Well in my own opinion, I didn't think the movie was THAT good. Therefore, yes, I do sincerely believe that this movie is way overrated. To be honest, I didn't really like it all that much. Well I guess the only thing I can say is that, it's not for everyone, some people will love it and some won't, end of story.

Here’s my 2 cents... RFAD presents a graphic, thought provoking look at addiction using innovative film, sound, and editing techniques, a number of which were adapted from the classic era of experimental films. What set's RFAD apart is that the visual effects are not grafted onto the movie in the "look at what I can do" style that has become so prevalent, rather the techniques are woven seamlessly into the narrative; they propel the story. One of the more interesting narrative elements is his use of repeative visual and sonic motifs; overtime these cues are presented in increasingly compressed and abbreviated form, but still evoke the intended audience response (the way a story told frequently among friends can be reduced to a single word or phrase). Echoing and the intensifying the visuals, is the hypnotic score by the Kronos Quartet.

The characters too are believable; Aronofsky elicits an amazing suite of performances from (to my thinking) an unlikely group of actors.

Sure, we've all seen this story before and know how the tale will end from frame one. But like many great movies (or books), RFAD works because larger themes emerge from this familiar ground and because Aronofsky is a skilled storyteller. RFAD is not just a simple drugs gone bad tale; it’s a gripping, emotionally draining look into

Nice one Audrey.

Which is why, as brillaint a movie as this may be in numerous ways, I don't want to see it again. But .. to the original poster, I would suggest you DO see it .. at least once.

Just my pair of pennies here...

Personally, I really enjoyed the film. It transcends the typical "drugs are bad"-type after school specials to explore drug use across race, gender, and types of drug. In a sense, you really get to know these characters in RFAD (as opposed to some b-grade slasher films, for example, where the characters are hard to differentiate and you really don't feel sympathy for them).

This is particularly true when you consider that while some people willingly give in to the addiction, others do so reluctantly, not even realizing that they have a problem. It shows how friends, parents, the media, etc. all contribute to the drug culture, directly or indirectly, and doesn't just show some kids in a back alley getting stoned or gang bangers shooting up a crack house over a deal gone bad.

Overall, a very powerful and emotionally-draining film. I like a film that makes me feel something, whether it's getting me to jump out of my seat cheering for the good guy (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Die Hard, etc.), feeling hurt over the demise of a truly tragic figure (Braveheart, Titanic, American History X, etc.), or feeling punched in the stomach over the raw emotion I see on the screen (Happiness, Boys Don't Cry, Dancer in the Dark, etc.). This, to me, is one of those films that makes you feel something. You won't be able to simply block it out of your mind once the credits roll.

Three words - Ass to Ass

Seriously, great movie that does have a profound emotional impact on you when the credits start rolling and the final 5 minute sequence (the requiem) is great.

Try reading the book. It's superior to the film. Sorry, but I had to get that in.

I've been trying unsuccessfully to grab a second-hand copy for a while now. I picked up Selby's The Demon, but no luck on RfaD.

So what did you think of it Rypro?

I saw it last night! Oh my fing god, this is a terrific movie but like many I felt it is too disturbing to watch more than once. The only time I would watch it again is to show to the kids when they are old enough.

This is by far the best and most convinsing anti addiction movie ever.
btw, during the "ass to ass" scene

No, I think it was the large double dildo that was shown right before they got after it.

I just checked half.com and they have tons of copies of RfaD. I'll have to pick up a copy when I get around to ordering from half again.

Wasn't that my critique of this film?

D'oh! Thanks man!

Glad you appreciated the film Rypro!

Did I miss something in this movie?


Ok, the main character ends up without an arm. Horrible

His girlfriend ends up a whore. Horrible

His friend ends up sweeping floors......?? What happened there?

Perhaps I saw an edited version, but what happened to #3 seemed pretty tame for the kind of statement that the director was trying to make.

Yeah, he was sweeping floors.... in prison. I guess you need to watch again.

I watched the unrated version, but...

Thread title kinda says it all...I've had my interest peaked after reading a thread in the Adult Forum about a particular scene in "Requiem..."

...is the movie worth seeing?

I've never seen it either. But everyone tells me that I should.

I hate this movie, terribly overrated. The Adult scene lasts about 1 minute. So if you want to sit through 120 minutes of crap for 1 minute brief montage of nudity, go ahead.

zombiezilla--

I think the film is quite good. Excellent performances all around and especially Ellen Burstyn. "Requiem" is definitely not a feel-good movie....so be prepared.

In the six years that have passed since I've seen this movie, I can tell you that it hasn't aged too much. Aronofsky's camera tricks are a bit annoying but back then they were still semi-new. And the story is pretty good.

I have to recommend it especially since you can get it for $10 as a 2-pack with Pi.

A modern day retread of Reefer Madness that thinks it's profound with all of RM's unintentional humor but none of it's entertainment value.

If you haven't seen it, you should. It is a good film, but it is very depressing.

I was walking around bumbed out for days after seeing it.

movielib (or anyone else), do you care to share some examples of the "unintentional humor" in this film?