Movie Talks Archives

Posted by: rtatick at June 21, 2002, 9:27 am

Topic: Reviews: Requiem for a Dream Forum: JoBlo

10/10 This is my first review here. Let me know how I do! (bekelley@longwood.edu) Adapted from Hubert Selby Jr's novel, "Requiem for a Dream" did what the previous adaptation of a Selby novel, "Last Exit to Brooklyn" failed to do: allow an audience to feel for it's characters. "Last Exit to Brooklyn" contained similarily depressing situations, run down lives spriling out of control. "Requiem for a Dream", though, allows us to join in the characters hopes and dreams before it pulls the carpert out from under us. The highlight of the movie, and a true delight in the celebration of great acting, is definitely Ellen Burstyn (Sara Goldfarb). Sara Goldfarb is a Jewish widow addicted to television and chocolate. Burstyn becomes Sara in a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination which she should have easily won. The crack in her voice when she says, "I just wanted to be on the show!" made me sob. Her son, Harry (Jared Leto) is a drug addict. His girlfriend, Marion Silver (played by the most beautiful woman in Hollywood today, Jennifer Connelly) and his best friend Tyrone C. Love (played by Marlon Wayans in a shockingly amazing dramatic performace) are also addicts. I am more than tempted to go on and on about what you are in store for during the movie. This would be a disservice to the dynamics the movie lays out for itself. Deftly directed by Darren Aronofsky, the brilliant director of "Pi", this movie is an exercise in style. Whereas many "arthouse" flicks are only about the light, colors and camera, this movie uses style to pull the viewer in, forcing the audience to connect with those they are watching onscreen. This proves to be devestating in the end. I would caution anyone before they watch this movie. This movie is not glamorous, though it is beautiful. I'm a 21 year old man in college and I cried during the movie. When it was over, my friend and I sat silent through the credits and didn't say a word as I got up, took the movie out and walked out the door. It wasn't until the next day we could really talk about the experiance we had had. This movie doesn't preach, but it delivers a powerful message.

Shared Movies
Over 80 Million Movies and TV-Shows to choose from

Categories:

Fantasy Movie Spoiler Anime History Movie TV Series Drama Movie Thriller Movie Movie Award Lord of the Ring Movie Review Worst Movies Science Fiction Movie Movie Trailer DVD Releases Movie Rating Favourite Movie Film noir Horror Movie Star Wars Celebrities

Links:

Forum Extractor

Shared Movies
Over 80 Million Movies and TV-Shows to choose from
Play movies on your computer, Home theater or TV
No Charge per movie, No download limit what so ever!