Heads up - Requiem for a Dream now

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 9:56pm

If you want to see a stunning film, and I do mean STUN, and the performance which should have won Ellen Burstyn the oscar, it's on now, 10 pm on Showtime B.

This is one hell of a film. In the theater, no one moved an inch when it was over. It paralyzes you.

Oh-I'm in it, but you'll never know, lol.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 10:15pm

Shoot, we only have HBO. I've seen it before though but wouldn't mind seeing it again. It is riveting.

[tazber]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 10:48pm

It is a devestating film. I love it, but I have to be prepared to watch it again.

Jane, I remember you in it. Weren't you in the crowd at the "ass-to-ass" scene?

[StockardFan]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 10:51pm

It was a devastating film for sure. But amazing.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 10:51pm

I agree, Taz. It's hard to watch, although beautifully filmed. And it builds and builds to the devastating crescendo. I'm nervous to be watching it, actually.

lol, no, I was in the tv audience of the Juice program. Only I refused to participate, so I just sat there while everyone stood up and yelled out stuff.

[tazber]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 10:54pm

Yes, it does build to a crescendo. The final 20 minutes shook me to my core. I remember walking out of the theater and having to sit down in the Starbucks across the street to collect myself.

Ellen Burstyn...just amazing.

And what an amazing score. The music is like a character in itself.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 10:57pm

Exactly right about the final 20 minutes. they're hard to take. I'm not sure I'm going to watch it to the end.

And to think Burstyn lost to Julia Roberts. That's the biggest travesty.

[Q]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:00pm

Ok, I have to ask - why do this to yourself?

I'm NOT being my usual bitchy self, I'm honestly curious - what message is being imparted that makes experiencing the type of trauma you're describing ok?

[tazber]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:04pm

B/c it's incredibly moving.

[Q]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:06pm

I haven't seen it, so 'moving' in what way?

And for GOD'S SAKE, please plaster *****SPOILER ALERT***** like you're spewing sperm all over everything, just so no one gets in an uproar!

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:07pm

Because as a work of art it excels and I love art. I want to experience the accomplishments of this film, as I'm not as moved by too much else in world of films. I enjoy seeing acting and directing at its best.

As devastating as it is, it's thrilling. The message that it delivers is important enough to experience several times over.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:09pm

I agree with Q. This is a movie, regardless of its brilliance, that I just will not watch again because it did shake me to my core watching it. Ellen Burnstyn gives one of the best performances from an actress in recent memory, Marlon Wayans and Jared Leto have never given better performances before or after the film, and the structure of the film itself is claustrophobic with the close-ups, montages, and the hallucinations. It is just so well-done and I cannot bear to watch it again.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:09pm

I don't see where we've spoiled anything. And if our conversation causes anyone to go and watch the film out of curiosity, then great!

[Q]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:13pm

Jane - I wasn't referrencing anything in this thread, I was just mocking the stuff that sometimes gets thrown around these parts.

THAT would be my 'usual bitchy self'

And I completely understand the perspective you presented.

[tazber]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:13pm

Well obviously it's not something you watch when you want a light comedy.

But there is so much to appreciate in this film. The direction, the acting, the score.

Personally, I was completely involved in these characters, so watching their descent into hell was powerful and shocking.

Clearly it's not for everyone.

I'm sure you saw Boys Don't Cry, right? I find watching that film similar to the experience of Requiem.
Thought provoking, moving beyond words, and emotioanlly engaging.

[Q]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:16pm

Actually, Taz, I didn't see BOYS. I knew the story, and simply didn't want to experience that kind of emotional burial.

But I DO understand an appreciation of the art involved. I just can't dissociate from the emotional content, so I make choices.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:17pm

"And I completely understand the perspective you presented."

thanks Q.

And now I really shouldn't be posting while watching this. I want to be completely engrossed.

p.s. Taz, people should be warned that this is somewhat harder to take than Boys Don't Cry, although the scene acted by Swank in the police station after the rape was also one of the best acting I've ever seen.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/6/10 at 11:27pm

I couldn't take it so I changed the channel with 20 minutes to go. Oh well.

[Craww]

Posted: 2/7/10 at 12:03am

I hated this movie. My sister and I...we tried. We watched three quarters of the film and still quit. I've never made it through that much of a film and decided not to stick it out, before or since.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/7/10 at 12:10am

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 2/7/10 at 2:23am

I just rented it from Netflix a couple of weeks ago and watched it again, twice.

It's a brilliant film.