At number 14 on my list of films to see, is another by Darren Aronofsky, and one that takes a disturbing glance at the effects of drug addiction and obsession.
Set in the forgotten decay of Coney Island, the film follows four people who live amongst the down-and-suffering. Jared Leto plays Harry Goldfarb, a young drug addict in love. He and his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) spend their days shooting up, living the highs, and planning their epic future. Harry’s best friend, and business partner, Tyrone (Marlon Wayans), is also a drug addict, but one with problems with the law, and mother issues. Including in this quartet of troubled individuals is Harry’s mother Sara, a woman obsessed with television.
The plot follows a similar structure to a high, as the effects of their addictions and obsessions seem harmless to begin with, even euphoric. Harry and Marion bask in their love and recreations, Tyrone enjoys the spoils of money and success, while Sara is ecstatic with the prospect of being on television. However, the four soon encounter huge amounts of stress and panic as their dreams become nightmares. Harry and Marion’s relationship becomes an intense battle for the next hit, Tyrone becomes mixed with the wrong crowd, and Sara struggles with her desire to look good on television. All pop way to many pills, and all become dark, disfigured versions of themselves.
It is a brilliant exploration into the crippling world of drug addiction, and also into obsession. Aronofsky definitely has a penchant for delving deep into the human psyche, and finding the elements which traumatize most individuals.
The filming techniques used are plentiful, with tons of duel scenes, sped-up shots, and quick cut scenes. Aronofsky seems to have wanted to place his mark heavily on this film, and it could be viewed as a negative.
It is a hard film to watch, not one for the faint of heart, but one that has a truly engaging plot, and displays the versatility of the film form. Daring and bold.
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