Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Film

Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and based on the 1978 novel by Hubert Selby Jr.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama that follows four Coney Island residents as addiction and obsession destroy their lives. The film is known for its unflinching portrayal of emotional and physical decline.

What it is

Directed by Darren Aronofsky and based on Hubert Selby Jr.'s 1978 novel, the film centres on Sara Goldfarb, her son Harry, his girlfriend Marion, and his friend Tyrone. Each character's ambitions and routines are gradually consumed by drug dependency and personal fixations, leading to a bleak, downward spiral.

Why it matters

The film is widely regarded as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction. Its graphic, disturbing content has made it a divisive but influential work in psychological drama. Though an American production, it has been widely distributed and discussed in Canada as part of international cinema culture.

Key details

The principal cast includes Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans. Aronofsky co-wrote the screenplay with Selby. The runtime is 102 minutes. The story is set in Coney Island and portrays the physical and emotional collapse of its characters.

In short

  • Four Coney Island characters whose addictions worsen over time.
  • Adapted from Hubert Selby Jr.'s 1978 novel.
  • Directed and co-written by Darren Aronofsky.
  • Known for its bleak, uncompromising depiction of addiction.
Canadian angle

The film has been widely distributed and discussed in Canada as part of international cinema culture, but it is an American production with no specific Canadian setting or production role identified in the provided sources.

Quick questions

What is Requiem for a Dream?
It is a 2000 American psychological drama film about four people whose lives unravel through addiction and obsession.
Who directed Requiem for a Dream?
Darren Aronofsky directed the film.
What is the film about?
It depicts four Coney Island characters whose drug use and personal fixations lead to severe decline.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requiem_for_a_Dream
    Supports: Director, cast, year, country, screenplay, basis on Hubert Selby Jr. novel, and plot overview.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0180093/
    Supports: Release year and plot premise.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/requiem_for_a_dream
    Supports: Genre, runtime, release details, cast, and synopsis.
  4. Reelviews — https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/requiem-for-a-dream
    Supports: NC-17 rating mention, creative credits, and critical characterization.
  5. BBC Culture — https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250603-why-requiem-for-a-dream-is-still-so-divisive
    Supports: Later critical discussion of the film's divisive reception and themes.