1) Requiem For A Dream
Requiem For A Dream is widely hailed as acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky’s masterpiece – which is a bold statement considering his resume also boasts modern classics such as The Wrestler and Black Swan– but it’s that good. Despite its brilliant filmmaking, hallucinogenic-like cinematography, and unforgettable score from Clint Mansell, it’s a tough movie to get through once, let alone endure on repeat viewings.
There’s always a chance that you’re like me and are inexplicably drawn to depressing and morbid film experiences, but most viewers of Requiem For A Dream will wonder how anyone could find actual enjoyment from something so cold. This isn’t just a harrowing and realistic depiction of drug addiction, but a heavy reminder that an addiction of any kind can promptly set a life on a self-destructive course.
All of this is heightened by brilliantly methodical performances from Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn, and even Marlon Wayans. They are absolutely haunting, especially considering that they went to such extremities as ditching sugar from their diet for 30 days, all to further understand what a craving feels like. Jared Leto even went as far as befriending drug addicts. As for Ellen Burstyn, she was 100% robbed of an Oscar. No one that sees Requiem For A Dream will ever forget her scenes, hell, they’re realistically probably scarred for life from them.
It’s a riveting work of excellence that is sure to put viewers off from trying drugs for life, and in all fairness, that’s one profound statement. You may only want to watch it once, but its imagery and message will stay with you forever.
