Shocking

Rating: Null/10 (13 July 2003)

The theme of this film is summed up very neatly by it's title. The characters in it are all looking for ways to escape their lives. For Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto) and his friends (Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans) it's heroin that provides the escape, and for Harry's mother, Sarah (Ellen Burstyn), it's television and diet pills.
Darren Aronofsky directs this adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.'s novel with a dazzling, breathless style. It's especially effective in the disturbing hallucination scenes.
The acting is never less than excellent. Ellen Burstyn in particular gives a superb performance, and her monologue in the kitchen to Leto, is heartbreaking and memorable.
This is a very powerful film and one that will remain with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.