's (Ellen Burstyn) home, he takes her television to acquire money for a fix. All the while the cinematography really gives you a deeper insight into their tarnished relationship as there is a literal line drawn between the two characters, showing their actions and reactions.
Harry plans on becoming a dealer of high quality drugs with Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) whilst Goldfarb slowly drags his girlfriend, Marion (Jennifer Connely) into the fire with him, promising her their dirty money would go towards her own store where she can sell her fashion designs but, with her history of drug-usage. She soon finds herself back in a predicament.
The film takes place over three seasons; Summer, Autumn and Winter and each play out as an act, showing the escalating desperation as the four main individuals sink deeper into their troubles. Throughout Harry's ordeal with the heroin his mother is dealing with another form of addiction. After the loss of her husband she has become lonely and food and television have become her substitute for love. After a phone-call from a television station she is filled with false hope, entertaining the idea of her 15 minutes of fame. Determined to wear her once beloved red dress for her small-screen appearance, unknowingly, she turns to amphetamine and becomes increasingly reliant on it's effects.
Much like seasons in reality, each act becomes darker earlier, cold in it's outlook. Frosty in it's reception. Each of the characters push past the point of no return, sacrificing love, health and happiness in their own selfish or vulnerable haze.
It isn't just the acting or the content of the movie that pushes it above and beyond, it's the orchestral pieces by Clint Mansell that really capture the despair. I am unable to listen to his pieces, full of sorrow and foreboding. It has a confounding effect on the soul emphasising all that is occurring on screen. Without a doubt it is one of the most effective and provocative soundtracks I have experienced on film. As much as it is an essential watch. It's too taxing to watch regularly. However, it deserves pride of place in any DVD collection and I would implore everyone to give it at least one viewing in their life-time. A powerful and eye-opening view into an underworld that most people avoid in their life-times. It really is a challenging view.