The film Requiem for a Dream (directed by Darren Aronofsky, 2000) depicts four individuals and their increasing addiction to substances. This psychological drama tells of parallel encounters linked by the relationship between loners. Set in Brooklyn, audiences follow the four interconnected characters into a spiraling pit of no return. While the film could be seen as a simple reflection on addiction, Aronofsky's content is based on the obsession with consumption and is limited to the conventional definition of a drug. In fact, Requiem for a Dream questions what could be considered a drug, the individual and collective delusions of the "American dream", the obsessions from which these errors are formed, and to what heights the characters will climb to realize such misconceptions and the depths they plumb to when the rose-colored glasses are removed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The general approach to Requiem for a Dream is to digest it as a film about addiction, but the addiction only acts as a intrigue to move the scenario. Aronofsky presents a dominant metaphor in each character's first scenes as they introduce themselves on screen. As they are introduced to the viewer, it becomes clear that each character is trapped. For example, the first scene in which the mother, Sarah Goldfarb, has locked herself in a closet while her son, Harry, tries to persuade her to allow him to steal her television. The screen is split in two as we see Sara refuse and Harry persuades her. Sara is trapped in this closet as something tries to take away her comfort. When Sara receives an anonymous phone call explaining how she was "selected" to appear on television, her obsession begins. Sara gradually becomes dependent on the idea of ​​being on television and everyone's ability to observe her. Not only is she obsessed with the TV show, but she also begins trying to fit in the red dress she wore to Harry's graduation. The way this item of clothing is the culmination of his illusion reveals that Harry's high school graduation represents his most important achievement, and he hasn't accomplished much since. This red dress explains how Sara remains stuck in the past. Sara wants to look like she did on Harry's graduation day; she wants her son to succeed and her husband to be alive. For this reason, Sara resorts to diet pills and her obsession with food turns into hallucinations and delusions. With every pill she swallows, the audience knows she's convincing herself that once she puts on the dress, her life will return to better times. During his visit, Harry notices Sara's teeth grinding from the pills, and the audience learns the severity of Sara's addiction. Sara's behavior changes: "It's a reason to get up in the morning, it's a reason to lose weight, it's a reason to put on the red dress." On the surface, this scene may seem like a commentary on drug addiction, but in reality it's more about the obsessions of lonely people. Sarah Goldfarb wants a taste of the American dream. She is a victim of television and an intimate cannibalistic capitalist society. Like many Americans, Sara spent her older years in front of the television, out of contact with friends and family. She feeds the show she watches; this pushes her to the extreme. Watching only infomercials can have a profound impact on the brain, and like Sara Goldfarb, it began to seep into her!”