A beautiful yet disturbing masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2001)

I think we're all sick of being told that drugs are bad and you shouldn't do them. That's why it's my opinion that Requiem for a Dream should be shown to all high-school kids rather than those corny, 80's specials. This would frighten even the most hardcore herion-addicts, never mind a pimple-covered pubescent.
Seriously though, Requiem for a dream is not just another anti-drug movie. If thats all you see then you're missing the big picture. It illustrates the similarities between heroin addiciton and weight-loss, coke and sexual desire. That's why the movie is so disturbing, because it shows that these problems are one in the same. Someone like me would like to think that these junkies are so different than us and that that would never happen to us, but this movie shows how easily I could be just like them.
This movie features beautiful directing using split-screen shots, eerie blue lighting, and overall excellent cinematography. It also has the best original score I've ever seen (or heard?) Clint Mansell's dramatic and powerful music adds so much more intensity to the screen that by the end of climax the viewer is left breathless.
Truly an excellent movie on all accounts and I look forward to seeing more work from this extremely talented director. And a must-see for those planning on being drug-addicts in the near future