This recovering addict gives Requiem an A+

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2001)

As one who survived the sixties, but not without a 20-year addiction encouraged by the medical community, I applaud Requiem. It is definitely one of the most harrowing movies through which I have ever sat. And I say that as a former reviewer who sat through many movies. The camera work, yes, is a bit arty at times. But it serves to induce the skewered vision of the addicted. I especially related to, and appreciated, the physician-encouraged addiction of Sarah Goldfarb (Burstyn). Poor Sarah is an innocent, naively trusting in what her doctor tells her - after all, he knows what he is doing! She winds up as a total psychotic - but at least, a THIN psycho, which is what is important for women! There are undertones of sexism in America, along with many others, in this film. Marlon Wayans is a delight and so is the rest of the cast. If this is a low budget movie, it surely doesn't look like it. Writing, acting, directing, editing, scoring - all well above average. For women, the end scene of Harry's girlfriend's descent into the hades particular to females is so terrifying, mortifying and hellacious that it will be a long time before we get it out of our minds - if ever. The comparisons to Trainspotting are inevitable. Trainspotting was excellent in its own right. But Requiem is the one I think I'll never forget. Congratulations to Burstyn for going from "Same Time, Next Year" to "Requiem for a Dream." What a range!