Dreadful, disturbing, grievous and most serious movie with superb acting

Rating: 9/10 (8 September 2016)

I've been thinking lately why is this movie named Requiem for a Dream. Now I realize: drugs end even the most beautiful dreams.
All characters in this movie have something in common, apart from being addicts. That is, all of them have a dream for a better future. All of them suffer from some emotional wounds and give in only to relieve themselves, at least for a few moments. Sadly, pursuing temporary relief distracts us from dealing with real problems. Those problems continue to grow and eventually come upon us thus ending our dreams for better times. That's why Requiem for a Dream. Title suggests that we are not going to see a happy ending but a sad one put in contrast with life protagonists deep inside want to live. I still remember crying together with Sarah Goldfarb when she hugs her successful son in her beautiful red dress she wanted to fit so much into.
Let me now comment on Ellen Burstyn performance. I've never seen better female performance as a leading actor. It's very unfortunate she didn't win an Oscar for this role she was nominated for. Scene where she's talking with her son about how lonely she feels is the most convincing play ever. Her face is exposed full screen for two long straight minutes. There's an interesting story accompanied with this scene. If you look it carefully, you're going to see that there is something wrong with the camera. That's because one of the camera men began to cry while filming the scene. I challenge anyone to name more convincing performance than this monologue. Really, her performance is breath taking...
If Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans didn't perform excellently as well, Burstyn would have overshadowed them. Harry (Leto) and Marion (Connelly) together form a couple worth watching. Both of them had tough roles to play but succeeded in doing well. Both of them were young at the time when this movie was shot and both grew up to become great actors and were awarded with Oscar. Ellen is over eighty now and still plays regularly... Wayans was extra cool as Tyrone but nowadays takes much lesser roles. This movie wouldn't be as near as good as it is if acting wasn't superb.
Requiem for a Dream was edited in a hip-hop style which may confuse some viewers. I liked it! It somehow immersed me in the world where Harry, Marion and Tyrone live. This world is extremely disturbing. That's why RfaD is not a movie I could recommend watching. For some viewers seeing it might be a terrifying and dreadful experience, especially last few scenes. I really don't recommend seeing this movie if you're under eighteen even though some recommend seeing it as an anti-drug prescription. This might be true but it's certainly true that RfaD causes anxiety.
Let me conclude: RfaD is very disturbing and scary indeed. However it has a strong anti-drug message. If you're easily disturbed, seeing this one might be a bad decision. If not, Marion, Sarah, Harry and Tyrone are going to stick with you for a very long time.