Review of Requiem for a Dream (2000) by James L — 28 Oct 2017

Unrelenting look at the destructive power of addiction and obsession with an icing of social commentary about the powerful and powerless. Aronofsky's best film, in my opinion, with stellar performances by Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn and Marlon Wayans.

Aronofsky milks every scene for maximum emotion with incredible economy; few scenes last longer than a minute or two. But the editing is almost supernaturally effective, juxtaposing images of the collapse of four lives with terrific coherence.

A depressing movie, but disciplined in a way that Aronofsky hasn't managed before or since.