nmp381

Requiem for a Dream revolves around four New Yorkers, who each get trapped in despair and horrifying drug addictions. Each have their own twisted logic behind their addictions, and must be seen to believed. The plot in itself is simple, but what makes this film so brilliant is the superb/realistic character depth, strong script, innovative score, impressive camera angles, and direction. Burstyn is amazing, and takes her character from shy/lonely person to speed addict obsessed with a TV show to new heights. Looking back she definitely deserved the Oscar for that year. The rest of the cast is solid-excellent. Each character wants to live some type of decent life, but the drugs keep pulling them back. The last 15 minutes of the movie, showing the demise of each character accompanied with the haunting soundtrack could be an example of some of the best film making ever.

9/10. Graphic drug use, violence, strong sexual situations, nudity, strong language.

I have yet to see DMW- starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon, but given it was such a popular movie, it was difficult for this one to step out of its shadow. It is about a woman up against death row. An attorney steps in and tries to save her life by proving her innocence in a murder trial. I have always been intrigued with prison movies for their grittiness, and drama, and Last Dance has some real moments of tension. However the grittiness is somewhat lacking, until the end (and even there its not as strong). What saves the movie is strong acting, specifically from Stone (who is somewhat Hollywood's female version of Sean Penn in that they exceed in the lowlife "bad guy" roles like no other). 7/10.

Panic Room had an interesting premise. A family consisting of a mother and daughter, have their home gangbusted by a group of thieves and hide in a room built to keep out any intruders from coming in. It had some suspense but at times dragged on. The acting was so-so, Foster was ok but has done much better work (Silence of the Lambs). The 3 thieves were bordering on comedic. Very bad acting. The ending also fizzled off too quickly. Overall a decent thriller with some good cinematography and suspense but nothing great.