requeim for a dream
In Darren Aronofsky's film, Requiem for a Dream, it's visual texture is key to it's effect, most strikingly its vigorously, sharply etched and technical cinematography. Mostly in medium and near shot, into the pot go all sorts of weird angles, extreme close-ups, tracking shots, long shots, time lapse photography, slow motion and odd abstractions (including split screens and a neat recurring shooting up motif). Editing runs the gamut from ponderous to brutal. The color palette is soft pastel greens, pinks and grays and metallic blues. It is this use of bizarre camera angles, skewed lighting, slice and dice edited sequences, repetition, and split screens make for a truly sen
Although this movie was a visual experience, the use of sound was needed as well. There are a lot of times in the film, where the shots only last a few frames long and then will be cut into a different shot at a totally different angle. The score working together with the intense cinematography of the film, gave the audience a most powerful and disturbing viewing experience. The score of the film added to its haunting effect. Although this film was shot in color, the scenes looked as if they had been bled of all color, and the fluorescent lighting used only added to the drabness and the depressive theme of this film. Extreme close-ups are used as well during this time, and together the overall effect is as if the viewer is in the mind of the actor on screen. In addition to these shots, he also added in the effect of slow motion. Since the film is all about drugs, this technique works particularly well. One feels a gradual but inevitable spin out of control as the movie progresses, and the characters regress. His use of split screen in the beginning of the film was so crucial for the audience in understanding the mom, Sara and her son Harry's desperation when he steals her TV set. It was mostly during the scenes where the main characters are high on drugs and are fantasizing about something when the slow motion technique is used. While showing us Harry's desperation for a fix, we are also shown the turmoil within his mom. The erratic camera movement and angles that follow up after the scene continue to create a very powerful emotional impact on the viewers.
Common topics in this essay:
Requiem Dream,
slow motion,
Darren Aronofsky's,
split screens,
extreme close-ups,
harry's desperation,
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Acceptance Essays
