The best cinematic experience of 2000.

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2001)

Allot can be said for writer/director Darren Aronofsky who's debut sci-fi Pi shook the independent film scene forever. Though Aronofsky has little experience in cinema, his unique flavor plays out like a pro.
Requiem for a Dream, which carries the very rare NC-17 rating, is a compelling drama about four people, closely related, all dealing with drug addiction.
There is the story of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) an elderly women addicted to diet pills who dreams of being on TV, dressed in her fabulous red dress, with fabulous red hair. The tale of her son (Jared Leto) Harry's heroin addiction, who hopes to save enough through dealing dope to one day open up a fashion designing business for his talented girlfriend Marianne (Jennifer Connelly). And the story of Harry's best friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) who's dream is similar to Harry's, and addictions as well.
Of all four outstanding performances, Ellen Burstyn's acting stands strongest. Nominated for an Academy Award, Burstyn's lovable character compels the viewer into a state of worry. One must tip their hat to Burstyn who plays most of leading performance by herself in her apartment; hyperactive, but then gloomy and depressed frightened from a living refrigerator.
Another surprise was Marlon Wayans as Tyrone C. Love. Wayans, who has never given a believable or even respectable performance, takes drama to new heights. His supporting role plays well with Leto at hand, as an anxious and worried friend.
If you've seen Aronofsky's Pi, you're going to remember the mind blowing pill scenes. The psychedelic frame shots played frequently through the film are used in Requiem as well. The characters hallucinations are genuinely portrayed as either beautifully felt or horrid and terrifying.
Darren Aronofsky's well performed and very well edited movie is only the beginning for this young director. He has signed on to direct the next Batman epic due in 2002. But for now Requiem for a Dream serves as a reminder of the desperation drug users are thrown into. Requiem is the best cinematic experience of the year.
* * * * * out of 5