A harrowing descent into the abyss

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2003)

Don't see this movie unless you're prepared to come out feeling completely drained emotionally. Darren Aronofsky's modern day morality tale of the doomed life of four individuals from Brooklyn hits the viewer hard. Really hard. superb acting helps - Ellen Burstyn, Marlon Wyans, Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly are all great. The supporting cast does a wonderful job as well. If you connect with any of the characters, be prepared for a gut wrenching ride. A superb score and beautiful cinematography only strengthen the movie's grip. I literally could not take my eyes of the screen. That's not to say that I liked what I was seeing there - the spectacle of four people destroying themselves is unpleasant and deeply disturbing. But it's unforgettable. In conclusion: watch this movie. But only if you're sure you can stand it.