Requiem for a Dream

About This Movie

Requiem for a Dream is one of those films that just sticks with you, you know? Aronofsky’s direction is relentless, and the pacing really mirrors the spiraling descent of the characters. The use of practical effects, especially during the drug sequences, is pretty groundbreaking and adds a raw edge that you don’t see much anymore. Ellen Burstyn delivers a haunting performance, transforming completely into her role, which really drives home the film's themes of addiction and despair. The score by Clint Mansell? It’s almost like a character itself, building this suffocating atmosphere. It’s a tough watch but in a way that feels like it demands your attention, making it distinctive in the early 2000s landscape.

Released by Artisan Entertainment, 2000. · Filmed in New York City, primarily in Coney Island. · Innovative use of split-screen and time-lapse techniques. · Burstyn was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress.