Decrypded: Many people don't realize this, but it is based on a book; and in my opinion one can't fault this film for its "heavy handedness" as it follows the even more depressing book very well. (Yes, the book is even more depressing, it is by Hubert Selby) But yeah, I'm a huge Aronofsky fan, but I would definitely like to see him tackle some more light hearted stuff. I can see why people wouldn't like this movie, as it is pretty much meant to put you into a depression - but I don't think anyone can say its a bad film. People write their thesis on this movie, so we could go on about it in a really in depth study, but I'll say that I'm just a fan, as much as you can be of such a depressing movie. Also, one of the most re-used soundtracks ever, by Clint Mansell, who also did the music for Moon which was almost as wonderful.
Many people don't realize this, but it is based on a book; and in my opinion one can't fault this film for its "heavy handedness" as it follows the even more depressing book very well. (Yes, the book is even more depressing, it is by Hubert Selby)
But yeah, I'm a huge Aronofsky fan, but I would definitely like to see him tackle some more light hearted stuff. I can see why people wouldn't like this movie, as it is pretty much meant to put you into a depression - but I don't think anyone can say its a bad film. People write their thesis on this movie, so we could go on about it in a really in depth study, but I'll say that I'm just a fan, as much as you can be of such a depressing movie.
Also, one of the most re-used soundtracks ever, by Clint Mansell, who also did the music for Moon which was almost as wonderful.
I agree with most of this. The movie is very well made and features exceptional performances drawn out by Aronofsky. Sadly, the the story and subject matter make this a watch a one time to see a well-made film, but never watch again for fear of eating a shotgun.
Goozex Forum Moderator
mafafu: Decrypded: Many people don't realize this, but it is based on a book; and in my opinion one can't fault this film for its "heavy handedness" as it follows the even more depressing book very well. (Yes, the book is even more depressing, it is by Hubert Selby) But yeah, I'm a huge Aronofsky fan, but I would definitely like to see him tackle some more light hearted stuff. I can see why people wouldn't like this movie, as it is pretty much meant to put you into a depression - but I don't think anyone can say its a bad film. People write their thesis on this movie, so we could go on about it in a really in depth study, but I'll say that I'm just a fan, as much as you can be of such a depressing movie. Also, one of the most re-used soundtracks ever, by Clint Mansell, who also did the music for Moon which was almost as wonderful. I agree with most of this. The movie is very well made and features exceptional performances drawn out by Aronofsky. Sadly, the the story and subject matter make this a watch a one time to see a well-made film, but never watch again for fear of eating a shotgun.
Ditto. I usually tell people that it's a well made film that I would never ever want to see again.
So I can't criticize the movie for being heavy handed, because it's based on a book?
Believe me, I wasn't trying to say it was a bad movie. It's just a movie that I never want to watch a second time, and didn't particularly like the the first time. I'm fully aware what the point of the movie was, and I recognize that it achieved everything it set out to do. It's mostly that I prefer anti-drug works that don't try to browbeat me with the issue, and ruin my day in the bargain.
I tried watching the movie about an hour ago and just couldnt get into it. Since I wasnt going to watch the rest of it I did some fast forward watching and right near the end bam some porn lol. Good thing the wife wasnt around as she would not have been impressed with that scene.
I just watched Requiem this weekend, and, it's one of the few films that I feel actually gets through to me. So many movies today revolve around the glorification of violence, sex, and drugs. Requiem for a Dream has all of those things, however; it uses these concepts in far more realistic terms. Drug use is shown as something that can lead to drug addiction. In turn, drug addiction can lead to irrational decisions based around violent and sexual ideologies.
It's as if the movie itself plays out like a druggie, where it begins in a state of euphoria, only to quickly spiral into oblivion and chaos.
I was blown away by this film.
MetroConfidential: I just watched Requiem this weekend, and, it's one of the few films that I feel actually gets through to me. So many movies today revolve around the glorification of violence, sex, and drugs. Requiem for a Dream has all of those things, however; it uses these concepts in far more realistic terms. Drug use is shown as something that can lead to drug addiction. In turn, drug addiction can lead to irrational decisions based around violent and sexual ideologies. It's as if the movie itself plays out like a druggie, where it begins in a state of euphoria, only to quickly spiral into oblivion and chaos. I was blown away by this film.
Damn. Straight.
ha ha yea, but the movie was real good and definitely portrayed the life of a herion addict accurately.
sagat93: ha ha yea, but the movie was real good and definitely portrayed the life of a herion addict accurately.
Don't forget coke heads and pill poppers
Not to play Devil's Advocate, but I thought this movie was awful... it was like watching a 2-hour PSA by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. There are plenty of films that chronicle the dark side of drug addiction much more capably than this.
I completely agree and disagree with all above comments.
I also felt that it seemed too much like a "Scared Straight" video. Yes, drugs are bad. Yes, drugs ruin your life. Yes, people who get into drugs often seem innocent but a little "messed up," especially when the drugs run out.
I think the movie is more powerful among those who have experimented with drugs, or who have friends who have had trouble with drugs. But yeah, I felt the film had much too singular of a focus -- Drugs and how they lead to the downfall of the characters. All of the other ideas in the film fall away to that singular focus, and I think it hurts the film overall.
As a film showcasing the downfall of individuals, it's certainly a powerful film. But there's little in the film to make you like the characters, so you pretty much expect bad things to happen to them at some point. Worse, when it does, you're more likely to feel disgust or repulsion rather than sympathy.
I actually just watched this movie for the first time two nights ago and I'm not going to lie, this thread influenced my decision to rent it from the library.
Cat in the walllll
You should have rented it from Goozex so i can get rid of my copy!
Jumping into this discussion a little late.
When I first watched this movie, the credits were rolling and my eyes were fixated on the screen with my mouth to the floor. This was one of the most powerful movies that I had ever seen. Never have I watched a movie that has left me depressed, disturbed and distraught like this one.
I DO NOT recommend this movie to anyone that can be easily disturbed. It is a very depressing movie about peoples lives crashing to rock bottom.
I loved it. Can't wait to see it again, but promised myself I would wait til I got it on Blu-ray.
That being said I'm next in line if someones ready to trade it up!
stripdshirt: Jumping into this discussion a little late. When I first watched this movie, the credits were rolling and my eyes were fixated on the screen with my mouth to the floor. This was one of the most powerful movies that I had ever seen. Never have I watched a movie that has left me depressed, disturbed and distraught like this one. I DO NOT recommend this movie to anyone that can be easily disturbed. It is a very depressing movie about peoples lives crashing to rock bottom. I loved it. Can't wait to see it again, but promised myself I would wait til I got it on Blu-ray. That being said I'm next in line if someones ready to trade it up!
Yeah. Definitely not a movie to show to anybody on suicide watch.