REQUIEM FOR A DREAM
BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JANUARY 14, 2014
Proving almost immediately in his career that he had a distinct eye for the surreal, Darren Aronofsky set the stage for his legacy with one of his first films, the unforgettable “Requiem For A Dream.” Starring the ultra-talented Jared Leto as the lead, Harry, his performance offers up one of the many best of his career. The entire cast produces award-worthy performances, including serious turns from Marlon Wayans and Jennifer Connolly. But the Oscar-nominated performance comes from Ellen Burstyn, who plays Harry’s mother, as she battles with weight loss pill addiction and the paranoia and hallucinations that come with it. “Requiem For A Dream” is best described as an acid trip, bringing the genre of drug films to a head, with every single character showing signs of addiction towards something, and all leading to unhealthy choices and impossible lifestyles, despite their best intentions. Aronofsky’s work has only gotten better, but this early film is the perfect stepping off point to capturing the essence of this filmmaker.
RELEASE DATE
October 6, 2000
DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky
WRITTEN BY
Hubert Selby Jr.
Darren Aronofsky
BASED ON
“Requiem for a Dream”
by Hubert Selby Jr.
STUDIO
Artisan Entertainment
R
(for intense depiction of drug addiction, graphic sexuality, strong language and some violence)
DRAMA
102 minutes
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Matthew Libatique
COMPOSER
Clint Mansell
EDITOR
Jay Rabinowitz
CAST
Ellen Burstyn
Jared Leto
Jennifer Connelly
Marlon Wayans
Christopher McDonald
Louise Lasser
Marcia Jean Kurtz
Janet Sarno
Mark Margolis
Jack O’Connell
PRODUCED BY
Eric Watson
Palmer West
BUDGET
$4.5 million
