tell me why i should keep Requiem

[esc]

i am torn between keeping Requiem for a Dream in my collection (sitting snuggly next to Pi) or getting it the hell out of here.
i thought it was an excellent film worthy of all its critical praise but it just disturbed me too much and i dont think i will want to watch it again for a long long time or subject anyone else to it.
i haven't watched any of the extras yet, save deleted scenes, perhaps the commentaries will give some new insight that will make me decide to keep the disc.

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I'm just not used to being chased around the mall
in the middle of the night by killer robots.
-Linda, Chopping Mall

[Rouge 2]

Can you believe they're giving that guy Batman?!?

[DVDriven]

I really can't think of any besides financial. I'm not sure if I'll watch my copy again in the future, for reasons unrelated to its content or delivery (I didn't find it overly disturbing; thought provoking might be a better description), but I believe that quality movies should always have a spot in someone's library. It may not be as timeless as "Gone With The Wind" or "Sound Of Music", but few movies rarely are.

I sold the first copy I had on eBay for $15, and repurchased it two days later.

[saraswati]

rouge --- what do you mean, "can you believe they're giving that guy batman?"

i don't think it's the quality of the director we have to worry about here, i think it's probably the sell-out nature of working on yet another shitty batman film.

though i don't want to offend you if you're a fan.

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deep in the heat of the bush...

[eideal6]

Originally posted by saraswati:

i don't think it's the quality of the director we have to worry about here, i think it's probably the sell-out nature of working on yet another shitty batman film.

well stated.


its supposed to be crazy.. but if you dont like it, you dont like it. i hope you dont frequently purchase/keep movies based solely on the fact that you own the maker's prvious work.


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"We raped the horses and rode off on the women..."

[DrDetroit]

This Batman deal they're giving Aronofsky, you think that's selling out? Tim Burton did the same about 10 years ago, and it didn't really mean he sold out. He went from those movies to do Ed Wood, Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow.. The Batman franchise served to make his name, maybe it will do the same for Aronofsky. He's a young guy. Of course it could destroy him like it did Joel Schumacher. God rest his soul.

Originally posted by DrDetroit:
This Batman deal they're giving Aronofsky, you think that's selling out? Tim Burton did the same about 10 years ago, and it didn't really mean he sold out.

Yeah, i don't know if I would consider it selling out.

Frank Miller, thank god, is helping with the script, though Frank did write RoboCop 3, so, ehhhhh.

I don't think Aronofsky is the right person for this job. It's kind of like how Fincher got Alien3... a successful franchise to a music video director, though I think Fincher did a good job.

And, anyway, I liked Pi much better than Requiem.

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http://www.wordsfromhere.com

[This message has been edited by stiles (edited 07-09-2001).]

[Hank]

I cannot wait to se Anfrosky's Batman. He is a talented director who could do much more with Batman than Tim Burton ever did. Requim was amazing as was Pi. His techiniques are just going to get better, he might even surpass Sooderburgh(sp) in the near future.

Originally posted by Hank:
His techiniques are just going to get better,

Ok, wait, wait. His techniques aren't 'his' techniques. All those camera tricks and quick editing were borrowed from other films.

It's my main problem with Requiem, all of the camera tricks were borrowed from other movies like Fight Club, Mean Streets, Trainspotting... there are others, but I can't remember them because I tried to push that film from my mind. I wasn't impressed.

[Triple HHH]

lol Joel Schumacher. If the golden script from heaven fell right onto his lap, he'd still muck it up. (*cough* 8MM *cough*)

As you can tell, I have little love for him.

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"Ow, it damn well hurts!"
"It's supposed to hurt."
"What's the trick then?"
"The trick is not MINDING that it hurts."

[saraswati]

aronofsky doing batman and burton doing batman are 2 different things. when tim burton directed the original batman, it was like how sam raimi is working on spiderman. while he was adapting classic comic book material, it wasn't the 5th in a series of films, each one being worse than the other. unfortunately, sequels almost never pack the punch of the original, for several reasons. and i'd like to see anyone who favored the 4th or 5th installments of any of the other big film franchises, except star trek.

mostly, i worry that, confronted with huge stars and an endless budget, aronofsky will be overwhelmed. and on top of that, i doubt the material he's working with will be fresh.

i guess there's a possibility that the new batman might be good. and i'm not saying that aronofsky is "selling out" by doing this. i don't really believe in selling out, because once you sign that first contract, you've already been sold. and even earlier, you always have to make compromises. but, in a very general sense, he is "selling out" by going from small-time artistic filmmaking to big-budget blockbuster work.

and hey, if the new batman is good, then i get to be pleasantly surprised. i try not to get my hopes up for stuff like this because then, when i finally see the film, it pisses me off.

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deep in the heat of the bush...

[Rock]

Tell me why I should keep Requiem.

Good movie, albeit disturbing, and most importantly...Jennifer Connelley bush shot!!!

(Sorry for being a perv, I just had to mention it. )

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DVDFile.Com Administrator | TheGreatOne@DVDFile.com | The Rock's DVD List

Sometimes you can’t help people till they hit rock bottom; and by then, you’ve lost interest.

[Logan 5]

Tell me why I should keep Requiem.

I know exactly how you feel. I enjoyed the movie and have thought of purchasing it several times but then refrain knowing that I would probably never watch it again. I have come to the same impasse with "Waking the Dead," "Nurse Betty" and even "American Beauty" (the last two being films of exceptional quality).

What can you do? As Pascal wrote: "The heart has its reasons that reason cannot know."

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RENEW OR RUN.

[elwood731]

Schumaker has done SOME good work. Flatliners and Lost Boys are both really enjoyable. I have Flatliners in my collection, need to get Lost Boys.

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FFX - Fan Film Xchange
http://www.FanFilmXchange.com
The Net's Only Site Dedicated to All Fan Films

[Rouge 2]

After hearing about that shot of Jen Connely Requiem is now at the top of my rental list!

All kidding aside. Darren doing Batman is a mistake. Burton had two box office hits to his name before doing Batman, he wasn't a household name, but was well known in the industry. You can't take a guy who did two tiny Ind films that no one heard about and give him a 100 million dollar film, he won't have the first damn clue about how to make a film of that scope.

The producers are putting that 100 mill into the film and they won't let some unknown director be in charge. Ultimatley, it's there money, it's there film. What they say goes. They want a no-name so their job is much easier.

Don't compare this to Fincher and Alien 3. Fincher didn't have much control. It was the producers and Weaver that wanted that abysmal film to be made the way it was. If Fincher had his way the film probably could have been alright.

These franchises like Batman, Alien, and others are run by the producers who know nothing about the craft of filmmaking. It's a miracle when we get more than one good film out of them.

[Porkchop]

Originally posted by Triple HHH:
lol Joel Schumacher. If the golden script from heaven fell right onto his lap, he'd still muck it up. (*cough* 8MM *cough*)

As you can tell, I have little love for him.

You should see "Tigerland". A surprisingly gritty, strong film from Schumacher. It will make you forget all about "8mm".

[Fox Mulder]

I'd keep Requiem in your collection because you'll never get anything close in exchange for what you paid for it. As for Batman, I think Aronofsky is an inspired choice. He's supposed to direct an "epic" sci-fi film with Pitt and Blanchett before Batman which will be a good indicator of whether or not he can move into the upper echelon of film directors. I think many people assume this will be a more convential superhero movie like the other Batman films. In my opinion, Aronofsky and Miller are going to make the new Batman film more dark, gritty, and urban than even the first two Batman films. If nothing else, we can take heart in the fact that we will not be seeing Batman and Robin on ice skates again.

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The Truth is Out There.
Trust No One.

[Zombie Keeper]

Any movie that disturbs you enough to think about getting rid of it, needs to be kept.

This means it hit on all cylinders and the director and the actors did thier jobs.

The horror film "Ring" effected me this way. But there's no way I'm putting it on the trading block!

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ZombieKeeper.com
Horror movie reviews from people who watch horror movies.

[Soggy Bagel's Revenge!]

In the first two days of owning "Requiem for a Dream" (I bought it the minute it came out!) I watched it four times. And since then, I know I must have viewed it atleast five more. I't just amazing. Sure, it is REALLY intense, but it's just such a beautiful film in other parts, and it REALLY inspires me. Whenever I'm in the mood for anything exciting and different, I pop in "Requiem". Also, I think that Aronofsky will do an AWESOME job with "Batman", maybe even better than Burton! I can't believe Warner let Joel Schumacher almost RUIN the series with "Forever" and "Robin".

Thanx,
Brook

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Go to the missing title art gallery for fun comics, creative writing, and original short films!

or, visit Cheap Thrills ...or more? for lots of horror cinema fun!

[OneofRyan]

I hated the movie. Even worse than "Crouching Tiger".

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There's a guy wearing a black cape out there! And I think he's evil!
Ric Olie cut dialog from SW - The Phantom Menace

[Marq]

You hated it? Worse than Crouching Tiger? It is people like you OneofRyan who give movie fans a bad name.

Saying you hate something just for the sake of stirring trouble and being of no help to the original post is ignorant and egotistical. Please take your negative attitude elsewhere, and try to at least provide reasons for your hate, or stick to discussions about movies/ DVDs you actually enjoy. Why would you even bother to enter a discussion about a film you despise. I know I would not enter a forum about the Star Trek films. Oh well.

Phew...

[manigrasso]

Keep it and loan it out every time someone you know says nobody's doing anything worth watching on film.

[saraswati]

marq -- leave OneofRyan alone. oh, no, he bothered to share his opinion, and it happened to differ with yours. true, the blanket statement "hated it!" wasn't really all that valuable to the original poster. but that's generally the way things are around here. a question like, "should i keep this?" will start off a discussion on the merits (or lack thereof) of a particular film. and occaisionally you will get someone chiming in a quick summary of their opinion, whether it reflects the original question or not. you're new around here, so maybe you haven't really gotten to know the rhythm and flow of discussion. just stay out of this kind of thing until you understand the dynamic.

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deep in the heat of the bush...

[Marq]

sarasati- Oh no, I bothered to share MY opinion!

I did not realize, I was that offensive.
It's not that he disageed with my opinion of the films, it's that I tend to have little patience for individuals who too often post their comments in a topic solely to stir shit up. Granted, his disliking the film may contribute to esc's decision on Requiem, but "hate" is a strong word that I feel needs to be backed up.

Sorry about the tangeant. Although I've only posted about 50 times, I feel I have enough experience in this and several other DVD and film forums to understand the dynamic of such discussions. You only registered 2 months before I did, and although I do not post as often as you, I feel I am just as proficient a vistor to these forums.

Nonetheless I apologize for offending anyone, although I feel my angered thoughts (though not completely on topic) should be just as valued as OneofRyan's.



[This message has been edited by Marq (edited 07-12-2001).]

[BeanBandit]

First, I'd like to say that in my opinion and the opinions of many others, both Crouching Tiger and Requiem are excellent films. Second, if OneofRyan has the right to post his opinion, Marq certainly has the right to post his (although it did deviate from the topic). I only wish that OneofRyan had put a little more detail into his post, such as giving reasons why he hated these two films, intead of just trying to get people pissed off. [/opinion]

ANYWAY, I think Requiem is worth keeping, as Manigrasso said, just to loan to others who need to see it. I am planning to buy it myself, but I probably won't touch it because I saw it once and I don't think I want to see it again. That movie was fucked. Nonetheless, I really liked it and I think it is a great film. It's a keeper, if only to haunt your collection.

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It cost Mike Tyson $3 million (he forfeited 10% of the fight purse) when he bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear in a boxing match. Assuming that piece of ear weighed about 1/2 an ounce, Bill [Gates] could afford to eat 515.34 pounds of Evander Holyfield if he were so inclined.

[OneofRyan]

well, I thought they were poorly acted and written. Sure, some stunts in the Crouching Tiger were good, but stunts do not make up for a good movie - in my opinion. I would rather watch something more thought provoking.

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My website - www.geocities.com/ryanofone/The_Game_Grid.html

[Logan 5]

I think the difference is that OneofRyan gave his opinion (albeit brief) of the film while Marq gave his opinion of OneofRyan.

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RENEW OR RUN.


[This message has been edited by Logan 5 (edited 07-12-2001).]

[Marq]

Again, I apologize for posting off topic.

But getting back onto topic, OneofRyan, you've expressed your opinion on Crouching Tiger (albeit brief), what did you dislike about Requiem?

The most common dislike of the film seems to be the director's stylistic choices, and overall use of camera movements and a visuals. Others are offended by the subject matters. While I feel the director is very creative in said choices and find the material powerful and useful to turn others away from drug use, I'd enjoy hearing your view of the film.

I suppose this too is a deviation, but al in all, it could still help esc make his/ her decision!!!

[DVDriven]

Originally posted by Marq:

But getting back onto topic, OneofRyan, you've expressed your opinion on Crouching Tiger (albeit brief), what did you dislike about Requiem?

'OneofRyan' doesn't need me to chime in, but according to his reply, he hated both CTHD and RFAD because they were, according to him, 'poorly acted and written'.

If this is the case, I assumed that his expectations as a viewer would be loftier than others, and that his DVD library should read as an AFI bookshelf; a quick glimpse on his webpage revealed otherwise (I'll give folks a chance to peruse his collection, which is posted on his website).

Very few films have mass appeal. I don't think RFAD falls into this category, whether it's the subject matter or the manner in which it was presented; CTHD is different because it appealed to both sexes and did have a wider age demographic. CTHD transcended barriers because it was recognized as more than an action film (the action sequences, I believe, were integral to the storytelling process). It may not have gathered the accolades that some felt it should have, but it also shouldn't be viewed as a disappointment because of this. I know the opinions of critics are rarely valued, but I like to keep an open mind when they share their views because there are times they can offer insight into the film-making process that a layperson would easily overlook. Given the concensus from both film critics and the public on CTHD, to say that it was a 'bad' film takes chutzpah, which isn't good nor bad.

Whatever floats his boat, I say.

[OneofRyan]

Well, thanks for your review. I like movies from Die Hard to Close Encounters. Besides being just a little intense, Requiem offered little else. It will be remembered years from now as a movie of little note. A snooze. Most of the movies I enjoy are not yet out on DVD. I don't think AFI has the right to tell people which movies are good or bad. Most of my DVDs ARE on that list, bonehead. "Crouching Tiger" still sucks.


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My website - www.geocities.com/ryanofone/The_Game_Grid.html

[This message has been edited by OneofRyan (edited 07-12-2001).]

[Rouge 2]

You can use the DVD as a mini-frisbee or a coaster for cool drinks.

[BeanBandit]

Most of my DVDs ARE on that list, bonehead. "Crouching Tiger" still sucks.

Youch. Methinks such hostility is very unbecoming of this forum.

You can use the DVD as a mini-frisbee or a coaster for cool drinks.

If I was really rich (but I'm very poor), I'd use discontinued Criterion discs as my coasters. Now wouldn't that impress my friends!
"Oh, just put your fine imported beer down on my Hard Boiled Criterion DVD over there."
"Sweet jesus! Isn't that worth $200?"
*BB turns nose up*

[Marq]

I feel that Requiem will truly stand the test of time for it's intense acting by Burnstyn, Connelly and others; it's deeply moral message about addiction; and it's compelling method of strytelling. Though it will never amount to a blockbuster movie, Requiem is the kind of film, like Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Paradise Lost, Trainspotting, or Sid and Nancy that is powerful enough to haunt you for weeks after viewing it.... well maybe not Trainspotting!

After going to OneofRyan's website to view his DVD collection, I need not further my argument. Our tastes in film are on completely different timecodes, except in the comedy department.



[This message has been edited by Marq (edited 07-13-2001).]

[OneofRyan]

Schindler's List is a more thought provoking film that Requiem. It also has a more powerful story, and acting. I don't need Hollywood telling me that drugs are bad, when no doubt half of its actors shoot up.

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My website - www.geocities.com/ryanofone/The_Game_Grid.html

[Marq]

Originally posted by OneofRyan:
Schindler's List is a more thought provoking film that Requiem. It also has a more powerful story, and acting. I don't need Hollywood telling me that drugs are bad, when no doubt half of its actors shoot up.

I wouldn't consider Requiem to be a Hollywood production in the least. Sure it's financing, etc.. came from the higher-ups, but, if anything, Hollywood (in particular the MPAA) tried to prevent it from being released! The independent (though now fledging) studio Artisan had the guts to release it outside the bounds of traditional multiplexes due to it's unrated categorization.

In all honesty I am growing quite tired of this dispute, but admire both of our willingness to stand firm ground.

[Eye]

Originally posted by OneofRyan:
Most of my DVDs ARE on that list, bonehead. "Crouching Tiger" still sucks.

Your input is welcome here, but personal insults are not.




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Moderator | Eye ::..

[OneofRyan]

I know. I don't want to arugue either. I just felt crapped on because my DVD list isn't the AFI list.

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My website - www.geocities.com/ryanofone/The_Game_Grid.html

[Rock]

marq -- leave OneofRyan alone. oh, no, he bothered to share his opinion, and it happened to differ with yours.

Ahhh, Sara, our Unoffical Moderator hard at work keeping the peace and slapping some sense into people.

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DVDFile.Com Administrator | TheGreatOne@DVDFile.com | The Rock's DVD List

Sometimes you can’t help people till they hit rock bottom; and by then, you’ve lost interest.

[BeanBandit]

I don't need Hollywood telling me that drugs are bad, when no doubt half of its actors shoot up.

That's not what Requiem is all about. Sure most of the problems in the film revolve around heroin and speed and such, but Aronofsky didn't make the film to promote drug awareness.

I was thinking of picking it up last night at the video store but I got scared. Really scared. The first time I watched it was like a bad trip and it freaked me out. I don't know if I can ever watch it again. For a film to have that kind of effect on me, well, that's something.

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Too bad you can't buy a voodoo globe so that you could make the earth spin real fast and freak everybody out.

[eideal6]

Originally posted by OneofRyan:
I don't need Hollywood telling me that drugs are bad,

for me it wasnt the obvious.
yes heroin is fucked up.
yeah, i've known crack head chicks thru school that go thru Jennifer Connely's motions.
But the other stuff.
The "TV fix." over the counter mind-fucks. love junkies. jeez. exposing invisible crutches is what its all about.
btw, I liked it very much.

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"We raped the horses and rode off on the women..."

[This message has been edited by eideal6 (edited 07-16-2001).]