from dream to nightmare

Rating: 10/10 (10 November 2005)

While I have great respect for Darren Aronofsky I know this film would not exist without the original story by Hubert Selby Jnr. They are both to be commended for their genius.
This is an extraordinary film, perfect in every way (apart from a couple of minor glitches I noticed, not worth mentioning).
I particularly like the way Aronofsky has cameo appearances by Selby (prison guard in kitchen), his father Abraham (man on train in hat), and James Chinlund (long-haired man on train). Similarly he had Clint Mansell in 'Pi' as a student photographer.
I also like the reuse of particular actors between the two films - Sean Gullette, Samia Shoaib and Ben Shenkman especially.
There are so many aspects to this story - a snapshot of ordinary lives, interactions between mother and son, a relationship turning sour, a friendship stretched to breaking point, the quality of life ultimately destroyed.
In my opinion, only Tyrone really "survives", even though his final scene shows him on a prison cot, suffering withdrawal symptoms. It seemed to me he never became as deeply addicted as Marion or Harry, and was able to exercise some control over his habit. So even though he's in prison, he's still alive and relatively sane, compared to the main other characters.
Sara has a nirvana of sorts at the end - although her brain is fried. In this state she can live completely within her head. Being in hospital means she's cared for in the basic ways - food, shelter, hygiene - and can concentrate on herself.
There is hope for Harry - also in hospital, and with his infected arm removed, he may yet have some kind of life. For Marion, though, I fear, there is only further decline.