This movie makes 'Traffic' look like an anti-drug movie for kids.

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2001)

In the most violent, destructive, and emotionally gripping manner, Darren Aronofsky (and Hubert Selby Jr.) has managed to make sure, that I, Garry Tsaconas, will never even go near drugs in my entire life.
The whole objective of this film was to give the viewer a direct observation as to how drugs (in this case, heroin and cocaine) can basically lead you from a high Utopia, into the final steps before death. (***Spoiler Alert Starts***) What was interesting about the movie was that none of the main characters die. They all end up at the lowest points in their one-decent lives, and can barely hang on to life anymore . When Harry (Leto) has lost his arm at the end of the movie, how many people walked out of the theatre and said, "B.S.!!!! That's not possible?" Think again. When inserting needles into the human body, one must be aware of using....oh I don't know, A CLEAN NEEDLE, PERHAPS?! These junkies get what they deserve. Period (***Spoiler Alert Ends***).
The acting, I must say, was excellent on behalf of all four main characters. I was very impressed at what I saw, especially since they worked with such a deep script. Marlon Wayans, for a typical comedian, managed to pull off an above-average performance. Jared Leto pulled a sweet job in this flick, nailing down an accurate Coney Island accent (although I'm not from Coney Island nor have I ever been there, the topic is up for discussion). Jennifer Connely did an alright job, but she wasn't up for any type of praise, I'd say. Ellen Burstyn carried about 50% of this movie. She does have talent, and she sure knows how to give you an impression or two. I can understand the whoop-lah of Julia Roberts getting the Best Actress nod at the 2001 Academy Awards, but she hadn't of been involved, I swear, Ellen Burstyn would've taken out the competition.
As for the directing and the cinematogrophy, it sure captured the detail that was needed to show the effects of this film. Dual-screen shots, quick-action sequences to show what the viewer already knows (i.e. someone either shooting up, sniffing coke, popping pills, or simply eating food), and certian angles and shots that controlled the entire room, all for the viewer.
'Requiem For A Dream' was not easy to watch. Well, to be honest, the second half of the movie was hard to watch. The first half is where the cinematic expertise comes into play. And for that, my hat is off to the cast and crew who were involved in this memorable film.
"I like the way I feel. I like thinking about the red dress, and the television, and you, and your father. Now when I get the sun, I smile."
- Sara Goldfarb