Poignant look at addiction

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2007)

Requiem for a Dream covers the subject of addiction as poetry. It will spark so many conversations and forces the viewer to conceptualize this life. The scenes are not necessarily stuffed with words and conversation. There is very little conversation in the movie. Instead, the watcher is struck with the sounds of the movie. The quiet of the music burst through with a TV infomercial. Being completely harangued by voices and sounds and bells and cheering, suddenly stopped. The filmography is also to be admired. In montage productions, and side by side screen shots, the views and angles are handled with so much art it takes my breath away. Most importantly for me, is the accurate portrayal of addiction, the lack of choice, the slow and innocent plunge. The disease is represented well and without fluff. It is hard, it is true. The actors in this movie play roles I believe many wouldn't and they make you understand the hows and whys, they also let you keep a little distant. Requiem for a Dream is a must see, for all age groups, especially teens and people over 50, we just need to know.