The first movie that made me consider that film may be an art form, rather than just a means of entertainment, was Requiem For A Dream (side note: I saw Boondock Saints before Requiem, but that was more of a spiritual experience for an Irish-Catholic like me). Requiem was both engaging and at times visually disgusting... like the proverbial car crash, you could not look away, even though you really didn't want to see the visual representation of the wreckage drugs (in this case) made on the lives of the main characters. Certain images and phrases from the movie are always brought up when this film is discussed- if you've seen it, you know exactly what I'm referencing. Much like Deliverence- I have never seen the movie, but am quite aware of the quote "Sqeel like a pig"... visceral images or phrases that shake our moral being to the core a little.
I think the beauty of this particular film, however, if exactly what will make Darren Aronofsky considered one of the greatest directors of the 21st century in the future. He has mastered the art of merging the affective and effective forms of film... he's able to evoke both a physical and emotional response from his audience, in almost everything he does. Of course, this isn't only true for Requiem- but his latest movie, The Wrestler. The painful images of Mickey Rourk's character all bloody and broken with staples being ripped out of his flesh was nauseating- but even more so, the painful reality of this sad and emotionally broken man was devastating. Watching the movie left me sad, emotionally drained, and depressed. But it was one of the best movies I have seen this year, by far.
In college, I did a scene-by-scene analysis of Pi- Aronofsky's first commercially released feature length film. I won't pretend to remember all of the details behind every schizophrenic camera move that represented that the main character's mental deterioration over his obsession for the meaning of Pi- but, he everything he does with a piece is done with purpose and meaning. The Fountain, his most under-rated film in my option- it one of the most visually stimulating and beautiful pieces of work I have ever seen. It does contain that certain David Lynch-esque quality about it that makes you stop at the end and go... wait, what? But, taking it for what it is- a story about eternal love through time, its absolutely as heart-wrenching and amazing as his other work. And much, much more visually stimulating.
Even thought this may seem like a crappy 1101 Film Appreciation analysis, I've just been reflecting lately on what makes Aronofsky so damn cool... and it occured to me the other night that, like any great director- I think he's going to make everyone look back at him 20 years from now and realize how his unique style really encapsulated the spirit of a younger gereration of filmmakers. He's not a by the book Michael Bay replica, and his movies aren't blockbusters... even The Wrestler kind of snuck up on Hollywood and silently impressed the nation. But, in a way, I guess I'd like to say that I want to be Darren Aronofsky when I grow up. Except without the weird mustache.
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