Review of Requiem for a Dream (2000) by Filipeneto — 04 Mar 2018

In this film, the dreams of an American family will be transformed into his own doom, as they turn into deadly addictions. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, it has a screenplay by Hubert Selby Jr. and the participation of Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly.

This is one of the most disturbing films I've seen. But this is not a defect. In fact, its the greatest quality of this film: it changes the way we think. Shocking and assertive, it shows how a person is able to dispose of their own luck, focusing on what he want and wasting the good things he already have. And the more disturbing becomes when we recognize, in the attitudes of the characters, our own attitudes or people we know. Decidedly, its a film that puts anyone thinking, it was made for this and not as entertainment.

The script is exceptional, the concept is innovative. The way the director drove all the work is very competent and was decisive for the final result. Speaking about final, the end of the film is disturbing and not recommended for sensitive people, as well as several other scenes. The actors performance is good, particularly Ellen Burstyn, who is unrecognizable in her role. The sets and costumes are regular. The photography is excellent, becoming darker and sinister as the characters go "down the pit". The soundtrack, by Clint Mansell, is one of the most powerful and disturbing in recent cinema, having been numerous times reused in various other artistic works, films, journalistic works etc.