A Frenetic, Visually Stunning Addition to Film History

Rating: 7/10 (7 April 2003)

I have to admit, I have wanted to watch RFAD for a couple of years now. However, I let other people's opinions keep me from seeing it, which is something I don't normally tend to do. Everyone who has recommended it to me has said, "You will LOVE this movie, it is so dark and heavy. It's REALLY dark and REALLY heavy." So for a couple of years, I've had it on the back burner but hadn't actually picked it up. RFAD seems to have become a staple on some of the "pay" movie channels on cable, and on Friday night it was a choice of one of my DVDs, Swingers on HBO or RFAD. I chose RFAD and was cautiously delighted.
I will preface this review by stating that I have not yet seen Aronofsky's first film, "Pi" so I am uncertain if the visual style in RFAD is his normal M-O, but I was thrilled. The use of color, vibrant during the character's high points during these months, and sallow during the more prevalent low times was subtle yet stylishly done. The frenetic cinematography is something that has been used often in the last couple of years and is becoming more and more mainstream, but I believe at this time it wasn't as overused as it is today. Even if it is not original, it's effect is very heavy on the viewer. The use of drugs was primarily limited to very quick montages (similar to ones done in Snatch) that got the point across without being too graphic. Additionally, the scene with Ellen Burstyn waiting in the doctor's office in the last act of the film was extremely frightening, due in large part to the brilliant camera work and the sound.
In regard to sound, I am very picky when it comes to music use in films. Being a product of an MTV generation and having studied video production I am sensitive to when music is appropriately placed in films. The effective use of techno music in films is rare, Run Lola Run is one of the few films that come to mind, but I can add RFAD to this list. The score is also extremely haunting; it compliments the action and the characters.
Which brings me to the acting. This movie would have simply been stylish with a decent story without the incredible performances of the four principle players. Jared Leto was very good as Harry Goldfarb. He conveyed the struggle between his reality and his drug-enhanced reality very well. I wasn't expecting much from the "cute guy" in My So Called Life. And Marlon Wayans.. talk about not expecting much. I'm not a big fan of comedic films unless they were made before 1960 generally, so I am not well schooled in the Wayans Family. Marlon Wayans'character was less dimensional than Leto's but sympathetic nonetheless. I've never been a fan of Jennifer Connelly. I remember sitting through her C-grade films in the 80's and early 90's with boyfriends who would readily admit she was a terrible actress but that she was a goddess because she was beautiful. Of course, none of these films included a gorgeous male co-star (Frank Whaley? I think not.) so I couldn't dip into that superficial fantasy world that would make those films more endurable. This movie was definitely a welcome change. Whereas I was rolling my eyes during her early performance in the film, her acting drew me in to her character and eventually made me both pity and feel repelled by her.
And finally, Ellen Burstyn. This woman is not used enough. I remember when she was nominated for an Oscar for this role, they showed her clip, then they showed her in the audience and I was literally shocked by both her beauty and the transformation into abject dowdiness in this role. It is Burstyn's performance in this film that terrified me. Perhaps it was because we actually see the origins of her addiction from beginning to end. Nevertheless, her performance made me ache. It made my heart hurt. I've seen Burstyn in several other films, but based on this film alone I want to see more. She was amazing.
For two days after I watched this movie, I sat back and had to figure out whether I liked this movie or not. I knew that I liked the technical aspects, and having attended film school that's the first thing I base my opinion on. During the weekend, the movie was always in the back of my head, but I still was sorting out whether or not I truly liked it. Then this morning I came to a realization. I liked this movie in the same light as I liked Schindler's List. Both movies are brilliantly directed with excellent performances, and they were both extremely thought provoking. However, they are so heavy and compelling that one can't take it out to watch it on a regular basis without climbing into your own Bell Jar.
Bottom Line: A must-see. Just make sure you don't watch it before you head to work at your gig as a Clown for Hire at little Susie's birthday party.