Requiem for a Dream is a Nightmare on Blu-Ray

Darren Aronofsky Makes Hubert Selby Jr.'s Novel Painful to Watch

Oct 10, 2009

Requiem For a Dream is fantastic. Possibly one of the greater film achievements in years. No one can enjoy it, though. They can only respect it.

When Darren Aronofsky's second film premiered in 2000 it was instantly slapped with the dreaded "NC-17." While the film is quite graphic, it is the emotional brutality conveyed both on screen and through Clint Mansel's now easily recognizable scoring that lends the film it's disturbing power.

Aronofsky (The Wrestler,Pi, The Fountain) and studio Lionsgate opted to forgo the ratings board and gave it a limited release to a handful of art house theatres. Critically acclaimed and momentously acted, the film landed Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore) an Oscar nod for her portrayal of Sara Goldfarb, a lonely widow who's anxiety over winning a chance appearance on TV sets into motion her tragic descent into addiction.

Actually, each of the film's four characters follow this same arc. Sara's son Harry (Jared Leto), his fashion designer girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), and his friend and "business partner" Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) each begin using drugs in a time of prosperity and hope, only to watch their dreams dissipate as their desires become addictions. Relentless in its portrayal of the depths people are capable of combing to feed what is killing them, it is one of the darkest and most uncompromising films to have ever been nominated by the Academy; a horror movie of the soul if there ever was one.

For any interested parties out there, Gaspar Noe's film Irreversible has much the same air of promise dashed to ruin, though his creation runs in reverse, a la Memento, and is, if it could be fathomed, an even more harrowing experience.

Worth the Blu-Ray Upgrade?

For an independent film already entering in to its second decade of life, Requiem for a Dream still looks quite impressive. Scenic Detail and close ups alike flourish in 1080P. The 7.1 lossless audio track is the real highlight, as the iconic music of the Kronos Quartet resonates through every scene, bringing each moment of desperation into painful sonic clarity. For collectors and Requiem enthusiasts, you can't beat the Blu-Ray's low price in comparison to most catalog titles coming out these days. For the uninitiated, high definition might be a rough way to try out a film that is already crystal clear about how vivid it intents to present the stark realities of addiction.

Blu-Ray Bonus Content

Two commentaries, one by director Darren Aronofsky, the other by director of photography Matthew Libaque. The Making of Requiem for a Dream documentary. Deleted scenes with optional director's commentary. Memories, Dreams, and Addictions: Ellen Burstyn interviews Hubert Selby Jr. Theatrical trailers and TV Spots

OTHER BLU-RAY REVIEWS

The copyright of the article Requiem for a Dream is a Nightmare on Blu-Ray in Indie Movie DVDs is owned by Sean Costa. Permission to republish Requiem for a Dream is a Nightmare on Blu-Ray in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.