Have you ever watched a movie, and felt a huge wave of emotions out of nowhere? When people say that they have experienced this, they often point out that a certain song that the movie played is the culprit of these feelings. It’s incredible how well certain songs can compliment their respective movie, and it’s a prominent method that’s at least attempted in all major films. One of the most highly regarded track of this kind is Lux Aeterna, from the critically acclaimed movie, “Requiem For a Dream.”
“Requiem for a Dream,” released in 2000, was directed by Darren Aronofsky, and stars several different actors, including Marlon Wayans, and a young Jared Leto, just to name a few. The movie is a psychological drama which depicts the effects of addiction on a person’s being. It shows the tragic cycle that an addict goes through, and how an addiction can bring a person into total delusion while dealing with reality. This brilliant display of tragedy is shown through the perspectives of several different addicts, as they each go through their own unique decline. The theme was composed by Clint Mansell, and was performed by the Kronos Quartet. The string quartet arrangements were written by David Lang. 
The theme is composed of several sharp stringed instruments that join together to create a tense and discomforting sound. The irony is that these instruments are normally used to create lighthearted sounds that compliment uplifting moments. That’s one point for this brilliant theme. The sound that was created fits the movie perfectly, as this ominous tone compliments the tragic display of the utter demise of a human being who was once rich with life and sanity. The part where this theme really connects the viewer is the climax. It is at this very moment in which each addict realizes the harsh truths of reality, and how they have lived in total delusion from what they have actually been doing. At this very moment, the theme compliments the scenario with the sense of total downfall. It makes the viewer realize that this is what occurs when addiction becomes a total superpower in someone’s life, and reveals how tragic this realization is. I have talked to many people who have said that this movie has scarred them for life, as it is a truly powerful film that presents its purpose directly, and is meant to make you stray away from these demons. The people have spoken to have said that this movie is the reason they keep their lives in check. They do not want to enter the endless void of abuse, but would rather pursue a positive life, filled with opportunity.
I have provided a link to this track, and I hope you enjoyed this article. I HIGHLY recommend that you watch this film, as it really is phenomenal.
As always, I’ll be back next week. Stay friendly everyone and remember: don’t do drugs.