Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Director:

Darren Aronofsky

Writers:

Hubert Selby Jr. (based on the book by)
Hubert Selby Jr. (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

27 October 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

From the director of [Pi]

Plot:

The hopes and dreams of four ambitious people are shattered when their drug addictions begin spiraling out of control.

Plot Keywords:

Drug | Dream | Heroin | Friend | Addiction

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 20 wins & 34 nominations

Cast

Ellen Burstyn	...	Sara Goldfarb
Jared Leto	...	Harry Goldfarb
Jennifer Connelly	...	Marion Silver
Marlon Wayans	...	Tyrone C. Love
Christopher McDonald	...	Tappy Tibbons
Louise Lasser	...	Ada
Marcia Jean Kurtz	...	Rae
Janet Sarno	...	Mrs. Pearlman
Suzanne Shepherd	...	Mrs. Scarlini
Joanne Gordon	...	Mrs. Ovadia
Charlotte Aronofsky	...	Mrs. Miles
Mark Margolis	...	Mr. Rabinowitz
Michael Kaycheck	...	Donut Cop (as Mike Kaycheck)
Jack O'Connell	...	Corn Dog Stand Boss
Chas Mastin	...	Lyle Russel

MPAA:

Rated R for intense depiction of drug addiction, graphic sexuality, strong language and some violence. (edited version)

Runtime:

102 min | South Korea:100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:NC-17 (original rating) (certificate #37726) | Iceland:16 | South Korea:18 | Brazil:18 | Denmark:15 | South Africa:18 | South Africa:16 (theatrical rating) | Czech Republic:15 | USA:Unrated (director's cut) | Japan:R-18 (original rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:R | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:18A (edited version) | Canada:R (director's cut) (Canadian Home Video rating) | Chile:14 (re-rated) | Finland:K-15 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:III | Ireland:18 | Japan:R-15 (re-rating on appeal) | Mexico:C | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Norway:15 | Peru:14 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:R(A) | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:Open (rating surrendered: 2000) | USA:R (censored video version)

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Artisan Entertainment

Trivia:

Jennifer Connelly's character's father worked in the garment industry. In reality, Connelly's father also is in the garment industry.

Goofs:

Factual errors: Sara is given multiple jolts of ECT while fully conscious. Real ECT patients are always anesthetized.

Quotes:

Marion: Getting the money's not the problem Harry.
Harry Goldfarb: Then what's the problem?
Marion: I don't know what I'm going to have to do to get it.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Inside 'The Fountain': Death and Rebirth (2007) (V)

Soundtrack:

Bugs' Got a Devilish Grin Conga

Killer Performances by Ellen Burstyn...Darren Aronofsky: Stanley Kubrik has called for you to pull up a chair!

Oh my, where shall I begin? Experimental film making bursts into mainstream in this dramatic tail of 4 people who find themselves spiraling down the abyss, after experiencing a rendez-vous with the inevitable consequences attributed to drug use and the ill effect it has on its addicts. This one has no happy ending. There's no sugar coating here. Albeit this film packs a harsh, blunt, and sometimes overwhelmingly genuine depiction of the havoc drug addiction can reap on its victims. Despite the disturbing message of the film, I never the less couldn't help but remain fascinated with it's experimental/avant-guard visual style: A smooth, elaborate and languid progression of cinematic eye candy orchestrated to almost resemble a shockumentary, complemented by an impressive and well composed soundtrack. Some of the visual techniques were similar to the ones Aronofsky used in his directorial debut "Pi", such as split-screen shots and the use of body cameras filmed at varying speeds. At times, the film seemed more like an acid trip than a feature film. A cry for help is clearly felt throughout the film, from its innocent and promising start, to its hauntingly chilling conclusion. The one scene that really blew me away was the scene where Marion (played by Jennifer Connelley) had just sold her body off for a bag of heroin...As she walks out the door of the apartment, along the corridor, into the elevator, down to the street: one can't help but feel the characters disgust with herself, filthy to the core, what it must feel like at..."ZERO". The acting performances, especially by both Ellyn Burstyn and Marlon Wayans are simply breakthrough performances that earned critical acclaim across the board. Enough said. If this review alone does not compel you to experience the Film, I will just have to spell it out: PLEASE EXPERIENCE THIS FILM - it may cause an uneasy stomach, but is well worth it - YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!! 11 out of 10.