Darren Aronofsky is a genius, Requiem is a classic

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2005)

Believe it or not, I watched this movie while I was in inpatient alcohol/drug treatment for my own addiction. The treatment center actually showed us this movie, there were a few sequences towards the beginning that somewhat triggered my previous affliction. But as the movie progressed I was able to understand what Darren Aronofsky was trying to present.
The way the actual scenes of "using" were shown was very life-like, it briefly displayed the initial high followed immediately by the ongoing sorrow...Which progressively got worse just as it is in the real world of chemical addiction. It is a very heartbreaking and depressing film, but for anybody who has been through similar situations as the four characters, I'm sure it will give them a sense of gratitude that we hit a higher bottom than they did...it did for me.
The camera-work and heightening of the emotions was extremely powerful. Even the sequences with the refrigerator and the continuing decline of Harry's abscessed arm were done with great raw emotion. I watched it the first time, in treatment, and had a few complaints, then I watched it again and understood in full what Aronofsky was trying to accomplish. All four actors were superior (particularly Marlon Wayans in a serious dramatic role), and the music was passionately haunting.
A great vision for anybody who has been through heroin (or other drug) addiction, is currently involved in it, or wants to understand more about it.
Letme repeat myself...Darren Aronfsky is a genius. (See his other classic "Pi".
10/10