Severe and meaningful

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2002)

Requiem for a Dream revolves around four New Yorkers, who each get trapped in despair and horrifying drug addictions. Each have their own twisted logic behind their addictions, and must be seen to believed. The plot in itself is simple, but what makes this film so brilliant is the superb/realistic character depth, strong script, innovative score, impressive camera angles, and direction. Burstyn is amazing, and takes her character from shy/lonely person to speed addict obsessed with a TV show to new heights. Looking back she definitely deserved the Oscar for that year. The rest of the cast is solid-excellent. Each character wants to live some type of decent life, but the drugs keep pulling them back. The last 15 minutes of the movie, showing the demise of each character accompanied with the haunting soundtrack could be an example of some of the best film making ever.
9/10. Graphic drug use, violence, strong sexual situations, nudity, strong language.