Requiem For A Dream
Cry hard with a vengeance.

See what starring in in Scary Movie will do to a guy?

Requiem for a Dream, the sophomore effort from Pi writer/director Darren Aronofsky, is a movie so uncompromisingly honest in its examination of human frailty that it becomes almost unbearable to watch. It's the story of addiction -- not so much physical cravings for drugs or food, although those compose the bulk of the narrative, but an addiction to the notion of a happier life, a better future. The bleak and depressing nature of the film will undoubtedly be commented on upon its release this September, but what makes Requiem so unique is that, more than anything, it's a parable of hope. For anyone who has ever clung to a dream in spite of the odds, Requiem offers no consolation, no affirmation, but just a dark reminder that maybe things won't be okay -- maybe you're just kidding yourself, and probably killing yourself while you bide your time. Requiem for a Dream exposes all human defense mechanisms against the pain of reality -- any illusions of a happier future, and any means to escape the less attractive present -- as little more than a furthering of that heartache.

This is Jared Leto...

So yes, it's incredibly painful, but also very well-acted, imaginatively directed, and, although surreal, neither melodramatic or over-the-top. Based on the Hubert Selby novel Last Exit to Brooklyn, Requiem for a Dream tells the story of Sara Goldfarb -- wonderfully played by Ellen Burstyn -- an aging widow who, in the film's opening scenes, receives a phone call telling her she's going to be on a game show. Thrilled by this opportunity like nothing else has since the death of her husband, Sara becomes obsessed with the show, daydreaming -- often through a hazy, amphetamine-induced hallucination -- of herself back in her prime, husband by her side, son cheering from the crowd. It is a saddening, unflinching look at old age and loneliness, and Burstyn gives it everything she's got, bringing her once amiable old lady through a horrifying transformation. This is by far the most gutsy and compelling female performance I have seen all year, and if Burstyn doesn't get an Academy nod for this, I'll be shocked.

And this is Jared Leto on drugs. Any questions?

Sara's son is played by Jared Leto, who finally found a role worthy of his ability. While everyone in the movie pales against Burstyn, Leto is great as Harry, an addicted drug dealer whose heroin fixation leads to dire consequences. Initially I was put off by the portrayal of Harry and his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), as it seemed too glamorous and unrealistic, but by the film's conclusion it only added depth to their downfall. Connelly, by the way, is very good in probably the weakest role of the film, and so is Marlon Wayans as Harry's best friend, proving he should leave the Scary Movie crap behind and explore his dramatic talents further. Aronofsky shot Requiem in a heightened, surreal style very different from Pi but just as distinctive, and as a result, everything has a sort of exaggerated quality that is eerily juxtaposed against the personal nature of the material. The dreamy look of the film also suits the subject matter, which veers from fantasy to reality to nightmare so seamlessly it's hard to tell the difference -- and that's kind of the point.

The most laudable talent in Requiem, however, is Aronofsky, who shows more range but just as much skill and creativity as he did in Pi. Now granted, this isn't the kind of movie that should generally inspire thoughts like, "I really hope this guy takes over the Batman franchise!", but it did, nevertheless. While Aronofsky has never made a genre film, he tends to be adored in the sci fi/horror community, for he is a filmmaker much more willing to take risks and take long, dark looks at the human psyche than his contemporaries. This man makes smart, unique, visually innovative films, the kind that haven't been seen in the genre world for some time. I'd love to see him take on a sci fi film or the Batman franchise (as is rumored), but whatever his next project is, I know I'll be first in line.

DROOL FACTOR: Jared Leto, baby. Sure, he starred on My Show Called Like, and sure, it takes a really superficial person to start mooning over some guy in a movie of this nature but... well, you fill in the blanks.

GROSS-OUT FACTOR: Many scenes of heroin use and the aftereffects of which are fairly graphic, but the movie is more sad and disturbing than superfluously gory.

STRONG CHICK FACTOR: The point of the film is to examine human weakness, but in terms of great female roles, Ellen Burstyn's character of Sara Goldfarb is one of the most interesting parts for a woman in years.

-- Sarah Kendzior

Requiem for a Dream releases nationwide on October 6th.

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