Requiem for a Dream (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]

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by: barry (Boston, MA United States)
on: Friday, 22-October-2010

The first thing that needs to be said is that REQUIEM FOR A DREAM is honest and raw. Nothing is held back here. It is not a story told to lightly touch on the subject of addiction. Instead the entire film is living in the life of an addict with nothing held back. Being in recovery I see how true to life this film is. It starts right off with our main characters using. We have Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly all giving the performances of a lifetime. The characters are likable and shown in enough of a perspective that we can care for them but the downward spiral that will continue throughout the fim begins right at the start. Jared and Jennifer are boyfriend and girlfriend shooting up to escape, get a high or just relax. Ellen Burstyn is the mother who goes to the doctor to get pills to help loose weight. All starts innocent enough but the film quickly turns into the never ending descent into hell that is the life of an addict. It realistically shows how what one thinks is a chosen act for escape becomes a psychological and physical addiction for which the user will do anything. The hell they endure is self inflicted but they cannot stop due to the addiction. This movie is scarier than any thriller or stalker film for it is about real life. Many dont want to see or even imagine the life of a true drug addict and the ends to which our characters go to get their drug gets more and more horrific as the film goes on. The scariest part of it is that it is all a realistic portrayal of the life of an addict. There is no joy here. The film is a descent into hell and it ends with a wallop. For most one viewing will be enough for this film. It is a masterpiece but how often does one choose to go to hell.

On the other side, this film truly is a masterpiece. Even though it is 10 years old it is the most honest, realistic depiction of drug addiction ever on film. The reason to view this film again is the amazing performances by the main three and the superb directing by Darren Aronofsky. The blu ray transfer is amazing. You would never guess that the film is 10 years old and the transfer makes all the colors crisper and video more vivid. The audio is amazing. Bottom line, the blu ray transfer holds strong to the integrity of the film. It is grainy where need be and the clarity to the rest brings the message and horror of this film that much stronger. I highly recommend this film. Be prepared and aware of what you will be viewing. This is a tough fim to watch - bottom line. But it is an amazing film and when a film so honestly and truthfully tackles such a difficult subject you must view it. And as I said, you will be so awe struck by the performances that you may want to view it again. The blu ray version is superb. The film is hardcore and an experience you will never forget. Highly recommend.

by: To (United States)
on: Friday, 24-September-2010

This is NOT a cheerful movie, it is certainly not a movie that will bring you to laughter or Joy. Its a very deep, dark movie that presents a very dark subject that is unfortunately very common among people in our society... Addiction. Its not just Drugs, its also food, Sex and Diet pills. The story is heartbreaking, and really disturbing at times since it portrays the life of an addict and the path his addiction finally leads him to.

The Movie follows the lives of four people (each with an addiction) & each will go too far just to get more of the addictive materials hes on. This movie is really strong & powerful some people may not understand it, but I think it somehow represents the daily life of an addict & how addiction can destroy your life. It also has a sad love story.

The only way you can get into the movie is by watching it, I give it 4.5 Stars because I just didnt like the ending.

by: Sergio Oses Puchkov (CR)
on: Friday, 24-September-2010

This movie is based on the novel of Hubert Selby Jr. and directed by Darren Aronofsky, one of the most talented people in the film industry. Theres no happiness in life without suffering, and not always things play out the way we want, sometimes distorted expectations or false goals will keep us from finding true peace.

This story exposes the life or 4 individuals, each one striving to achieve happiness through materialism, and its this blind quest for their dream what ultimately destroys them in a cruel and sad way; its really impossible not to feel empathy about these characters, because its on their own hands to turn around from the path of grievance, but as story comes to conclusion theres no happy ending for them; hence the title requiem for a dream.

by: C. CRADDOCK (Bakersfield)
on: Thursday, 16-September-2010

Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) loves to watch her TV, and she loves her son Harold (Jared Leto). The trouble is, Harrys a junkie; whenever hes jonesing for junk he and his partner Tyrone C. Love (Marlon Wayans) take Saras TV to Coney Island and pawn it. All the yentas (Louise Lasser, et al) on Saras block know that Harry steals her TV, but Sara wont turn him in. Even the pawn broker, Mr. Rabinowitz (Mark Margolis), wonders why she lets him get away with it time after time.

Once she gets her TV back shell most likely be watching an infomercial by Tappy Tibbons (Chris McDonald). It seems like hes always on. Like a poor mans Tony Robbins he whips the crowd into a frenzy--and there are prizes. He claims his regimen will change your life. All you have to do is stay on it for 30 Days of Fury. He sells motivational DVDs. Sara Goldfarb is happy just to watch it on TV, but then she gets a phone call that says they want her to be on the show.

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Sara Goldfarb: Harold, Im gonna be on Television.
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She gets carried away by the idea of being on TV. It is kind of ironic to have Ellen Burstyn playing this role, because she is a veteran actress from the Golden Age of Television. Shes been on TV a lot. Burstyn has had 5 Oscar nominations and won the lead actress Oscar for Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore. Sara Goldfarb, on the other hand, has never been on TV. Sara Goldfarb gets so taken by the very idea of being on television that she goes on a diet so she can fit into her red dress. An unscrupulous doctor prescribes pills that get her hooked, just like her son, Harry--but with the extreme side effect of psychosis and paranoia.

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Sara Goldfarb: And you should see my Harry on Television. Were giving the prizes away. I JUST WANTED TO BE ON THE SHOW.
====================

Requiem for a Dream is mainly about Sara and Harry Goldfarb, Harrys friend Tyrone C. Love, and Harrys girlfriend, Marion Silver (Jennifer Connelly). Gold, Silver, and Love. At first they all have gleaming bright dreams, but everything goes dark.

This film is based upon a book by Hubert Selby Jr.. He also wrote Last Exit to Brooklyn, and that was made into a film years ago. Selby has had a hard life and his writing is very dark. Very, very dark. There are a couple of conversations with him in the bonus material on the DVD. Selby didnt use any apostrophes in Last Exit to Brooklyn. He would write dont instead of dont. I thought that it was kind of an affectation, but nevertheless, his writing holds a dark power. However, no matter how dark it gets, there is always compassion for the characters. Though Harry has pawned his moms TV so many times theyve lost count, once he gets ahead, he buys her a new TV.

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Sara Goldfarb: I love you, Harry.
Harry Goldfarb: I love you too, Mom.
====================

But this is a Hubert Selby Jr. story, so you know the good times wont last for long.

The Bottom Line is that Director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, The Fountain, The Wrestler) was true to the spirit of Hubert Selby Jr.s book, and the performances by Burstyn, Leto, Connelly, and Wayans, as well as the other cast members, were excellent. Aronofsky shows the exhilaration, but isnt stingy showing the high price they will pay. For that reason the last half of the movie grows increasingly grim, and it may be disturbing. I recommend it with caution.

Pi (1998) Written & Directed by Darren Aronofsky; Mark Margolis was Sol Robeson; Sean Gullette was Maximillian Cohen; Ben Shenkman was Lenny Meyer
Last Exit to Brooklyn (Import, All Regions) (1989) (book by Hubert Selby Jr.) Hubert Selby Jr. was Car Driver
How to Make an American Quilt (Ws) (1995) Ellen Burstyn was Hy Dodd; Jared Leto was Beck
Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore (1974) Ellen Burstyn was Alice Hyatt
Fight Club (1999) Jared Leto was Angel Face
Labyrinth (1986) Jennifer Connelly was Sarah
White Chicks (Unrated and Uncut Edition) (2004) Marlon Wayans was Marcus Copeland
Thelma & Louise (1991) Christopher McDonald was Darryl
Reality Bites (1994) Keith David was Roger
The Opening of Misty Beethoven DVD Constance Money Unrated 1976 (1976) (uncredited) Mark Margolis was Unhappy Guy on Plane

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Big Tim: I know its pretty baby, but I didnt take it out for air.
====================

by: m.gper (United States)
on: Wednesday, 8-September-2010

dischordant arrangement of the parts of a work of art in relation to each other and to the whole

requiem for a dream

institutionalization
prostitution
incarceration
separation

isolation

death song for dreams
composition for chaos

brilliant.

by: Itsoutthere (United States)
on: Wednesday, 1-September-2010

I got introduced to Jared Leto through his band 30 Seconds to Mars and ever since Ive wanted to see this movie. Sure enough, I saw it for the first (and only) time several months ago. You can tell its a completely different movie the second the DVD screen comes up. As for the movie itself...holy, holy cow. I think most of us would not want to see it again. Is it good? Yes, it is. Is it too good? Yes. And thats exactly why most of us would say no to a second viewing...

Its brutal, nightmarish and very, very real. Darren Aronofsky has pushed us to the limits of what is acceptable in movies and what crosses the line. Because its unrated, it serves as a well-deserved warning to the general public. Some people probably wont be able to see it through to the end because its so extreme. My mother couldnt. But even though its extreme, it still remains a very realistic demonstration of the mechanics of addiction, volatile hope and complete destruction. I have to agree with Jeff Shannon on this movie when he says here on the product page, Requiem for a Dream is a noteworthy film, but watching it twice would qualify as masochistic behavior.

by: Itsoutthere (United States)
on: Wednesday, 1-September-2010

I got introduced to Jared Leto through his band 30 Seconds to Mars and ever since Ive wanted to see this movie. Sure enough, I saw it for the first (and only) time several months ago. You can tell its a completely different movie the second the DVD screen comes up. As for the movie itself...holy, holy cow. I think most of us would not want to see it again. Is it good? Yes, it is. Is it too good? Yes. And thats exactly why most of us would say no to a second viewing...

Its brutal, nightmarish and very, very real. Darren Aronofsky has pushed us to the limits of what is acceptable in movies and what crosses the line. Because its unrated, it serves as a well-deserved warning to the general public. Some people probably wont be able to see it through to the end because its so extreme. My mother couldnt. But even though its extreme, it still remains a very realistic demonstration of the mechanics of addiction, volatile hope and complete destruction. I have to agree with Jeff Shannon on this movie when he says here on the product page, Requiem for a Dream is a noteworthy film, but watching it twice would qualify as masochistic behavior.

by: Geo (United States)
on: Monday, 30-August-2010

Great quality, shipped rapidly and am very pleased with the service. I have ordered other dvds from other sellers and had to send them back because there was no image or it was defected. I am very thrilled with the quality. Thank you.

by: Abdul Fazrul (Malaysia)
on: Sunday, 29-August-2010

I dont really know how to review this movie. Its weird but good. No purpose in the story, just the journey... Sit back and enjoy the ride.

by: KWLT Studios (United States)
on: Wednesday, 14-July-2010

great movie shows the affects of how many addictions can drive us crazy if we let our lives become unmanageable

by: Robin Simmons (Palm Springs area, CA United States)
on: Tuesday, 13-July-2010

Darren Aronofsky follows his stunning debut film with this brilliant, electrified look at addiction. What will be long remembered, is the stupendous, raw, brilliant, performance of Ellen Burstyn as a lonely, plump, widowed mother hooked on diet pills and TV. Jared Leto is her son and Jennifer Connelly is his beautiful girlfriend. Marlon Wayans is Jareds best friend.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Hubert Selby, this deeply disturbing film adaptation burns itself into your heart and mind as these four individuals become possessed by something beyond themselves where their dreams become nightmares of dark desire.

The disc is a very crisp transfer with a multitude of special features that include two commentary tracks, one by director Aronofsky and another by cinematographer Matthew Libatique. In addition, Ellen Burstyn interviews author Selby, theres a making-of documentary, deleted scenes with commentary, anatomy of a scene, production notes and more. Highly recommended. F

by: Laura Sullivan (California, USA)
on: Saturday, 22-May-2010

My favorite movie of all time! I must have seen it over a hundred times. A definite must see film!

by: Rudy Apffel (Oakland, CA)
on: Friday, 21-May-2010

This is a pretentious attempt to re-tell a 60s-70s gritty-realism tale (a la Panic in Needle Park and Play it as it Lays) about people we would be interested in who are trying to score a little extra-something from life but who are doomed by personal innocence-stupidity and by evolving social history over which they have no control. Requiem for a Dream is about 4 people who are simply losers, 4 people without insight, education, technical skills, employment history or prospects. 3 of them have very good looks. 1 of them is interesting as a person. In the real world they all would live out ordinary parasitic-creditcard-debt-ssi-unhappy lives and then die without notice beyond friends and family. Instead, they are artistically shown in this movie falling prey to demon-selfdelusions then demon-drugs, and then coming to the ends of their individual ropes (the demons no help), and then dying (as we all knew they would). In this movie neither the writer nor the director seems to be aware of any character-moral difference between the three 20-something characters and the one 60-something character (Ellen Burstyn). All the characters are portrayed as hapless, witless, brainless, pathetic victim-losers.
A movie reflects the mentality of the director, as a book reflects that of the writer (lets leave out art). My conclusion is that Selby (the writer) and Aronofsky (the director) knew little of life when they concocted this phony tear-jerker together.
I remember when this movie came out: it was said that the anonymity of the 4 characters was the point. But in fact the point was Ellen Burstyn. Her non-anonymity. 3 stars for a vapid historical yawn of a wannabe tear-jerker that was able to snag Ellen Burstyn: shes in it from almost beginning to almost end

by: Eric S. Kim (Southern California)
on: Monday, 3-May-2010

This has got to be one of the most powerful (and most visually disturbing) movies to have ever come out of the 2000s. Its more than just a film; its a piece of reality. Dreams are formed, desired, and shattered (hence the title of the film). Its a stunning piece of work, and a depressing one. Those who have weak stomachs (or had just had a rough day on the job) should probably stay away from Requiem for a Dream. I personally wasnt depressed by it, but I did care for the characters as they force themselves to make some very bad decisions in life (Im not going to give the ending away, I promise). All of the actors (especially Ellen Burstyn) are terrific; they are perfectly cast for their roles, and nothing affects their performances. Director Darren Aronofsky has done splendidly with this one. He knows how to create a hardcore drama with his use of quick shots and lighting. All in all, this is a powerful film, and it deserves the high praise that its continuously receiving as of today. Congratulations to Aronofsky, the cast, and the crew.

Grade: A

by: Cameron Savage (CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA, US)
on: Sunday, 2-May-2010

Any high school teachers and/or D.A.R.E. officers out there? Show your kids this movie and theyll be scared sh*tless to even mention drugs ever again. But a good movie to watch regardless.

by: Heather Herr (United States)
on: Wednesday, 28-April-2010

The scariest movie I have ever seen involves no ghosts nor zombies, psycho killers nor mutant spiders. Instead, it tells the story of four confident individuals connected by friendship, love, and family who all share a common goal - to finally make their biggest dreams come true. For some that dream is to obtain a pound of pure, while for another it is to appear on television. The film follows each character and their whimsical reveries as their lives, both present and future, are overtaken by a whirlwind of drug addiction.

Requiem For a Dream, from director Darren Afronofsky and writer Hubert Selby Jr., is one of the finest examples of cinematography I have seen, unmatchable in its concept and delivery. Unlike many movies adapted from novels, it does not fail to portray the story effectively. Instead, with its captivating score from Clint Mansell, including the stunning Lux Aeterna, it introduces another dimension not available in the book. The music is as much a part of the movie as the story itself. When the pictures fade, the melodies replay themselves over and over, tearing into your heart note by note.

The cast certainly does not disappoint either. Actress Ellen Burstyn performs an outstanding job in her role of Sara Goldfarb, the TV addict who lives to eat and praise her son Harry. Burstyn becomes entirely immersed in her part as she delves into the horrifying realm of addiction and loss. Along on her journey are lovers Harry and Marion (Jared Leto and Jennifer Connely) and their close friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). Despite being an unusual role for these less experienced actors, they too do a superb job of transforming into their specific parts.

This film is no mere 100 minutes of entertainment. The plot is far from enjoyable and is rather slow at times. Nevertheless, it is a captivating, nightmarish tale executed with mastery. Requiem For a Dream is an exceptional example of the powers of film - the ability to express a sense of reality unlike any other art form. As you experience this story, it is impossible not to sympathize with one character after another. You witness their lives slowly shatter while they are torn apart from the people they love. It is a movie you beg to end, but are too hypnotized to stop yourself.

The most sickening, yet powerful part of this film is that what you see is no fantasy. The horrors of this tale are far from fiction. Even if it is not apparent in your life, it is in the world around you. The purpose of Requiem For a Dream is just that - a wake up call reminding people of the fragility of life, love, and the human mind. It is a film everyone should see, but few may want to expose themselves to this tragedy.

by: Dennis Yenn (Hollywood, CA USA)
on: Sunday, 18-April-2010

This is a not a review of the movie, we know how great it is already, but of the blu ray transfer. I did side by side comparison, and blu ray is absolutely stunning improvement from upscaled dvd (w/ HDMI). The extras/bonuses from the dvd are same on blu ray. However, I was more used to the menu layout in the dvd, hence Im keeping both copies.

Dreaming of this flick? Definitely a Requiem for blu ray copy.

by: Bindy Sue Frønkünschtein (under the rubble)
on: Wednesday, 3-March-2010

Hopes dashed. Dreams destroyed. REQUIEM FOR A DREAM follows four desperate addicts on their journey into self-annihilating oblivion. Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn from THE EXORCIST) lives a lonely, solitary life, trapped in the dull routine of growing old and dying. Her dream of being on television (her only companion) seems to be answered when a phonecall tells her that she has been chosen to appear on a gameshow. Theres only one problem. Sara no longer fits into her red dress! Thus begins the torture of dieting, which leads to pills, addiction, and ultimate destruction. Saras son (Jared Leto from AMERICAN PSYCHO, PANIC ROOM) is a heroin addict (among other substances). He and his friend (Marlon Wayans) just want to make that final big score so they can go straight. Unfortunately, life just doesnt work that way. Marian (Jennifer Connelly from DARK CITY, HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG) is the addicted girlfriend. Her dream of turning her dress designs into a career is torched by her own hunger for various pills and powders. This is the story of human weakness in the face of overwhelming temptation. When watching this, I was constantly reminded of my own flaws, and the fact that human beings, in mind or body, just arent made for the abuses we inflict on them. When you see the price that these people are willing to pay, youll see what I mean...

P.S.- This review is for the unrated, non-edited, complete version of DREAM. Dont ask me why I reviewed the edited version...

by: Madeline (United States)
on: Thursday, 18-February-2010

For most people who have ever considered trying harder drugs, such as speed or heroin, this movie will probably change their minds completely. Not that the movie is simply an anti-drug statement. Its so much more than that. Requiem For A Dream is an outstanding film, with interesting characters and an intricate, if not ultimately desolate, storyline. That being said, it is not something to watch with your family, or even some of your friends. Its disturbing, depressing, and will probably give you nightmares.

The film-making is unique, especially in the scenes where the characters are using. You never see any of the characters actually injecting, I think, but the series of shots shown instead are just as intimate. I found it fascinating. The acting is great; I was really surprised with Jared Letos performance. A couple years back, I was really into 30S2M. Eventually I noticed he had small parts in both Fight Club and American Psycho (two of my favorite films), but neither of the performances really displays his talent like Requiem For A Dream. Throughout the film, you see his life slowly deteriorate, and its painful to watch. In fact, this whole movie is painful to watch.

The emotions this movie brought out in me are hard to describe. I was really moved by this film, it was unlike anything Ive ever seen before. If youve ever suffered with an addiction, I think this film will appeal to you. It describes the misery of so many people around the world, and it does so with style. The ending is horrific, and if you dont lay awake after it, I worry about your sanity. Requiem For A Dream will undoubtably haunt me forever.

Fortunately, in my opinion, those kinds of films are the best. If you havent seen it, I dare you. Prepare to be shocked.