All in all an almost perfect modern film

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2001)

Normally I don't like to be slapped in the face, however on that rare occasion a slap in the face is needed to awaken your senses from a stupor for which only Hollywood manufactured films can lull you into. Indeed, by the end of the film you, as I did, will feel like your soul has been dragged through the gutter. However, it is not until you truly return to your senses that you finally realise that what you have just experienced is a deliberate act by a talented director (Darren Aronofsky) who is fulfilling his boundless potential.
The story is deceptively complex but neatly symmetrical: four New Yorkers find solace in drugs but inevitably fall short of what they hope to achieve. First, Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto) with his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) and best-friend (Marlon Wayanes) are twenty-something junkies who seek to get rich quick from selling their chosen drug. Second, Harry's mother becomes addicted to the dream of appearing on television and diet pills. Although each find what they dream of in the short-term their addictions engulf and replace reality to point where their lives are utterly destroyed.
The prominent theme and script is beautifully backed up by a brilliant cast. Despite the pretty boy looks Jared Leto as Harry is exceptional. Jennifer Connelly has had an odd career (Labrynth, Rocketeer and Dark City), her rare beauty could have placed her at the top of the Hollywood name of names, yet she has chosen a challenging movie that highlights not her looks but her talent as an actress. Marlon Wayans is an under-rated actor who I hope will continue to take on serious roles rather than brainless cliche roles like his performance in Scary Movie. Lastly, the outstanding performance of the movie is Ellyn Burstyn as the ill-fated lonely mother. I watched the re-released version of the Excorcist and wondered what happened to that type of actress and amazingly I find it again in the same actress some twenty years later. She should have been showered in awards.
The most pleasing factor to come out of this film is the coming of age for the director Darren Aronofsky. His previous film Pie was a daring debut but Requiem has cemented his place as a director for the future. His style is modern: fast paced editing with the use of experimental camera-work. Yet his greatest attribute is his perception and intellect. This is demonstrated with his clear understanding and commitment to a theme that is expressed in simple but imaginative ways.
A final footnote to this film is the music. It seems as though John Williams has created a monopoly in Hollywood. Admittedly Williams is good but Clint Mansell has delivered a score that rivals any of Williams blockbuster soundtracks
All in all an almost perfect movie.