I watched in open-mouthed amazement. Or something like that.

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2002)

This was one of those movies that was so surrounded in controversy over its rating that I initially avoided it. But finally, curiosity got the best of me and I checked it out.
Boy, am I glad I did.
Because as brutal as it is, "Requiem for a Dream" is still a masterpiece of filmmaking. Yes, it is frank with its subject matter, in the kind of way that makes critics use words like "honest" and "unblinking". And that frankness adds to the impact of the overall film. When you consider the muck these characters drag themselves through in order to quell their own appetites -- that's powerful stuff.
But even more powerful is the style in which the story is told. It's a unique and often objective representation of the lifestyle portrayed, and it is nothing short of masterful. I've now seen this movie 3 times in 5 days, and I can honestly say I'm blown away.
Man, am I glad I never did drugs.