Requiem for a Dream (2000)A good decade had gone by since this film was first released. In that time, a reputation has built up for its director, its performances and the film itself. For the longest time, I avoided this film, partially because of those reputations but also just because I didn't have the means to see it. I've heard a few detractors, but the vast majority says this is a modern masterpiece. While I can find some flaws here and there with the film, on the whole, I have to agree with them.
If you're like me, and this film has escaped your grasp as well, then you might be a little sketchy on the plot. The basic outline is that this takes a microscopic look on the toll that addicts leave on their lives and those around them. The story circles around an elderly widow (Ellen Burstyn) addicted to amphetamine pills for weight loss, her heroin junkie son (Jared Leto) trying to make a better life with his girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly), and his fellow junkie friend (Marlon Wayanes), the pusher. It should be no surprise that all of these stories do not end with a happy setting.
Darren Aronofksy does an incredible job at looking into the lives of those who are addicted. His methods are often jarring, but so are these people. When you're first presented to the film, it has a way of turning you off from the misanthropic mayhem. However, you quickly understand that this dark world that is still quite fascinating to discover. You get pulled into these frantic and disconnected minds, and no matter how bleak the material gets, Aronofsky always manages to find an editing rhythm, a beat in the pace, or the exploitation of beautiful cinematography to keep us in the film.
Like many depressingly bleak films, its usually up to the performances to bolster the film to some relatable level. I've generally viewed Leto as an actor who was capable of delivering strong dramatic work that was often surprising to people because he was so good looking. Sometimes he mines that territory for the wrong film (i.e. Chapter 27), but here he's put to good use. He genuinely reaches some raw emotion that never feels forced, and he honestly feels like the most real, distinctly defined character. Wayans's performance is another one that shows he got most of the dramatic talents of his family, though I will say it's not one of great depth. There's nice subtext dealing with the relationship with his mother that does provide enough to bring his character up from a one-not performance. Connelly does her usual somber best in a role that is emotionally draining and effective on the levels it needs to be.
The standout many noticed was Burstyn, who wound up with an Oscar nomination. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that such a restrained and well respected actress of Burstyn's caliber is playing against type as a drug addict. What is fascinating about her is the transformation she develops as she slowly devolves into the shattered life her character creates. Burstyn contributes an incredible amount of emotion that gives the film a real edge. She does go into some meandering character traits as offered by the script, but it is to her credit that she keeps the character as grounded as she can. She's the most memorable piece in the film, and the credit is all hers.
This isn't an entirely pleasant film to watch. If it was, then we'd probably have a problem on our hands. As it stands now, even with a story that tends to meander and a premise so bleak its hard to stay with it, this film is still worthy of all the praise it received a decade ago. Aronofsky's directorial efforts are put to exquisite use, and the acting from the whole ensemble are really the guiding lights to making the film a nearly whole success. If the reputations of the film have kept you away, I'd say you should take the risk. I'm sure you won't regret it.
A-
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