In case you missed the poster, the title screen, the name on the Blu-ray case, and our "What's Up With the Title?" section (shame on you) this movie is called Requiem for a Dream. "Dream" is right there in the title, so of course one of the major themes is dreams. We didn't mean to rhyme.
In our "What's Up With the Title?"section, we talk more about the "requiem" part. Like the goth kid in high school, we're a little obsessed with death. Here we'll focus on dreams. Just close your eyes and relax. Then open them, because you need to be able to read what we have to say.
Questions about Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- What is each character's dream? What does each person do to try and achieve his/her dream?
- Does anyone actually realize his/her dream?
- What do you think each character should do to make their dream achievable?
Chew on This
Every character thinks drugs are the ticket to their dreams – Sara uses pills, Harry and co. want to sell drugs and get rich – but drugs are a one-way path down a dead-end street for everyone.
The two male characters don't realize they have lost their dream until the film's last scene. The two female characters believe they can still reach their dreams.