Requiem for a Dream

If you want to be disturbed to the core of your soul, Requiem for a Dream is definitely the movie for you. I could hardly watch the entire film. I had to detach myself from the plot entirely to stomach it all. Almost guaranteed, the last 40 minutes will shock anyone.

The film shows the absolute low of human existence as brought on by drug abuse. It does not hide the facts of addiction. It deals with them in a disturbing and realistic manner. All characters become addicted to substances that ruin their lives. Whether accidental or not, the drugs tear their lives apart. While the short-term effects might seem fantastic at the time, the long-lasting consequences are horrific. Basically, this movie drives in the point: with drug addiction comes dire consequences. Do not use drugs. Ever.

On a positive note, the cinematography is fantastic. The shots are wonderfully captured. I'm guessing they make you feel how the addicts feel: slightly shaky, slightly unreal, slightly foggy, slightly still. Things move fast or slow, sounds are enhanced or dulled. It brings the viewer into the movie (even if they don't want to be there!!).

This is not a movie for the light-hearted. I give it 2 1/2 potatoes because I believe a good movie is one that you would want to watch again. This one I want to forget. Forever.
1/2