150 Words About . . .REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (2000)

by James Newman

“Wait, that’s not a horror movie,” you say.  Dude, you must be high, like the doomed characters in Darren Aronofsky’s gut-wrenching adaptation of Hubert Selby’s novel.  Requiem for a Dream is a fright flick through and through, albeit one without a vampire, werewolf, or zombie in sight.  Here the monster is addiction, and when all is said and done this beast will swallow everyone whole . . . including sweet old Sarah Goldfarb, who will nearly bring you to tears every time she’s onscreen (thanks to an unforgettable performance from Ellen Burstyn of The Exorcist fame).  Jared Leto’s great too, as Sarah’s junkie son.  Jennifer Connelly will break your heart, and Marlon Wayans will surprise you with some serious acting chops.  Last but not least, The Thing’s Keith David shows up long enough to make the whole dirty mess even dirtier.

          Bleak.  Disturbing.  This one will scar you forever, man.