Not for me

Rating: 3/10 (21 February 2002)

Normally when I dislike films, I launch a tirade of abuse about them, but that would be harsh on this, even though I couldn't stand it.The core of the actual story was good. It was everything else about it that was a problem, and everything in the film seemed too over emphasised.
I've never taken any drug so I'll sit on the fence as to whether it was an accurate portrayal. It was however an irritating portrayal, by the end.

I'm in a minority with the Snatch & Fight Club style editing and cinematography in these films but I can't stand it. The split screens, slow motion, fast forwarding and even the music, although not complicating the film, just seem to serve to lessen the continuity and eventually irritate.
Reqiuem for a Dream wasn't a long film, so couldn't really have been shortened. That created a problem in that any of: the Fridge moving, the cocaine being snorted, the mum on the TV show and lots more had all been flogged to death by the end. Each time I saw the face of, I think Washington? on the money I knew I could have a drink and look out the window for the next 30 seconds as nothing different would happen to the previous 10 times it was done.
Again, I'm in a minority but I would have liked this film a little more if it was tackled in a more conventional manner ie without the fancy editing and graphic detail, as there was much promise with the story. On the plus side though, the acting was almost faultless.
Rightly or wrongly, I Interpreted this as Anti-drug, even though the film never dictated that to the viewer. I don't shock easily, and found the drug snorting in Boogie Nights, far more graphic & off putting than here. But if this film prevents a few extra people from becoming an addict, I suppose it's served a purpose.
I just don't get enthralled when drugs is the central point of a film. Not that that means I don't think they have a place or purpose in cinema. They do. You can't brush it under the carpet. But people who've no time for football or golf, wouldn't get over pleasured from films on those themes, in the same way I don't on drug addiction.
Finally, the last 10 minutes went a little over my head and any ideas what the name was of Tyrones girlfriend?
3/10