REASONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ADDICTION
“Requiem for a dream”
Course: Academic Writing and Research
April 8th, 2018
Paola Arsova
Class 1 ID: 170776
, Reasons and consequences of addiction
“Requiem for a dream”
Retake
“Requiem for a Dream”, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a shocking film and a
philosophical one. Beyond that it is the depiction of addiction that the four main
characters struggle with. This movie is simply a reflection of the reality of many
people all over the world who have the same problems. Furthermore, it is doing so by
revealing the ugly face of addiction and obsession in a straightforward manner that
leaves a deep impression. In Criswell’s words (2018), "core ideas are manifested by
its violence acceleration of intensity."
This already suggests the idea of the movie - a truth that intends to make the viewer
think, feel strong emotions of disgust, and even make them uncomfortable. It is a
wakeup call for our society. Mrs. Goldfarb in the movie „Requiem for a dream”
represents our modern days society’s need to be perfect and fit in. Indeed it is
disturbing how easily the seemingly harmless habits of the characters are the reason
for development of addictions that end up overtaking their normal lives. Their fates
prove that everyone is bound to face the consequences for their choices.
The first example the movie gives is the character Sarah Goldfarb, widowed and a
mother of an addicted son who does not visit her often so she spends most of her
time by herself. Her only friends are her neighbors, old ladies who she sometimes
goes out to sunbathe with. The loneliness and lack of things to do leave Sara with
only one entertainment source - the TV. To be more exact, a diet show. Every day
she starts spending more and more time listening to a TV host who is promoting his
book with a story how he lost pounds. Later on, she receives a call from a reality
show which invites her to participate because she has won some kind of a prize. For
Sara this becomes the main reason to live and be happy from that day on.
“Requiem for a dream”
Course: Academic Writing and Research
April 8th, 2018
Paola Arsova
Class 1 ID: 170776
, Reasons and consequences of addiction
“Requiem for a dream”
Retake
“Requiem for a Dream”, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a shocking film and a
philosophical one. Beyond that it is the depiction of addiction that the four main
characters struggle with. This movie is simply a reflection of the reality of many
people all over the world who have the same problems. Furthermore, it is doing so by
revealing the ugly face of addiction and obsession in a straightforward manner that
leaves a deep impression. In Criswell’s words (2018), "core ideas are manifested by
its violence acceleration of intensity."
This already suggests the idea of the movie - a truth that intends to make the viewer
think, feel strong emotions of disgust, and even make them uncomfortable. It is a
wakeup call for our society. Mrs. Goldfarb in the movie „Requiem for a dream”
represents our modern days society’s need to be perfect and fit in. Indeed it is
disturbing how easily the seemingly harmless habits of the characters are the reason
for development of addictions that end up overtaking their normal lives. Their fates
prove that everyone is bound to face the consequences for their choices.
The first example the movie gives is the character Sarah Goldfarb, widowed and a
mother of an addicted son who does not visit her often so she spends most of her
time by herself. Her only friends are her neighbors, old ladies who she sometimes
goes out to sunbathe with. The loneliness and lack of things to do leave Sara with
only one entertainment source - the TV. To be more exact, a diet show. Every day
she starts spending more and more time listening to a TV host who is promoting his
book with a story how he lost pounds. Later on, she receives a call from a reality
show which invites her to participate because she has won some kind of a prize. For
Sara this becomes the main reason to live and be happy from that day on.
