not better than "Trainspotting"

Rating: Null/10 (6 September 2003)

It wasn't till a saw it on IMDb 250 list that I found out about "Requiem for a Dream." I was even surprised that for such a moviegoer like me this title had somehow slipped from my sight; we are talking about #45 on the top 250 list. Needless to say I had to see it.
My first impression is that is overrated. There is no way this movie is better than "Trainspotting." No way; which doesn't mean that is not a good movie. In fact is one of the most disturbing movies I've seen. The sound editing was breathtaking. The truth is that I felt sick at the end, that's how disturbing it was. Which again doesn't mean that it was a great movie. With the exception of the sound and camera editing, it felt like documentary.
One of the major flaws of the movie with the exception of Ellen Burstyn was that it wasn't given a clear explanation as to why the people in the movie got hooked on drugs in the first place. It would've been so much better. Again with the exception of the Burstyn's character it wasn't clear what our people dreamt about.
Nevertheless, it was an experience and a memorable one, which is what movies are all about. The dialogue between Burstyn and Leto (mother and son) was astounding. I was entertained though not in the conventional sense. It moved me. Recommended.