A grand message placed upon a tedious story.

Rating: 8/10 (16 October 2001)

**** = A masterpiece to be recorded in the books and never forgotten
***1/2 = A classic in time; simply a must see
*** = A solid, worth-while, very entertaining piece
**1/2 = A good movie, but there are some uneven elements or noticeable flaws
** = May still be considered good in areas, but this work has either serious issues or is restrained by inevitable elements deemed inescapable (e.g., genre)
*1/2 = Mostly a heap of nothing sparked by mildly worthwhile moments
BOMB = Not of a viewable quality

Requiem for a Dream = ***

Unrated (for pervasive drug use, sexual content including some considerably graphic activity, for strong language and some graphic violence)

I remember when I first saw the trailer for this film. I wanted to see it so bad almost instantly; I love all the art-house films with flashy style such as RUN LOLA RUN and NATURAL BORN KILLERS. Then, as I learned more about the film, I became drawn into the plot and my craving to see it grew more intense. Why not just see it, you say? A different subject, but the film's harsh NC-17 reputation kept my age group out of theaters. I had to wait for the DVD release.
When I finally saw it, I have to say I was not as impressed as I thought I would be. Maybe it was because I built it up too much in my mind beforehand or whatever, but for some reason it just wasn't as effective as I had imagined. The first half of the film is great. I cannot deny that. All the characters are leading such happy lives and it gives that happiness off to the audience in vibes; perhaps this is why watching the last half was just so dreary: Hubert Selby, Jr. completely murdered his array of potentially content lives - and director Arronofsky doesn't spare the viewer a moment to look away.
I disagree when commentors here say that the final images are brutal and disturbing... it is not so much the violence as it is watching your best friends suffer and atrophy. Does the film make it's point? Of coarse. Should they screen it in high schools? Absolutely not. The story was far too small and closely focused; broader issues of drugs are much more effective, not saying what CAN happen. I guess I just think the plot feels a little set up.
However, this is not to say that the film is bad. The film is very good. And I compliment it's makers with all my strength for daring to at least go a little further forward in terms of intensity than past films similar in theme. See it for yourself and you'll know what I mean.