Exceptional film-making

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2006)

I was fortunate to see this at the Toronto Film Festival. While I have not seen Requiem for a Dream or Pi, I was fascinated by this film after hearing about the reaction in Venice. This is one of the most thought provoking & evocative movies I have ever seen. I think it is a movie that people will either love or hate, there doesn't appear to be a middle ground.
While introducing the film, in Toronto, Rachel Weisz commented that Aronofsky asks a lot from his actors, this appears to be true and most certainly pays off. Hugh Jackman's gut-wrenching and emotional performance is phenomenal. This is undoubtedly his best performance and, as far as I'm concerned, you can hand him the Oscar. It is superbly written, acted and directed. Mansel's score is beautiful. Be open to this movie and receive it. There aren't enough superlatives to do justice to this film. I can't wait to see it again. Brilliant!