Stunning. Punishing. Beautiful. Unforgettable.

Rating: 9/10 (11 December 2000)

These are just some of the many adjectives that come to mind to describe this wonderful film. It is one of the most harrowing films I have ever seen. Never has a decent into the deepest layers of hell been so strikingly filmed. My only complaint is that the script itself is lacking in areas. The characters are given just enough to do before the slide begins (don't worry, that's no spoiler ... just look at the title of the movie), but while I appreciate when a director doesn't waste time, more time spent with these particular characters would have been appreciated even more. However, that's my only complaint. Visually, this is one of the most exciting films I've seen in years. The performances are sound, with Ellen Burstyn giving us an Oscar-worthy turn. The editing is especially incredible and should also be nominated (if the Academy has 1/4 of a brain between them all). But for as good as this film was, if Aronofsky gets his hands on a Godfather-quality script, I seriously don't think the film world would be prepared...
9/10