Originally posted by me on Genuis
I have just finished the most depressing movie i've ever seen. as noted by the subject line, that movie is Requiem for a Dream with Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
To start, i've never written a movie review, so bear with me. i'm just going to touch on the general because this movie needs to be seen without it being spoiled prior.
Here's the background: as i'm searching the movie coffers one day, i stumble upon a rather intriguing title, Requiem for a Dream. With my interest sparked, i decide to see what this movie is about and why the name sounds familiar. As i read a brief overview, i notice that Jennifer Connelly, who is an excellent actress, and Jared Leto, whom i haven't seen much work of, but have enjoyed some of his minor roles, are both in the movie. Then i notice that Marlon Wayans is also involved and i had some apprehension to watching another Scary Movie 1 or 2. Luckily, he has none of the badly acted, badly written toilet-humor shenanigans in this movie. In fact, he does a very good job in this film.
But i digress...after losing my interest in the movie because something better presented itself, i offhandedly ask Adam if he's ever heard or seen of this movie. His quote, if i remember correctly, was "I have and it was one of the most depressing movies i've ever seen. after watching, i wanted to kill myself." now that remark got me intrigued once again. What could be so depressing that even Adam would become depressed by it? One answer: Requiem for a Dream.
So now, after watching this movie, i understand what he meant. The camera shots, angles, "tricks," cinematography in general were simply beautiful. I haven't seen anything this innovative for a while (although i may have missed something because i tend to just watch movies over and over). The direction was equally good and the acting abilities of the three main characters were excellent...that's right, even Marlon Wayans. The soundtrack/score is almost haunting, but fitting to the style of the movie. I can still hear the violins of the main theme. In fact, i think i may try and find it somewhere because i liked the music that much.
Now why is it depressing? that i cannot tell you, you must find out for yourself. The one thing i can mention is that the movie brings about a sense of despair to the viewer...or at least i felt that. Not even freshly baked cookies (which i had made just for this viewing) could cure that despair, and i think that's one of the points the movie is trying to make: this is how bad these characters have it, and they cannot do anything about it.
With that said, i think the writing was excellent. it truly got the message across to me, though it brought me way down. So, if you want a very interesting movie, watch this. if you want a good, unique movie, watch this. if you are on anti-depressants or have been diagnosed with some psychological disorder that makes you susceptible to depression, you may not want to watch this...but it's a good movie in my eyes. on a side note, here's a little flavor of how odd the movie is.
Check it, yo...it's a good one. Grade is 9.8.
Posted by godemperor at July 30, 2003 04:25 PM