The Imaginarium of Dr. Paranassus
Terry Gilliam is one of the most visually stunning directors around. His imagination is boundless and he stuffs his films with so much impact on the screen that it is truly a feast for the eyes. However, it seems to be only about every other movie that he gives us a character or two that has a soul. Certainly he did in The Fisher King, and to a certain degree in Brazil and Tideland. But not in Time Bandits, nor in Baron Münchhausen, nor in this film. I can't blame the actors for the performances-- they did well with what they were given, but they weren't given much. 3/5
Requiem for a DreamThis is easily the best, most accurate and most disturbing movie about addiction ever. You have sympathy for the characters, they aren't just idiots or weak humans. They are people who made some poor decisions and then were stuck with the consequences that they couldn't do anything about. I know these people. I've lived out a couple of these scenes, including
bringing people with dangerous abscesses to the hospital and seeing people force-fed and given forced injections. It's just like this, people.
The editing and the score and the writing really highlight the experience, both of relief and of the growing nightmare. At times, it's a horror movie.
I also appreciate the minimalization of the social commentary. It just gives the experience of the characters. And all the actors did a marvelous job, but especially (as has been mentioned by others) Ellen Burstyn.
This is a powerhouse film. I don't know if I can bring myself to watch it again-- I live watching this everyday, I'm not sure I can subject myself to it on purpose. But it is certainly the best film ever made about addiction. Watch this and The Wire, and you've got pretty much the whole picture. 5/5