Requiem For A Dream (DVD 2001)

Darren Aronofsky’s directorial follow-up to ‘Pi’ has gained a degree of notoriety in recent years because of its graphic scenes showing the consequences of drug addiction, but ‘Requiem For A Dream’ in many ways lives up to its elegant title.

It is a moving and captivating film showing how drug addiction can utterly ruin the dreams and lives of a diverse group of characters. The most affecting story strand follows Sarah Goldfarb, the TV-fixated mother of Jared Leto’s character Harry, whose desire to lose weight to appear on a gruesome lifestyle show leads her to a disreputable doctor and a prescription of ‘diet pills’. These uppers and downers certainly give her more weight loss than she bargained for but also lead her down the path of mental breakdown.

The acting is superb throughout, but a special mention must go to Marlon Wayans who I had only previously seen in asinine comedies, but excels as Harry’s drug-dealer accomplice.

The most remarkable feature of the film, however, is Aronofsky’s direction, which is visually dazzling. He employs split screens, speeded-up and slowed-down scenes and fantasy/dream sequences to portray the disorientation of his characters.

Viewing to the very end requires a certain grim will. The final ten minutes make ‘Trainspotting’ look like a jolly outing, but ‘Requiem For A Dream’ is a haunting modern fable which remains with you long after it has finished. Recommended.