FILMMAKER MOVIE REACTION!! Requiem For A Dream (2000) FIRST TIME REACTION!!

Hope you enjoy my filmmaker reaction to Requiem For A Dream. :D
Full length reactions & Patreon only polls: / jamesvscinema
Original Movie: Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Ending Song: / charleycoin
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[@JamesVSCinema]

This movie was an experience! Let me know your favorite moment in this movie! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Get ready for EVIL DEAD 2 movie reaction/commentary Wednesday! SHAUN OF THE DEAD rewatch will be Thursday! :) Enjoy the day!

[@kylemurdock8034]

Have you seen Her (2013)? Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson at their best

[@JamesVSCinema]

I have but I’d love to watch it again. It’s literally a top 20 for me!

[@wandersonoliveira263]

Please, watch Gaspar Noe's Climax, is a fantastic movie, mixing horror with dance to create extra levels of anxiety.

[@deg1studios]

I'd recommend the film Climax (2018). Its really more of a traumatic chaotic rollercoaster than a film, but the filmmaking is absolutely incredible. The script was like 3 pages, the rest was all improvised on the spot by the actors, including a 50 minute shot that was just the director following a character for a while and letting them improvise, then suddenly changing the camera's course to follow a different character for a while etc. etc. Its directed by Gaspar Noé, who's a pretty big name in New French Extremity films. Watch at your own risk, but I promise you its worth the ride.

[@phj223]

The scene with the hit on the deaf drug dealer in the car and Wayan's character is sprayed with blood, the screen with "FALL" drops down and it cuts to Wayan's face running for his life screaming "WHAT THE F***!! " is just fantastic, it really takes you off guard. I felt physically threatened when I first watched it! o.O

[@Bipolarama]

I love how it makes no distinction between a hard-core heroine addict and a suburban housewife on diet pills. Addiction in addiction in all forms

[@silverbutterknife8511]

Just thought the same thing as this reaction shows Ellen Burstyn's character slowly caressing the box of chocolates. Made me think of another addiction.

[@ctrlc4463]

It was cocaine but good point

[@ctrlc4463]

@@Smoothjazzsundays Oh I was referring to he heroin addict, thought you meant harry and what not. They're methamphetamines and the scary thing is its still prescribed for eating disorders & obesity today :/

[@WarpCOm61]

I mean that wasn’t the suburbs but sure the rest of your points still intact

[@Exosphere._]

@@ctrlc4463 Sara Goldfarb was taking Amphetamines, not Methamphetamines.

[@ripleyjlawman.3162]

This is a movie I’ve only ever watched once, and once was enough, it’s stuck with me ever since I watched it a year ago, it’s a hauntingly depressing masterpiece that left me feeling an intense sense of emptiness and despair for weeks afterwards.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Oh yeah this will definitely do that to you

[@sage7980]

Same! It is an incredible movie and I think sometimes I’ll watch it again but I still remember so much of it so clearly there are just some parts I don’t need to revisit but it’s probably still one of the most impactful films I’ve ever seen.

[@macc.1132]

Yes, I have only watched it once as well, despite finding it an incredible film. It's depressing, but worth witnessing. Ellen Burstyn was exceptional (nominated for Best Actress). The whole cast was fantastic. Jennifer Connelly wasn't nominated in Supporting Actress, which was a letdown for many Oscar "watchers" at the time. I believe it was this performance that put her on the Academy's radar, and a couple of years later, she won for "A Beautiful Mind", which is a much inferior film - an awards-baiting biopic if ever there was one.

[@XSpiegel]

Jupp. I watched it when I was 20 at drama school, alone, sitting very close to the tv completely taking it all in. and I literally cried and stared at the wall in my room in disbelief for 10-min as to what I had just witnessed. It truly is one of THE most powerful experiences I have ever had with a film. Funny he mentioned Mullholland Drive in this as I did have a similar feeling but with different effect watching that just a year later. (The Silencio scene made me cry in several viewings.) I have yet to rewatch requium, and This really isn't the best way to rewatch it, but I really wanted to see his reaction. Sias song Breath me is a third trigger for me as the ending of six feet under featuring that song was another moment i remember truly breaking me...

[@MrTCHOSS]

Saw it 17 years ago and haven't watched it since. I had the same feelings afterward

[@maryagee7759]

During Ellen Burstyn's monologue where she's talking to her son, the camera goes out of focus. When Aronofsky asked what happened his camera operator explained that he began crying and got distracted. Aronofsky decided to leave the imperfect footage in.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Wow are you for real?? That’s insane I had no idea

[@Dinkdownn]

I didn’t know that either. That’s amazing.

[@suncore598]

The impact of great acting.

[@sscillitani]

She was really amazing in this.

[@razkable]

real filmaking man..glad they used that take..sucks she didn't win the oscar ...timing is everything...she probably wins in 2002 and 2000 for female leads in films in 2001 an 1999...the problem was the 2001 oscars were for movies in 2000 so she had a tough year to go up against...

[@angellopez3202]

The mom's breakdown throughout the movie is so hard for me to watch whenever seeing this movie! All she wanted was a healthy relationship with her son & her 15 minutes of fame. Just wanna give her a huge hug! Glad you reacted to this brother

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah that nearly broke me brotha!! Appreciate you as always Angel!

[@shan22777]

Oh god and the scene at the mental hospital where she can barely see straight and isn’t even speaking and they make her sign a form to get electric shock therapy

[@irvinmorales1409]

@@shan22777 It's even worse in the novel.

[@cassieclover99]

@@neilsun2521 well, yes, but that doesn't change how absolutely sad it all is. It shows how easy ordinary people can get sucked into addiction without any realization of what's happening to them.

[@MT-ll3tu]

Even more upsetting that the pills she used where later reused under Adderall. When they were still used for Dieting the FDA discovered & stepped in after learning the diet pill companies had no proof about the products being safe. There were few cases in the 50s ~ late 70s of women suffering the same side effects Sara does in the flim like acute psychosis.

[@velcroapple6813]

Clint Mansells score for this movie is incredible.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Loved it!

[@ciaranconlon84]

Have you heard the score for The Fountain? Peak Clint Mansell! It also involved a Scottish rock band called Mogwai, who went on to produce an amazing score for the documentary Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait.

[@ciaranconlon84]

@Carlos Saraiva you should check out the Zidane soundtrack too. No Mansell involvement but he clearly influenced them while collaborating on The Fountain. Already an amazing band, to be fair. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqOXaXt3iLaghMk

[@sodem2810]

I went straight out the next day and bought the cd. Amazing score to a devastating film.

[@acidsupernova]

It's an absolute crime that it wasn't even nominated for an Oscar!

[@stealthylunatik2823]

This movie seriously changed my life. I was doing a lot of different drugs at that time and one day me and my roommate decided to watch that movie really high. It freaked me out. I remember seeing myself in a lot of the people in the movie and could not stop thinking “This is what we look like? This is how crazy we look? This is what I’m about to do?” I had just quit college to keep doing drugs, because I only had money for either scholarship or drugs. This made me stop taking pills and coke that day. The clips in your video are the first time I am rewatching that movie in 11 years. I still thank the movie to this day. My roommate at the time himself got pretty upset by the movie , throwing stuff around the apartment at the TV. He had a harder time stopping all this shit and sadly... killed himself this past June after a decade of fighting addiction. Drugs, man....

[@JamesVSCinema]

Damn, I’m happy you took back control my friend. Seriously happy you’re doing good! Sorry to hear about your friend as well

[@Th3Downz]

@Dusty Kuntz Shut up, man. Have you ever been an addict? Why would assume this is fake?

[@discoskull]

@Dusty Kuntz trolls should at least have the decency to be interesting.

[@xtinkerbellax3]

Ellen Burstyn's monologue is definitely my favorite scene, still annoyed she didn't win the Oscar for this.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah that was beautiful

[@jefffiore7869]

Meeeee toooo :(

[@LeshaAnn]

@@JamesVSCinema How would you know? You talked over half of it!

[@razkable]

when people talk about filmaking this is what a filmaker should always try to do..create a new idea that everyone after follows not shooting things the same way adding their own style to it and taking hard subject matter and twisting it in a new way to look at it from different povs..like the director said its not a film about drugs are bad..its about why people turn to drugs how people you think are there to help you can turn you to them and keep you hooked cause its just easier to get you a high aka ignoring your real issues and how life the mental state is the real issue.....this film legit change cinema and is not given its credit...so many people wish to make a film like this..

[@popastrology1900]

Me too! I don't have anything against Julia Roberts but Ellen Burstyn's performance was one of the best I've ever seen, just spectacular.

[@MrZilla]

No movie has ever made me as disturbed or depressed as this one.

[@dominickbenincasa5043]

Same.

[@mycroft16]

Same. I've seen some pretty gnarly films, but I have never felt so physically ill watching a movie as I did the last act of this one. Completely horrific.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

@@mycroft16 It's because the movie never lets you look away. There's no relief - it's the opposite of the escapism we usually watch. I appreciate this film so much.

[@ddwackness1782]

This movie shows the cycles of enabling just as much as the cycles of addiction. It shows that the people who we’re supposed to trust- doctors, police, family, friends- are often the ones who ensure that the cycle is never broken. This movie is dreadful but yet so profound

[@JamesVSCinema]

It has to be raw and pure and unfiltered! Happy they went with that direction!

[@MrZomBie775]

I always find it funny how everyone expects people who are interested in making movies to have seen every movie ever. I remember during an interview with David Lynch someone asked him what some of his favorite movies are, and he responded by saying that he doesn't watch movies all that often lol.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Exactly..I couldn’t have said that any better myself. 🙏🏽

[@MrZomBie775]

@Carlos Saraiva Well that's obvious. There dosen't exist a film maker who hasn't been influenced by previous films in some way. People just expect that movie directors/writers/cinematographers are huge film buffs who must watch hundreds of movies in order to perfect thier craft, where as in reality most are too busy making movies to watch movies, just like James said in response to people who are surprised that he hasn't seen many classic movies.

[@MrZomBie775]

@Carlos Saraiva Yeah I think whats defined as a 'classic movie' is different from person to person. Pretty much every thing that came out before you were at an age where you really started to watch and understand movies would be considered a 'classic' for you personally.

[@rogercouto9826]

It's not about expecting filmmakers to "watch every movie ever" but at least to watch the classics. To be honest, it's almost impossible to have a degree in filmmaking and NOT have seen many of those classics, so I'm always suspicious of channels like this one. I know that because I studied filmmaking and watching classic films is basically required as part of the curriculum by the teachers. They are used as examples of the craft and there's a lot of college assignments that you have to make based on them, both on paper or practical. Hell, I went to a public university and even in the admission exam it was required for me to watch 6 classic films, before even entering the film school. Not to mention all the jobs you eventually get later on - you have to be knowledgeable about film history if you're working with that because everyone else will be. It's like a cook who doesn't eat, it doesn't make any sense.

[@BrokenGodEnt]

@Carlos Saraiva Those are classics too, but I think what defines a classic is constantly being relevant throughout the years and having an impact on film. Citizen Kane is a classic, It's A Wonderful Life is a classic, Rear Window, Seven Samurai, It Happened One Night, Sunset Boulevard, Gone With the Wind, etc. But newer movies (70s-00s) can also be classics imo. The Breakfast Club, Back to the Future, The Godfather, Stand By Me, Terminator, Alien(s), Rocky, The Exorcist, Goodfellas, The Silence of the Lambs, etc. And getting into newer movies (past 20 or so years), we have stuff like The Matrix, Seven, Requiem For A Dream, Scream, Memento, Spirited Away, Lost In Translation, Almost Famous, There Will Be Blood, Children of Men, Gladiator, Fight Club, Good Will Hunting, Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight, The Sixth Sense, Jerry McGuire, The Big Lebowski, Fargo, Saving Private Ryan, Eternal Sunshine, No Country For Old Men, Gattaca, etc. And I'm sure plenty may argue that some of those aren't classics, but I'd have to disagree. Whether you like em or not, most of those movies came out before 2010 and I'm betting anyone who is even remotely interested in movies knows at least 95% of the movies I listed. And I think that makes them eligible for the "classics" category. They continue to be remembered by not only film buffs, but the general public as well. And that's just not true for most movies. In 20 years people will sill talk about No Country For Old Men, The Matrix, etc. But there are movies that came out this year that people have already forgotten and will never think of again. I think that is what makes something a classic by definition. Having staying power. Being refered to often. People still hold Scream, Evil Dead 2, The Exorcist, etc up to horror movies today. People still compare Die Hard, Rambo, Aliens, The Terminator, to modern action. They're classics. The earlier movies, let's say late 20s to late 50s, are the backbone for all cinema. They pioneered everything that we have today. So in a sense I'd agree that they are "even more classic" or should be distinguished from all the other movies. I think that's why people call it "The Golden Age of Cinema". Anyway this is a much bigger post than I wanted to make lol. I kinda went off on a tangent. Oh well.

[@isabeljimenez6067]

As a recovering addict I can tell you, the best movie about drug addiction is hands down Basketball Diaries. A MUST SEE

[@JamesVSCinema]

Congrats on kicking addictions butt Isabel!

[@Dang3rMouSe]

This movie & Trainspotting are the only 2 movies I've seen that come close to what it's like being addicted to opiates, fentanyl & heroin of which all 3 were my best & only true friends in my mind for too many yrs. Been sober for many yrs now. If your addicted & know you can't kick it on your own ask for help. Seriously. I saw 2 friends die & almost a 3rd. Decide now & seek help. It's worth it, trust me.

[@isabeljimenez6067]

For me, as an addict..... Basketball Diaries is the most real.

[@petarvurdelja7667]

Wir kinder wom bahnhof zoo 1981 ( we children from station zoo ) thrue story german movie about kids from west berlin the notorius station in germany where all addicts from kids to older just gattering to get a fix and stand there looking like zombies the best movie about addiction of all time main carachter of the story is Christiane F. who got hooked on heroin with only 14 years old her friend died with 16 she meet a boy who got her in heroin world there are also real addicts acting not all but some the movie is 3 time better then requiem for a dream much harder to watch or any addiction movie trainspotting is a child movie compare to this and i watched all movies about heroin you can see kid prostitute and do all kind of stuff for drug her boyfriend slept with old mans for heroin she was clean one period of a time after she saw she is gonna die but later when she wrote a book in 1978 about her life and got older she came back to heroin and died movie was based on book of course it is 3 hours long and got 9.5 imdb it is pretty much like you are watching documentary so realistic David Bowie is in it also as a junkie of course masterpiece you must wach it

[@flaquis2729]

@@isabeljimenez6067 Oh man I forgot about that movie

[@robertparker6280]

@@isabeljimenez6067 Never heard of it. I'll have to check it out. Ever seen "Less Than Zero"?

[@isabeljimenez6067]

@@robertparker6280 yes I have. That's even older than Basketball Diaries.

[@pretentiousn3rd]

If you haven't watched it yet, I'd definitely recommend giving Black Swan (2010) a try, another Aronofsky film that I really love

[@kimberlee6447]

I second this!!

[@sinergontohell]

Or The Fountain, both are good.

[@brycenichols9737]

Second this!!!

[@teriyakipigeon1838]

Don’t forget The Wrestler

[@evantaylor4796]

Also Mother

[@thejeffrey1315]

Appreciate the reaction video. This film is shot like a drug trip, it starts off exciting and sexy, it peaks, then there's the come down. A very real and powerful film realisticly depicting addiction.

[@hoodvogue9886]

Great take

[@DonGeritch]

19:24 that shot is from Perfect Blue - Aranofsky bought the rights to Perfect Blue for that shot

[@JamesVSCinema]

Awesome I knew I’ve seen that before!

[@Lostpx]

Funny how this started on a shot and ended into the screenplay for Black Swan

[@DonGeritch]

@@Lostpx yep, though he denies it for some reason

[@theblackswordsman9951]

This is a myth he never bought the rights to the movie

[@thanossnap4170]

I watched this movie with a group of like 8 friends 10 years ago. We all just stared at the credits when they came. Nobody said anything for a while. Never saw it again. So powerful. Best movie i'll never see again.

[@GillDawe]

One of those movies I'm glad I watched but will never ever watch again. I've never felt more uncomfortable in my entire life. A sign of how effective a director Darren Aronofsky is though, to create such a visceral reaction.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Agreed, I believe it’s a must watch for sure especially just on the creative aspects of the film!

[@fercocq]

This is one of the few movies in my list of "Incredible great movies I would never watch again". "Dancer in the dark" is another one...

[@toecutterjenkins]

Same i watched it once when it first released and dont want to ever watch it again. Speaks to how powerful art can be , it can move you in many ways and bring you to many places , its brave to pour yourself into a piece like this knowing that it will disturb and turn most people off to ever seeing it again.

[@phantomkitten73]

@@fercocq: For me, The VVitch, Come and See, and The Poughkeepsie Tapes were those movies; those movie were rough to get through in so many ways.

[@mattstark7480]

I introduced my mother to this film many years ago. She still gets tears in her eyes and shakes when someone brings it up. This film really hits hard.

[@bkenwood88]

Ellen Burstyn's "I'm old" scene is, to me, second only to Liam Neeson's "I could have saved more" breakdown at the end of Schindler's List for heartwrenching, plaintive, futility. Someone else already said it but this should be shown in school.

[@JesseGoldsmith]

I will never forget catching the press screening for Requiem 20 years ago. They'd scheduled it at somewhere around 8am, and the feeling of watching it at that hour was akin to getting thrown off the top floor of a skyscraper. I gave it four-stars and said it was the best American movie of the year, where most of my peers thought I was crazy for doing so.

[@danielcastaneda2983]

What an experience! 🖤 Wish I could've had that.

[@josecuervo311]

I couldn't shake this movie the first time I saw it. It was and is still one of the most haunting (and beautiful) films I've ever seen. Ellen Burstyn is simply mesmerizing and the rest of the cast is at the top of their game. It bleeds authenticity albeit a bit over dramatic, it is still true to the worst parts of what make us human. This will forever be at the top of my "you won't be the same after watching this" list. It is also why I regard it so highly, along with movies of its kind whether "good" or "bad" in the traditional sense; if it can coax such strong feelings out of me and get me to react like I haven't before, there is high praise to be given. I love it and I'm so glad you watched it. Keep the great content coming man! ✌

[@JamesVSCinema]

Agreed!! If the feeling was brought forth from the audience, then I think a film did a damn good job whether good or bad. Thanks for the love as well Joey!

[@mycroft16]

You also have to praise this film for it's absolutely brutal approach to it. You feel beaten up after watching it. It drives it's point home so hard there really isn't a need to ever watch it again, and most people I know don't even have a desire to watch it again. that one was enough.

[@ProHero86]

“Hey James how come you haven’t seen this film yet” “Because I love myself and didn’t want my arm to itch for the rest of my life”

[@JamesVSCinema]

😂😂😂 me and my arm are very thankful

[@Pbarwik]

I saw this sober. I saw this high. And finally I saw this while I was on AA. This is true horror for me. Because it hits so close home. I never seen that kind of acting of any Wayans. I've seen Conelly in bigger roles, or Leto for that matter. It makes no difference. This is the best of all of them. This includes Ellen Burstyn, and I saw here earlier in Scorsese or Friedkin pictures. As always I write this before watching this reaction, this couldn't be easy and as always respect for the choices You make. I hope to see more of Aronofsky from You. "Pi" and the "Wrestler" or "The Fountain" should be on Your poll soon. I'm happy to see You trying some comedy soon. Have a great day man!

[@waschkarte3989]

I love how this movie builds up. Normal problems at the beginning, then drugs, then superhigh, everything perfect, then the skip to reality.

[@biandito]

I watched this one in class. High School. Bold choice by my teacher, a girl fainted at some point. Message received.

[@j-dog8517]

What high school did u go to? 😂

[@biandito]

@@j-dog8517 Brazil is no man’s land

[@drinkmoreagua8984]

@@biandito kkkkkkkk

[@frigginfranky]

Same here got it in high school m sweden on some anti drug day nobody really cared too much and left in middle of movie I was pretty hooked and couldn't stop paying attention

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

One of my favorite films of all time, and one of the greatest ever made. Equal parts gossamer and dreamy, fever dream surreal, and finally pure, terror tinged nightmare, Aronofsky made a true masterpiece with this film.

[@jmere05]

This movie should be shown to every kid entering high school.

[@biandito]

Watched during class, my teacher went against a few laws I'm sure but we definitely got the message.

[@MrTCHOSS]

Agree. This movie scared the shit out of me when it comes to smack

[@acidsupernova]

Roger Ebert even said something similar in his review of the movie. That the NC-17 rating was preventing it from being seen by those who should see it the most.

[@Lostpx]

My school made it mandatory for everyone entering high school, worked like a charm with me. became a huge Aronofsky fan as side effect tho.

[@acidsupernova]

@@Lostpx Best side effect possible :)

[@pretentiousn3rd]

Watching people watch/experience this for the first time is always so much fun. One of the biggest mind melting mind f*cks I've ever witnessed. A pure psychological classic

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah I can tell a lot of you were excited for this one. On a creative level, this was incredible to watch!

[@AARONANKRUM]

The descent into madness for all of them is demonstrated so well. You feel their loss of self as the addictions take over.

[@robinkivirand1588]

i was so numb for a day that i watched the movie two days a row. what a masterpiece. i’m speechless. just wow.

[@johnneils9084]

You made a distinction that a lot of folks miss; "Is this movie about drug addicts or is this movie about addiction/" This movie has a great cast! Ellen Burstyn is an all time favorite actress. She was in a movie by the name of "Resurrection "which the American Medical Association did everything they could to shut down the distribution because of it's controversial content. She went for roles that were less main stream but won awards any way. An addict will anything to interrupt uncomfortable thoughts or feelings with whatever will work. Gee, sounds like human condition shit.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Wow that is unbelievable I had no idea!

[@SirDrunkalot1]

Same as others, would never want to watch again but appreciate the film for what it is. Only film that ever made me go take a walk in the sunshine afterwards just to get some goodness back into my heart.

[@razkable]

this is legit a well made bad film...it makes you feel bad..and never want to watch it again ....once was enough

[@sadlulangel]

this movie is the kind that u just have to feel and you just understand how much pain this film is filled with especially living with or around addiction and being mentally ill. it's something else, other worldly

[@sarahwood8713]

dude when you said she should just get a new dress, instead of getting skinny for that one... that's just the best thing iv ever heard a guy say, should be more guys like you on this earth

[@pnut3844able]

The dress has sentimental value to her.

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

Yes, this is an incredibly devastating film. Each performance, especially Marlon Wayans's criminally underrated performance, cuts so deep!

[@NikkiBRaps]

the most harrowing movie i've ever watched. i think it's incredible but i could never put myself through it again

[@gquit7]

This movie summed up in one quote. "DRUGS ARE BAD MKAY"- Mr. Mackey

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Saw this in film class. The directing is truly amazing, the story haunting. One of the most unique movies I've ever seen - should have won every award out there, imo.

[@TheLegendOfOblivion]

This is probably the scariest movie to watch for the Halloween season. I never want to watch this movie again. Edit, yes that is where the song "Lux Aeterna" comes from usually mistitled as "Requiem For A Dream"

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha very true

[@pnut3844able]

I wonder if that's where Metallica got the name for their new song called the same.

[@key8422]

I saw this in the theater....back in the day. Powerful on the big screen....I remember feeling trapped in the theater.

[@whomegalul9082]

Thank you for actually reading comments and replying! Not a lot of people that do YT respond to even 1 comment. We really appreciate it! It feels nice to feel like you are able to be heard and get a reply by those who we watch every day

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s awesome to hear!! Seriously I get that! This is a community of people, each with stories of their own. Love being able to talk with everyone. Really appreciate that, thank you!

[@vegasviking86]

James is a unicorn, for sure

[@shirleysonsproductions6187]

In my opinion the greatest film ever made. It shows life in such a true way. We all have dreams and they may crush and hard, and not everything will go to plan. Combined with the acting, editing, score. Probably the only film I can consider an 11/10

[@no-xr8wv]

In my midteens, a city about 10 miles away was known as the "heroin capital of the us”. Sadly, I was drawn into addiction. One night, a group of friends - all users, all high at the time - walked to a friends house and this movie was on. Days later, I told my father everything, locked myself in my room for two weeks, and came out of the room on the other side of opiate addiction. As a result, yeah... This flick hits different. Just hearing that orchestral theme sends a chill down my spine. Sometimes, a glimpse of hell is enough to give you the willpower to fight your way free of that very same hell.

[@thewoodchipperr]

This movie got me off hard drugs for real

[@JamesVSCinema]

Good ish!!

[@stealthylunatik2823]

It did the same for me. Congrats, man!

[@RB01.10]

I have vague memories of seeing this advertised on TV when I was a kid (I was 5 when it came out) and even that scared the hell out of me. But I eventually rented it from Netflix in 2013 and it’s still one of my favorite films, though it affected me in a way a film never did before. When the credits rolled, I just sat still until they were done. I had to go see Jurassic Park which was playing for its 20th Anniversary that year to uplift myself LOL

[@charoleawood]

i had the same reaction at first, those seagulls in the credits just a screechin away really got to me. However, i've watched it more since and it's transformed to a film what once disturbed me to one that i genuinely enjoy.

[@Scallycowell]

How can anyone be upset that dude hasn’t seen these banger movies? Firstly, he’s watching them, so chill; secondly, I’d give anything to see these masterpieces again for the first time and experience everything as a surprise again. I’m super stoked for him.

[@mycroft16]

Except for this one. Any other movie yeah... but I do not want to relive this one fresh again.

[@terminaldogma01]

Supposedly the director bought the rights to Perfect Blue so he could do that scene in the bath and it heavily influenced Black Swan, even thought the director denies it.

[@zammmerjammer]

Made even more disturbing by the fact it stars Jennifer Connelly, who looms large in my heart/imagination as she was in one of my most beloved movies from childhood (further accentuated by the fact that woman never ages).

[@jefffiore7869]

She is in Alita Battle Angel and still looks great!!

[@Dinkdownn]

She’s truly beautiful 💜

[@otomackena7610]

i've had a huge crush on her since 'Career Opportunities'

[@Splackavellie85]

You probably meant Labyrinth, but i fell in love with her in The Rocketeer. Jennifer Connelly in that movie is still one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.

[@jefffiore7869]

@@Splackavellie85 "The rocke-who?"

[@kareningram6093]

This is one of those movies that I could only stomach watching once, but I always recommend it to everybody. It's just so hard to watch, but so worth it.

[@ssshddddd]

Never have I ever been so terrified of a fridge before this movie

[@musicfilmhead9051]

Excellent film. The shot were you compared it to Perfect Blue was intentional. Darren aronofsky is such a huge fan of the anime, that he bought the rights to it and has used scenes from Perfect blue in multiple films. Black swan is basically a retelling of perfect blue. I would highly recommend a film called Enter The Void if you want to see some awesome editing and use of camera. It's a psychedelic spiritual journey though death and rebirth. Check it out buddy. Plan on being a patron very soon my friend.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Awesome! And will do!

[@jsmarty1]

Probably the film that’s impacted me the hardest after watching. There’ve been films that’ve impacted me more than this, but in terms of initial impact, this is the one. To this day it scares me more than any horror film. It’s bone chilling. I had nightmares for 3 days after this. If I had to do a top 10 most important films for me, this easily makes that list

[@krisbrown6692]

The group conversation of Sara and the other elderly ladies sunning themselves, I always looked at the editing choices there to show Sara's isolation... even in a group she is alone. Edit: How Julia Roberts beat out Ellen Burstyn for best actress I will never know.

[@JamesVSCinema]

I can see that angle Kris!

[@katwebbxo]

I agree about the way they film the characters walking/running. It really gives you the sense of being in their head while on drugs. Disorienting and chaotic.

[@samsepiol4908]

Man, this is hands down the best film reaction video I've seen. You really analyze the movie further than just the story. YES, Réquiem for a Dream is a masterpeace of storytelling, composition, editing and photography. And also, well, the score and acting. A masterpiece I will, one day watch a second time.

[@vea537]

Finally someone who was mentioning how cool the editing is, the editing played such a heavy roll in pulling you into the movie making you feel like you can’t do anything but watch and feel

[@tfpp1]

Here are the two thoughts I had (out loud) to myself, after the end credits finished rolling: 1) That was one of THE. BEST. movies I've ever seen. 2) I never wanna see it again.

[@SavaFiend]

The ending scene where Ellen Burstyn is at the mental hospital and her friends see her and then it shows them outside sobbing after seeing what she has become gets to me more than anything else in the movie and that's saying something.

[@brianoh8192]

I searched KZbin hoping to see a reaction video exactly like this (and I've never watched reaction videos before). Thank you so much!

[@SamYT-tt2yy]

Another great vid man, check out Trainspotting and it’s sequel. Fucking nails a really cool aesthetic and is set in one of the coolest cities in the world in Edinburgh. Would definitely recommend

[@guen4413]

SamYT 4299 Another great drug focused movie! Definitely not as hard to watch as requiem, but still shows the horrors of drug abuse very well.

[@maximillianosaben]

Darren Aronofsky's next movie was The Fountain. That's a beautiful one.

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s on the patreon polls now 👌🏽

[@bruney74]

The Fountain is the only movie I have ever seen that gives more with each viewing on its level. Not going to say more, but I had to rewatch it 5 times, to fully understand what a masterpiece it was.

[@DrBrule-mv4ir]

The Fountain is a criminally underrated film

[@GMontag]

@@bruney74 You should check out Synecdoche, New York for another movie like that that takes multiple viewings to unravel all it's intricacies.

[@jefffiore7869]

Yea, because of Wolverine, a lot of people don't realize how good an actor Hugh Jackman really is. He was great in this movie.

[@maggieellis2303]

OMG you’re such a youngster in this one! I just happened to stumble upon this whilst rabbit holing on Requiem reaction vids. Can’t wait!

[@Timkunchan]

I remember seeing this film when I was either early pre teen or under 10, it's a really destructive film that absolutely stuck with me when I saw drug use in my town. Glad you've been seeing so many films for the first time, it must be a great experience. Every video I watch, it just gets more fun, thanks James

[@JamesVSCinema]

It truly is awesome seeing them with some prior film knowledge! Thank you again for the love too! You guys rock

[@mercurymachines4311]

I watched the full reaction video on Patreon today and along side at the same time I watched the whole film for probably the 20th time lol. I absolutely loved watching along with you.

[@randyfailinger2290]

When they're talking about getting pure and retiring. And she says, " what's the catch?"

[@cbudzyn]

The ending scene when Jennifer Connolly is snuggling her heroine “payment” 😩

[@neilgh]

A modern masterpiece. Ellen Burstyn gives one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema. It has some interesting alternative casting history as well. Giovanni Ribisi and Faye Dunaway turned down the movie before Jared and Ellen were offered it.

[@LionheadSiblings]

I watch this movie every other night. Something sadder than myself makes me happy.

[@dinkomalinko9902]

Another reason that Climax by gaspar noe could interest you is that the whole movie was shot in two weeks with sophia boutella being the only trained actress, the rest of the 20 people cast were all dancers and the movie only had 5 pages of script with loose hints as to where the narrative should go and the rest was all improvised on set. The result is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Plus its french, which should also peak your interest :)

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha you know I love me some french cinema

[@dinkomalinko9902]

@@JamesVSCinema yeah and gaspar noe is one of the best experimental film makers around :)

[@wandersonoliveira263]

I just love how he seems to understand the dance language, because the way he merges it with cinema, sometimes looks like the camera is making a coreography, and the dialog, being mostly improvised, unravels like freestyle dancing. Even the dances give hints to how the story will go and add to the atmosphere.

[@dinkomalinko9902]

@@wandersonoliveira263 Yeah it's mesmerizing and also anxiety inducing especially if you have experienced what was in their system but no spoilers lol

[@randallmccoy8581]

When I saw this in the theater, It blew me away. The camera shots, editing, pacing, soundscape, were all brilliant beyond compare from a purely "filmic" point of view...but it was the dark twisted, sometimes surreal story, and the deeply troubled characters that really hooked me in and stuck with me long after it was done scraping me along it's underbelly. A harsh unflinching yet fascinating descent into addiction, madness, and loss. No happy endings here kids.

[@NorthLight68]

Really enjoyed your take/perspective on the movie from a filmmakers point of view. Great job!

[@tSp289]

"Don't do drugs, guys. OK peace." ... "Purple jacket pocket full of weed, everthing that I would ever need..."

[@kobaltsevera9295]

Ellen Burstyn really deserved the Oscar for this performance. It was a shame she did not win it. Such an incredible performance.

[@josefgordon7712]

Wow, just read about 20 other comments with the same sentiment of my experience. Powerful art man.

[@DrBrule-mv4ir]

Ellen Burstyn, the incredible actress playing Sarah Goldfarb, said she initially was appalled and disturbed when she was offered the role and read the character in the script. Then she saw his first film, Pi, and completely changed her mind when she saw what a great director he is.

[@wandersonoliveira263]

When I started to study music and found out what a Requiem is, it just made this movie and its theme song more disturbing.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Oh yeah! There’s a really cool song from the anime “Bleach” that’s called Requiem. Good track!

[@josefgordon7712]

I remember watching this ages ago and thinking "that was an amazing movie! I never want to watch it again because it made me feel like absolute garbage! I think that was the point!" 😭🤣😭

[@steelberg23]

This film just fills me with anxiety every time i watch it, in the best way possible haha.

[@JamesVSCinema]

After watching it, I can humbly agree!

[@lou7041]

My big bro's roommate made me watch Requiem for a dream, natural born killer , trainspotting and Fear n loathing in las vegas in one weekend at 19 😆 i was never the same

[@peluso7483]

I didn't know Darren Aronofsky made this one! One of my favorite films (my favorite film of his too) is The Wrestler (2008) with Mickey Rourke. A must watch if you ask me.

[@Roanoke2897]

And marisa tomei of course

[@Mrjonezzz]

The wrestler was amazing. Rourke should have gotten the Oscar that year.

[@cosmic1526]

Oh hell yes I love this film, I've been waiting for someone I watch to react to it for ages!

[@ummmdudewtf]

Such a beautiful experience of pure terror. A film I adore but rarely rewatch, also yeah the director bought the rights to the film Perfect Blue because he loved the scene so much so he wanted to re-create it without any copyright/infringement problems. Darren Aronofsky is a genius film maker.

[@JamesVSCinema]

I’m glad he respectfully did that!! Perfect Blue is phenomenal and has a lot of inspiration in it!

[@StephenCaudillPhoto]

I've always wanted to watch this movie a second time. It wrecked me so bad the first time that watching it with you was cool.

[@AD-vp6cz]

When I watched it for the 1st time I had to get outside afterwards.... amazing movie!

[@thenhe070175]

This movie is in mine top 10 of greatest movies I ever seen and I only saw it twice, after the first watch it stayed days in my head. The acting, the camera work, the editing and the haunting score. It all fits perfect with this movie and the story tells you how vulnerable we are for any type of addiction.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Vulnerability and self destruction go hand in hand in this film!

[@thenhe070175]

@@JamesVSCinema Another, into your face, movie about this topic, is a German film from 1981 called Cristiane F. When I was at school as an 13 year old they let us watch this movie, because the main character is 15 year old and is based on a true story.

[@TuaMadreNonSiLamenta]

My humble opinion is that you have fully centered the meaning of the film which is not on drugs but on the addiction that can come from drugs but also from other sources, I love this film because it tells a story in its crudeness without taking the pill and obviously also for the acting and the incredible use of montage that sometimes with sequences manages to explain much more than words could do...

[@JamesVSCinema]

Beautiful thing about telling a story creatively is that you can help others read in between the lines without writing a single word..they do it for you. Those editing shots were so important because it showed repetition, desire, routine, and most importantly..addiction. Drugs were just the substance.

[@niki7997]

I love watching the reaction that has a working knowledge cinematography. I've seen this on my own & a couple other reactions but you pointed out stuff I wasn't even looking for. Like how it was about the addiction, not so much the drugs & why it's different. Perfect movie for a film-maker to critique. The way it was shot was so f**ked up & beautiful at the same time

[@nikolaslust8589]

Love your videos, man. Instant subscriber.

[@marmaladevenus3230]

This movie always makes it on to people's watch it once and then never again list, but I'm far into the other camp. I love this film, and have seen it at least 10 times now. There's just something uniquely chaotic about it. It's a film that has an energy wholly it's own, which draws me in like a bug to a lamp. The editing they use to represent different highs and lows for the various drugs is an incredibly smart way to portray what it actually feels like on those drugs. Plus that soundtrack, damn that soundtrack. And let's not forget Ellen Burstyn with one of the best monologue ever put to film (the red dress monologue), which imo should have absolutely netted her the Oscar over Julia Roberts. Aronofsky himself has a fantastic catalogue of nerve-fraying films. I'd strongly recommend checking out his earlier cult classic Pi, as well as Mother!, The Fountain, and Black Swan.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Very great comment! The level of intention in this film is so good!

[@razkable]

no its for sure a top 10 never watch again classic...watching it once is enough..you just get sad thinking about it as it ends

[@Splackavellie85]

One of the greatest films that you’d never want to see a second time!

[@bigfishboobs]

Everyone has films that feel necessary to their human experience, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, and Inception where huge game changers for the way I thought about life and art. I'm constantly blown away by films you haven't seen but that makes me all the more curious about the films that shaped you as an artist now. Also hella fun to watch someone watch a classic for the first time! Keep it up man all the love

[@djchubbs]

The score my Clint mansell is just perfect. My fave film of all time.

[@IamtheDesperado]

This is such an emotionally draining film that definitely isn't for the faint of heart. Great reaction as always James you know how to pick em

[@drawingwolf5661]

It's so satisfying watching you realize how shits going down . Like watching you realize you're on way more of a ride than you signed up for since that's how i feel most of us felt on our first watch of this masterpiece

[@heatherspence3848]

I just came off of your version of American beauty and I’m so excited that you changed I’m starting this over because I can’t stop going on about how excited I am. Sending love to you and yours can’t wait to see you with this is going and your reaction as film person. Plus that iconic song you just pointed out OK I’m going to stop now

[@kelly4250]

Saw this twice in the theaters when it came out...fantastic stuff 🤢. Best soundtrack ever-and Ellen Burstyn was ROBBED of an Oscar...can’t believe they gave it to Julia Roberts instead. Great analysis 🥰🥰🥰

[@josephwallace202]

Hard movie to sit through, but I'm glad you gave us this reaction. I think this was the movie that opened my eyes to smaller, non-mainstream cinema as a teenager, and it's stuck with me ever since. You should also do the director's first movie, Pi, to see how he developed his technique in the ways you see here!

[@AJ-ut8cz]

I literally had to stop watching this movie because of how existentially depressed it was making me. It feels like they're trying to tell us something we all already know. That life is inherently meaningless, and that we're all dying, and all of us have an addiction that's just filler to distract us from those facts. Everyone has their own addiction that they choose to distract themselves from the facts of life. Because it's so much easier to waste your life away than to actually do something meaningful.

[@katwebbxo]

While the film displays this concept well, I don't believe it means to portray this idea as the ultimate truth. Rather, the idea of life having no meaning is something we'll always speculate and debate over. Nobody knows the truth for sure and anyone can find themselves caught up in these theories in various ways. I really appreciate your last statements on addiction though because it's definitely true that humans will find ways to distract themselves from the cold reality of life.

[@remimartin8493]

You don't find the truth on heroin.. Or human made drug.. You just find mental or physical illness what the film show you... Its that every addiction... Drugs, sugar, love have a modération.. We are not enough evolved to understand the meaning behind something that could literally kill you in the first place.. Because you took too much or your body is not healthy enough to took some drugs... And even the gentle ones... Cigarettes or you know 😏

[@kvltslime2261]

This is easily one of my all time favorite movies. It is hard to watch and it gives us a very raw look at addiction in all its forms. Say what you will about Leto now but he was so good in this movie along with the rest of the cast.