The drugs don't work, but we knew that didn't we.

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2001)

This harrowing film, though lacking the quirky humour of Trainspotting is a cinematic triumph. Although an equally dark subject to Selby's Last Exit to Brooklyn, this is a far superior opus thanks to Aronsky's direction and the performances of the four leads. Ellen Burstyn is superb and the next time my fridge starts making strange noises I'll call in an exorcist instead of the electrician. We always knew Jennifer Connelly was one of the most beautiful women around; we should all look this good when strung out, but the extension to her acting range with this role has been quite a surprise. The cinematography is excellent and the techniques for distorting reality and experiencing the rushes and the subsequent downs is exhilarating, if that's the right word. I don't think it can be called an experimental film, well not to the degree of Memento, but this unique medium must be exploited in the way these films do it.