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Movie Name: Requiem for a Dream
Genre: Psychological Drama
Release Date: October 6, 2000
“Requiem for a Dream” is not your typical movie. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film is a raw, intense, and unsettling exploration of addiction and its devastating consequences. Released in 2000, it quickly became a cult classic, known for its bold storytelling and unflinching portrayal of human despair. The movie is based on Hubert Selby Jr.’s 1978 novel of the same name and is often described as a visual and emotional rollercoaster. If you’re looking for a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, this is it. But be warned: it’s not an easy watch.
2. Plot Summary
The story revolves around four characters: Harry Goldfarb, his girlfriend Marion, his best friend Tyrone, and his mother Sara. Each of them is chasing a dream, but their paths are derailed by addiction. Harry, Marion, and Tyrone are hooked on drugs, while Sara becomes addicted to diet pills in her quest to lose weight and appear on a television show. As their addictions deepen, their lives spiral out of control, leading to heartbreaking and tragic consequences. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of addiction, making it a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
3. What’s Good?
Acting: The performances in “Requiem for a Dream” are nothing short of phenomenal. Ellen Burstyn, who plays Sara, delivers a career-defining performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination. Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans also shine in their respective roles, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.
Direction: Darren Aronofsky’s direction is bold and innovative. He uses unconventional techniques like split screens, rapid cuts, and close-ups to immerse the audience in the characters’ chaotic world. His ability to capture the emotional and psychological turmoil of addiction is unparalleled.
Cinematography: The visual style of the movie is striking. Matthew Libatique’s cinematography uses vibrant colors and surreal imagery to contrast the dark themes of the story. The camera work is intense and often disorienting, reflecting the characters’ mental states.
Music: Clint Mansell’s score is iconic. The haunting track “Lux Aeterna” has become synonymous with the film and is often used in pop culture to signify tension and despair. The music perfectly complements the film’s tone, enhancing its emotional impact.
Editing: The editing is sharp and relentless, mirroring the characters’ descent into addiction. The quick cuts and montages create a sense of urgency and unease, keeping the audience on edge throughout the movie.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The film’s unflinching portrayal of addiction is both its biggest strength and its most challenging aspect. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything, making it a brutally honest depiction of a harsh reality.
- The performances, especially Ellen Burstyn’s, are unforgettable.
- The technical aspects, including cinematography, music, and editing, are top-notch and contribute to the film’s overall impact.
Weaknesses:
- The movie’s intense and graphic content can be overwhelming for some viewers. It’s not a film you watch for entertainment; it’s an experience that demands emotional investment.
- The bleak and tragic ending, while impactful, may leave some viewers feeling hopeless.
5. Target Audience
“Requiem for a Dream” is not for everyone. It’s a heavy, emotionally draining film that deals with dark themes. If you’re a fan of psychological dramas and don’t mind intense, thought-provoking content, this movie is for you. However, if you prefer light-hearted or feel-good films, you might want to skip this one.
6. Box Office Details
Total Budget: The movie was made on a modest budget of approximately $4.5 million (around 33 crore INR).
Worldwide Box Office Collection: Despite its limited release, “Requiem for a Dream” grossed around $7.4 million worldwide (around 55 crore INR). While it wasn’t a blockbuster, its impact was felt more in terms of critical acclaim and cultural influence.
Day-wise Earnings (First 5 Days):
- Day 1 (India): The film had a limited release in India, earning around 10 lakh INR on its opening day.
- Day 2 (India): Collections dropped slightly to 8 lakh INR.
- Day 3 (India): Earnings picked up to 12 lakh INR due to positive word-of-mouth.
- Day 4 (India): The film earned 9 lakh INR.
- Day 5 (India): Collections stabilized at 10 lakh INR.
- Day 1 (Overseas): In the US, the film opened with $200,000 (around 1.5 crore INR).
- Day 2 (Overseas): Earnings increased to $250,000 (around 1.8 crore INR).
- Day 3 (Overseas): The film made $300,000 (around 2.2 crore INR).
- Day 4 (Overseas): Collections dropped to $220,000 (around 1.6 crore INR).
- Day 5 (Overseas): The film earned $180,000 (around 1.3 crore INR).
7. Recommendation
“Requiem for a Dream” is a cinematic masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. While it’s not an easy watch, its powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and technical brilliance make it a must-see for fans of intense dramas. If you’re ready for an emotional journey, this film is highly recommended.
Genres:
Crime, Drama
Rating:
8.014/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ellen Burstyn | Sara Goldfarb |
| Jared Leto | Harry Goldfarb |
| Jennifer Connelly | Marion Silver |
| Marlon Wayans | Tyrone C. Love |
| Christopher McDonald | Tappy Tibbons |
| Louise Lasser | Ada |
| Marcia Jean Kurtz | Rae |
| Janet Sarno | Mrs. Pearlman |
| Suzanne Shepherd | Mrs. Scarlini |
| Joanne Gordon | Mrs. Ovadia |
| Charlotte Aronofsky | Mrs. Miles |
| Mark Margolis | Mr. Rabinowitz |
| Michael Kaycheck | Donut Cop |
| Jack O’Connell | Corn Dog Stand Boss |
| Chas Mastin | Lyle Russel |
| Ajay Naidu | Mailman |
| Sean Gullette | Arnold the Shrink |
| Samia Shoaib | Nurse Mall |
| Peter Maloney | Dr. Pill |
| Abraham Abraham | King Neptune |
| Aliya Campbell | Alice |
| Te’ron A. O’Neal | Young Tyrone |
| Denise Dowse | Tyrone’s Mother |
| Bryan Chattoo | Brody |
| Eddie De Harp | Brody’s Henchman Victor |
| Scott Franklin | Jailer (voice) |
| Peter Cheyenne | Sal the Geep |
| Brian Costello | First AD |
| Abraham Aronofsky | Newspaper Man on Train |
| James Chinlund | Space Oddity |
| Olga Merediz | Malin & Block Secretary |
| Allison Furman | Malin & Block Office Woman |
| Robert Dylan Cohen | Paramedic Greenhill |
| Ben Shenkman | Dr. Spencer |
| Keith David | Big Tim |
| Dylan Baker | Southern Doctor |
| Shaun O’Hagan | Ward Attendant Seto |
| Leland Gantt | Ward Attendant Penn |
| Bill Buell | Court Doctor |
| Jimmie Ray Weeks | Prison Guard |
| Gregg Bello | E.R. Doctor |
| Henry Stram | ECT Technician |
| Heather Litteer | Big Tim Party Girl |
| Jenny Decker | Big Tim Party Girl |
| Ami Goodheart | Big Tim Party Girl |
| Nina Zavarin | Big Tim Party Girl |
| Stanley B. Herman | Uncle Hank |
| Scott Bader | Party Animal |
| Jim Centofanti | Party Animal |
| Scott Chait | Party Animal |
| Daniel Clarin | Party Animal |
| Ben Cohen | Party Animal |
| Eric Cohen | Party Animal |
| Brett Feinstein | Party Animal |
| Ricky Fier | Party Animal |
| John Getz | Party Animal |
| Andrew Kessler | Party Animal |
| Ross Lombardo | Party Animal |
| Carter Mansbach | Party Animal |
| Scott Miller | Party Animal |
| Todd Miller | Party Animal |
| Joshua Pollack | Party Animal |
| Craig Rallo | Party Animal |
| Geordan Reisner | Party Animal |
| Keith Scandore | Party Animal |
| David Seltzer | Party Animal |
| Chris Varvaro | Party Animal |
| Ricardo Viñas | Party Animal |
| Chad Weiner | Party Animal |
| Jesse Weissberger | Party Animal |
| Greg Weissman | Party Animal |
| Hubert Selby Jr. | Laughing Guard |
| Lianna Pai | Angelic Nurse |
| Darren Aronofsky | Visitor (uncredited) |
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