Review of Requiem for a Dream (2000) by Joe C — 04 Jan 2015

If Pi showed that Aronofsky was full of ideas, Requiem for a Dream showed not only did we not know the half of it, it proved Aronofsky had ability to drag you through Hell and still make you not regret taking the tour.

As you delve into the desperate and depressing lives of four pawns whose drug addiction unravels their sanity, Aronofsky toys with yours with his epilepsy-inducing direction. Requiem is a film you respect, not enjoy, as its hard-hitting message is delievered with immense power.

So much so that it is required viewing in some drug rehabs. Aronofsky's remarkably creative toy-box of technical tricks and that insane score (scariest use of violins since Psycho) help provide the film's big buzz amid its gripping pessimism.