One of the films that ushered in the new century, Requiem For A Dream is a virtuoso powerhouse from director Darren Aronofsky, featuring a remarkable lead performance by Ellen Burstyn. Although primarily dealing with drug addiction, it hits all kinds of other points of social and emotional impact, such as the power of television, the pain of loss, the fragility of dreams and the human need for love and attention.
For the first time on this podcast, Antony flies solo, expanding on the notes he made when appearing as a guest on one of Film Gold regular Scott Phipps’s podcasts, The Stinking Pause. It goes without saying that there are spoilers here so I recommend taking the plunge and watching the film first. Although harrowing at times, it’s also a film full of hope and can serve as an inspiration even as the main characters plunge into a hellish world of dependency and degradation. Redemption is always possible.
Listen out for two clips of John Lennon and some music by the Rolling Stones
We hope you enjoy the show!
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episode links
Requiem For A Dream IMDB page
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0180093/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_requiem%2520for%2520a%2520dream
Requiem For A Dream: The Structure of Self-Destruction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkDL50mXbbI
Audio commentary by director Darren Aronofsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCPW2ewGGCI
Anatomy of a scene with Darren Aronofsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdlg-vYmpbA