harrowingly beautiful

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2001)

Subsequent viewings and much consideration on the matter have forced me to concede this film a 10/10 score. I admit it; I am perhaps no better than the depraved, lifeless cyphers that beleaguer this film -- for I am an addict of fine cinema. Films such as these may tarnish my soul and forever render me socially dysfunctional. Yet I cannot deny their scope and power. Requiem for a Dream is not about drugs, but the carnal distractions that prevent us from realizing our dreams. It is a requiem because it is the soundtrack to a life unfulfilled. This is a very musical film, from the rhythmic portrayals of habit to Clint Mansell's (Pop Will Eat Itself) fitting score, often nearly drowning out the film's dialogue. I have read the book, and though there are moments which cannot be captured in film, Aronofsky more than makes up for this by bringing out elements of the story which could not have been captured in prose. Thank you for daring and moving me. Undeniably the best picture of the year.
P.S. Look out for Hubert Selby as the "laughing guard" in the final sequence.