The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (DIRECTOR'S CUT)

"Everything's... all messed up..."

i think, but i'm not sure, that the scariest part of Requiem for a Dream is just how real it is. real in the way the film depicts its subject matter, real in the incredible acting done by the cast, and real because somewhere, right now, there is someone - probably a lot of people - going through this right now. this was around 2 hours of a constant gut punch to the head and stomach. and i could barely handle it for 120 minutes. and to think this is how some people lives years upon years of their lives? i... i can't begin to imagine.

i began to realize as the film pressed on that everyone has their own vices. and it seems, especially in 2010 America (and maybe everywhere), that most of the population is on drugs. it doesn't matter if the drugs are legal or illegal, everyone seems to be hooked on something. diet pills, weight gain, muscle relaxers, steroids, ADHD medication, NyQuil... anything and everything. and it doesn't even have to be a drug! as the film shows, it can just be a mentality, such focus on one thing that it could ruin your life. much like Sara in the film, her obsession with the television show she will one day be on leads to her obsession with fitting into an old red dress that her deceased loved to see her in, which leads to her getting diet pills and abusing them and slowly but surely having reality and fantasy gel together. (this part kind of reminded me of the story from "The Constant" episode of LOST ironically enough where to stay alive to have to differentiate from the two and Sara cannot).

and obsession also ruins the other characters in the film. after the film was over i sat for about 25 minutes wondering if Harry and Marion ever actually loved each other. maybe they did, but i got the impression (or at least the idea) that they were brought together via drugs and when the drugs were missing, they were at each others throats. now, that was probably just because of the withdrawal, but i still felt that they were only together because of their undying love and need for drugs and being high. i really felt this was the case when, in a sad and maddening turn Marion

[Show spoiler]sleeps with her psychiatrist to get money for drugs

it's incredibly sad what people will do to support a habit or way of life.

and that's what these people are doing: supporting a way of life. no matter what they must go through, no matter what they must live with, their own personal way of life is what matters most. and it doesn't matter who gets left behind or affected (Harry and Marion's relationship for example). what was really cruel is how Marion is more honest and loyal to the drugs than to Harry.

the only story i didn't feel connected to was Tyrone's (Marlon Wayans). we didn't really see him that much and aside from some mother issues we didn't really get to see him as devastated as the rest of his friends and Sara. yes, at the end he was still

[Show spoiler]in prison, alone, and suffering from withdrawal and the police knew and obviously didn't care because they see that all the time i'm sure

which was incredibly but the rest of the characters suffered far worse.

at times during the movie i thought, "okay, this isn't too depressing yet" but it sure did get there. the film worked like a roller coaster ride for me personally. it starts off slowly, nothing too bad, much like how a roller coaster car slowly goes to the top of the highest point before it drops and the ride really starts. and then once it really gets going, it's like getting thrown side to side in a speeding metal cart on rickety old wooden tracks. and i left feeling the same way: it was worth going on the ride (seeing the movie), but once it's over i said "i'm never seeing that again!" (i'm never going on that ride again)

and the last, i'd say 20 minutes or so? are incredibly hard to watch. mixed with the dementedly tragic score, there's no dialogue as we see the last downfall of these people's lives. from Harry getting the "worst" (as if there's a 'best' ) of the decisions he's made to what Marion puts herself through for drugs to Tyrone working in the prison and to Sara, who really is the most depressing story of the film because she did nothing wrong. she was simply looking forward to the tv show, and as she puts it, "it's something to smile about". and to see where she's left (where all of them are left) is shocking, horrifying, saddening and extremely tragic.

i used to believe that Blow had the saddest ending to any film i had seen (well, maybe it moved to #2 to make room for The Mist) but Requiem for a Dream is CLEARLY #1 now for "saddest, most depressing movie ending" and depressing movie in general.

-------------

ACTING: A+ i had no problems with anyone where. Jared Leto i've always felt is a terrific actor, and he should really stop doing the music thing because his band is pretty terrible, but acting wise he could be great. and i must mention Ellen Busrtyn (Sara). her performance was / is award worthy and i hope she at least got recognized for her character portrayal here.

DIRECTING: A+ the bizarre, brash and almost hypnotic off the wall directing matches extremely well with the story. some may hate the wild camera swings, the split camera shots and the shaking, but remember what this story is about. it's perfect for the look, feel and story.

SCORE: A+ i was surprised to learn that Clint Mansell did the score for RfaD. i loved his work for Moon and bought that soundtrack instantly. i may be doing the same for this later today. and 2 minutes after the movie started i said, "this is probably gonna be an awesome score" and then his name popped up and from start to finish, it was amazing. really added another disturbing dimension to the film.

CINEMATOGRAPHY / ATMOSPHERE: A+ on both. the dingy streets, the run down, crummy apartments, the colors... all of it is a success in making me feel like i need a shower now after finishing this gut wrenching film.

this is the type of film i never want to watch again, but i'm sure i will because of the great acting, wonderful directing, terrific score and truly depressing and realistic story. there were about six dozens scenes that made either think about wincing, actually did wince and / or had my jaw on the floor because it just kept getting worse and worse (by that i mean "more and more depressing"). a remarkably dark achievement.

no question about it:

5/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

why's that soooooo funny?!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

why's that soooooo funny?!

Your detailed castration was entertaining.

[Batman1980]

Nightmare on Elm Street 2010 4/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5
Not sure why it's so hated but I absolutely loved it and think it's much better than the original.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Nightmare on Elm Street 2010 4/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5
Not sure why it's so hated but I absolutely loved it and think it's much better than the original.

[Show spoiler]

after i finished this last night (gave it a 0/5) i was trying to think why people might enjoy this and i just couldn't think of anything. to each our own of course, but i found nothing redeemable here. and i'm not even that big a fan of the original. this was just a terrible movie imo

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Beauty & the Beast 2.5/5

why?????

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Your detailed castration was entertaining.

well hopefully it will help people decide to keep a few bucks and put it towards GOOD movies instead of this heap of trash

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (DIRECTOR'S CUT)

5/5

Glad you liked it.

In my book, Aronofsky hasnt put a foot wrong yet.

In my opinion, Harry and Marion did, truly and deeply love each other. And I think its important to hold that view in order to fully appreciate the loss. As they accidentally (nobody says "Hey, I'm going to become a heroin addict today") become more and more addicted to the dope, the relationship becomes secondary for both of them. Also, the pace at which each surrenders is not equal, causing further pain, then sense of loss, and ultimately resentment.

As HORRIBLE as the events are, its actually a beautiful film. If you can stomach it. You will pick up on all kinds of very subtle, poignant messages with repeat viewings. We miss them the first time because of the Shock-and-Awe assault on our minds and hearts.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

I didn't read all of this because I haven't seen it yet but I was hoping it would be somewhat decent. Sad to see it's not that good. I should be receiving it here shortly

I saw this in theaters and i like it more than the original. No one can act in slasher movies. The point is you wanna see them die especially teenagers. Freddy is darker in this one, he played around in the original this one is more serious and thats what i like about it. I can agree with his make up, the original was better and they way he became. Everything else is better in this remake IMO.

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Its not that bad.
If you liked other Nigtmare On Elm Street movies, you will like this too.

I Agree of course!

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

Well I didn't think it could be bad enough to rate it a 0/5, that's pretty harsh. I do like the other Nightmare on Elm Street movies though, they aren't the best but I get a kick out of watching them

No i'd give it a 4/5. Its scary enough to make you jump and its very dark! Thats all i was looking for.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Beauty & the Beast 2.5/5

I simply cannot agree with that score but then again it is one of my top 30 films of all-time.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Glad you liked it.

In my book, Aronofsky hasnt put a foot wrong yet.

In my opinion, Harry and Marion did, truly and deeply love each other. And I think its important to hold that view in order to fully appreciate the loss. As they accidentally (nobody says "Hey, I'm going to become a heroin addict today") become more and more addicted to the dope, the relationship becomes secondary for both of them. Also, the pace at which each surrenders is not equal, causing further pain, then sense of loss, and ultimately resentment.

As HORRIBLE as the events are, its actually a beautiful film. If you can stomach it. You will pick up on all kinds of very subtle, poignant messages with repeat viewings. We miss them the first time because of the Shock-and-Awe assault on our minds and hearts.

yeah, i can agree with the relationship i guess i just wondered about it because we don't know how it starts. we just pick up from when they're already neck high in drug use, so maybe they didn't start that way? maybe they did? but i definitely agree how they each fall apart at different times which causes them both a great deal of distress as different times. and when Harry calls her, you can really sense the loss, frustration and anger at the situation.

i don't know how quickly i'll re-watch this, but i'll definitely be buying it to add to my collection for when that time comes.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

No i'd give it a 4/5. Its scary enough to make you jump and its very dark! Thats all i was looking for.

have to disagree completely. just my opinion of course, but the scares are completely ridiculous and idiotic. they're all jump scares! that may work for some, but i've seen far too many to have that pass as something scary. and it's 'dark' for like, 10 minutes. the rest of the time it's just mystery about what happened.

i tried thinking of this as if i had never seen the original. you have no idea why Freddy is attacking them or the history behind that. and once you do, you're still not sure until the last 10 minutes or so.

not dark at all imo.

[antwonaj]

Cherry Tree Lane

This is hands down the worst of 2010.

The most stupidest characters I've seen and so idiotic. Also nothin' happens until the actual last minute of the film

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

I didn't read all of this because I haven't seen it yet but I was hoping it would be somewhat decent. Sad to see it's not that good. I should be receiving it here shortly

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Its not that bad.
If you liked other Nigtmare On Elm Street movies, you will like this too.

I heard the remake of the bed killing scene was "f***ing awesome" and makes it worth seeing alone. The original is one of my favorite horror movies, so I'm looking forward to seeing it as well.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I heard the remake of the bed killing scene was "f***ing awesome" and makes it worth seeing alone. The original is one of my favorite horror movies, so I'm looking forward to seeing it as well.

Yeah that scene was awesome, almost

[Show spoiler]expected him to rape her, sounded like he was really attracted to her.

[Denoku]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

I saw this in theaters and i like it more than the original. No one can act in slasher movies. The point is you wanna see them die especially teenagers. Freddy is darker in this one, he played around in the original this one is more serious and thats what i like about it. I can agree with his make up, the original was better and they way he became. Everything else is better in this remake IMO.


I Agree of course!


No i'd give it a 4/5. Its scary enough to make you jump and its very dark! Thats all i was looking for.

Good to hear some people like it.


Just watch Event Horizon

I loved it. Sci-Fi and Horror are probaly my favorite genres and mixed together is even better for me.

4/5

[Denoku]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I heard the remake of the bed killing scene was "f***ing awesome" and makes it worth seeing alone. The original is one of my favorite horror movies, so I'm looking forward to seeing it as well.

That was a lot of blood

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I heard the remake of the bed killing scene was "f***ing awesome" and makes it worth seeing alone. The original is one of my favorite horror movies, so I'm looking forward to seeing it as well.

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Yeah that scene was awesome, almost

[Show spoiler]expected him to rape her, sounded like he was really attracted to her.

did we watch the same movie Gandalf?!
the remake of the bed scene was like, 12 seconds and ridiculously underwhelming compared to the original. i don't like comparing remakes to originals, but man, the original bed scene was brutal, full of blood and was pretty freaky. the remake was way too short and there wasn't anything that made me do anything but chuckle. director really toned down the violence in that scene

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (DIRECTOR'S CUT)

5/5

Great review!

And you're right: we don't need to be addicted to hard drugs to identify here. Lots of people have addictions of some kind. *cough* blu-ray *cough*. Sure, the consequences are less severe, but its the same behavioral pattern: needing some kind of escape, to avoid the pain of reality. Best example in the film was Leto in the taxi cab after leaving his mom's: he's crying then takes a hit because he can't take the pain of reality. The problem is: once your "high" (be it a crack pipe hit or a blu-ray shopping spree) is done, your problems are still right there - and haven't gone anywhere

Like Squid, I find this film more rewarding than depressing after the initial shock viewing - as he put it. I've seen it over 10 times and honestly could watch it again tonight if my friends suggested it!

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

did we watch the same movie Gandalf?!
the remake of the bed scene was like, 12 seconds and ridiculously underwhelming compared to the original. i don't like comparing remakes to originals, but man, the original bed scene was brutal, full of blood and was pretty freaky. the remake was way too short and there wasn't anything that made me do anything but chuckle. director really toned down the violence in that scene

I simply hated the original, it bored me to tears, the re-make was much better to me, we're simply not going to agree. I like what I like, regardless of what others think.