MOVIE CLIPS | VIDEO RELEASES | THEATER INFO Chasing Dreams Tale of drug abuse is both stunning and disturbing. By Lois Wadsworth Requiem For a Dream: Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Written by Aronofsky and Hubert Selby Jr., based on Selby's novel. Produced by Eric Watson and Palmer West. Cinematography, Matthew Libatique. Editor, Jay Rabinowitz. Music, Clint Mansell. String quartets performed by Kronos Quartet. Production design, James Chinlund. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans. Also with Christopher McDonald, Louise Lasser and Sean Gullette. Artisan Entertainment, 2000. Not rated. 102 minutes.   Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly in Requiem for a Dream. .   Fascinating and repellent, this new film by Darren Aronofsky (Pi) elicits extreme responses, often at the same moment. It is both beautiful and hideous but never predictable. You may wish that the downward spiral of all four major, drug-addicted characters end and resolution of their sufferings ensue, but your expectations will fail. Aronofsky and writer Hubert Selby Jr.'s ultimate visual judgment of them arrives via the ambiguous, final shot of each alone, lying in bed, turned on the side, knees drawn up in fetal position. Bleak. But neither its ending nor any of the stylized visual techniques Aronofsky uses to tell this bitter, intimidating story are gimmicks, although they may function that way. He repeats a series of split- screen images and sounds that includes a hypodermic needle sucking powder and the rapidly dilating pupil in a human eye. Every time the characters get high, Aronofsky runs this strip because it serves story-telling interests. When Sara (Ellen Burstyn) pops another handful of the diet pills she's become addicted to, or Harry (Jared Leto), his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), or his buddy Tyrone (Marlon Wayans), shoot heroin, these quick images snake across the screen as if to say: "Here we go again. Same old ritual. Same old high." If the film were merely a cautionary tale, which it is by any standard, the message would be: People who abuse hard drugs come to unpleasant ends. But at the level of metaphor, Requiem is about chasing dreams that elude our grasp. Sara wants to lose weight, become youthful and beautiful again, be on television, not be lonely. Harry and Tyrone want to become rich, have full, ordinary lives. Marion, who comes from a different social class, wants to be with Harry and work as a fashion designer. But the film says these dreams are not really personal. Long before she is addicted to speed, Sara's loneliness has led her to television and a weight-loss infomercial preached by a smarmy, insistent host, Tappy Tibbons (Christopher McDonald). Even Sara's friend, Ada (Louise Lasser), who also lives in her Brighton Beach high-rise, doesn't realize Sara's delusion. Sara imagines a Publishers' Clearinghouse Sweepstakes-like form letter she receives says that she's been picked to appear on the television program and begins a deadly crash diet. Much later when Ada visits Sara in the hospital, Ada finally "gets it" in one of the film's most poignant images. Burstyn's performance is riveting; her courage unlimited. Leto and Wayans' characters dream up ways to get out of the junkie street world they're stuck in, but their modus operandi always includes getting high first. Nothing in Leto's supporting work this year -- American Psycho, Black and White -- predicts this powerful screen presence. Likewise, Wayans, primarily known for his work as a comedian, plays that complex conundrum -- a sensitive junkie -- with grace. Neither actor takes one false step. Marion is the film's dominant feminine influence and its central character in a sense. Connelly's compelling plunge into degradation is not predictable from her personality, background or training. She is so good, so vulnerable in Requiem that words are inadequate. The graphic, truly terrible scenes of Marion's debasement would have earned an NC-17 rating, so Aronofsky choose to release the film unrated. But be forewarned: Images this explicit are uncommon, and they will not leave you alone. This extraordinary film is not for everyone. But if you choose to see it, you will be rewarded with a stunning and disturbing film experience. Now playing at the Bijou. OPENING OR RETURNING: Films open the Friday following date of EW publication unless otherwise noted. All the Pretty Horses: Based on Cormac McCarthy's award-winning novel. Matt Damon and Henry Thomas star as Texas teenagers who head to Mexico to be cowboys in the 1940s. Penelope Cruz also stars. Billy Bob Thornton directed. R. Cinemark 17. Bijou. Cast Away: Tom Hanks is stranded alone on a remote tropical island after his plane crashes into the South Pacific. Helen Hunt plays the girlfriend he left behind in Robert Zemeckis' film. PG-13. McDonald. Movieland. Cinemark 17. Chicken Run: Nick Park (Wallace and Gromit) and his partner at Aardman Animations, Peter Lord, work their magic on clay creatures. Life on Tweedy's Farm has become brutal, and the chickens' fearless leader, Ginger (voice, Julia Sawalha) recruits an American rooster (voice, Mel Gibson) to teach them to fly. Hilarious good fun for the whole family. G. Movies 12. Contender, The: Three big stars -- Joan Allen, Gary Oldman and Jeff Bridges -- star in this political drama directed by Rod Lurie. Allen's character is a senator in line to be Vice President, but Oldman plays an old enemy who remembers a sex scandal from the past. Highly recommended. R. Movies 12. Dracula 2000: Wes Craven's modernization of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel starring Gerard Butler, Johnny Lee Miller, Christopher Plummer and Jennifer Esposito. R. Cinemark 17. Movieland. Family Man: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) directs Nic Cage, Téa Leoni and Don Cheadle in this fantasy of an unmarried investment banker who sees what his life could have been had he married his only love. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. Little Nicky: Adam Sandler plays the shy, awkward son of the Devil who loves heavy metal but has two older brothers who are bullies. When they make trouble in New York, Nicky and a foul-mouthed talking dog go to the city to restore the balance between Good and Evil. Okay. PG-13. Late night Bijou. Little Vampire: Cute kid from Jerry Maguire Jonathan Lipnicki has a vampire friend he shares adventures with. Based on books by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg; directed by Ulrich Edel. PG. Movies 12. Space Cowboys: Director Clint Eastwood attracted Tommy Lee Jones, James Garner and Donald Sutherland to star with him in this outer space adventure flick. They play retired Air Force test pilots who have to defuse a leftover Cold War satellite in space before it hits earth. PG-13. Movies 12. CONTINUING: 102 Dalmatians: Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) is back, and this time she's got a partner in crime: Jean Pierre Le Pelt (Gerard Depardieu). Live action comedy from Disney. G. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. Aimee & Jaguar: German film directed by Max Färberböck is based on the true story of two women who fell in love as Berlin burned during WWII. One is a housewife with four little boys and a Nazi soldier husband. The other is an educated, stylish German Jew who hides in plain sight while working for the resistance. Excellent performances. Highly recommended. Not rated. Bijou. Bedazzled: Remake by Harold Ramis (Analyze This) of a late '60's Dudley Moore chestnut, the movie stars a lovesick Brendan Fraser selling his soul to the devil (Elizabeth Hurley) to win the woman of his dreams (Frances O'Connor). PG-13. Movies 12. Billy Elliot: Long-anticipated British film directed by Stephen Daldry about a boy from a mining community who hates his boxing lessons but wants to dance. Stars Jamie Bell as the lad, Julie Walters as his teacher and Gary Lewis as his reluctant-to-approve dad. R. Cinemark 17. Bring It On: Kirsten Dunst (The Virgin Suicides) is a cheerleader who wants to lead her squad to a national title. Gabrielle Union (She's All That) is head of a rival, inner-city hip-hop squad that has a score to settle with their suburban counterparts. PG-13. Movies 12. Cell, The: Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughan and Vincent D'Onofrio star in this science fiction thriller. Lopez is a psychologist who becomes trapped in the mind of a serial killer. R. Movies 12. Charlie's Angels: Elite private investigators Natalie (Cameron Diaz), Dylan (Drew Barrymore), and Alex (Lucy Liu), work for Bosley (Bill Murray), Charlie's lieutenant. These gals can handle anything on land, sea or air with up-to-the-minute martial arts skills, futuristic vehicles, high-tech tools and toys, and a raft of crafty disguises. PG-13. Late night Bijou. Coyote Ugly: David McNally comedy about cocktail waitresses who perform juggling acts with bottles in a rowdy New York bar. Stars Piper Perabo, Maria Bello, Melanie Lynskey, Adam Garcia and John Goodman. PG-13. Movies 12. Dr. T. and the Women: Robert Altman's pathetic comedy/romance stars Richard Gere as an overbooked Dallas gynecologist with domestic problems. Also stars Helen Hunt, Laura Dern, Kate Hudson, Shelley Long, Farrah Fawcett, Tara Reid and Liv Tyler. Not recommended. R. Movies 12. Dude, Where Is my Car?: Danny Leiner's one-joke comedy is about a couple of dudes who get too drunk to remember where they parked the car with presents for their girlfriends. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Movieland. Dungeons and Dragons: Fantasy adventure stars Jeremy Irons and Thora Birch (American Beauty), based on the popular game. Courtney Solomon directs. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. Emperor's New Groove, The: Disney animation, Sting's music, and the voices of David Spade, Eartha Kitt and John Goodman enliven this tale of a young emperor who is turned into a llama and learns to be nicer to others. G. Cinemark 17. Movieland. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Madcap Jim Carrey brings to life Dr. Seuss's green grinch who wants to keep Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon and Bill Irwin and others from celebrating Christmas. Directed by Ron Howard. PG. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. Meet the Parents: Ben Stiller plays the unfortunate prospective son-in-law to Robert Di Niro's overly protective father. Directed by Jay Roach, the film also stars Teri Polo and Blythe Danner as the engaged daughter and her mother. PG-13. Movies 12. Miss Congeniality: Dubious comedy stars Sandra Bullock as an FBI agent posing as a beauty contestant, Miss New Jersey. Directed by Donald Petrie, flick also stars Benjamin Bratt, Michael Caine and William Shatner. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. Proof of Life: Russell Crowe is a special agent for kidnap and ransom who gets involved with the wife (Meg Ryan) of a hostage (David Morse) in this romantic drama set in South America. Directed by Taylor Hackford (Dolores Claiborne, The Devil's Advocate). R. Cinemark 17. Movieland. Remember the Titans: Football movie based on the true story of a 1971 Virginia high school falling apart from racial conflict until a black coach (Denzel Washington) from out of town pulls them together. Directed by Boaz Yakin, it also stars Will Patton and Kip Pardue. PG. Movies 12. Requiem for a Dream: Brilliant, deeply disturbing film directed by Darren Aronofsky (Pi) from a script by Hubert Selby Jr. (Last Exit to Brooklyn). Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans give realistic, gritty and courageous performances here as junkies on the down slope. The film is innovative and beautiful, but you will not sleep well after this one. Unrated. Bijou. See review this issue. Rugrats in Paris: Stu Pickles takes the Finsters and his brood to Paris while he works on EuroReptarland, a new amusement park. Tommy Pickles leads the Rugrats on adventures to solve the mysteries of life and to help Chuckie Finster find the right mom now that his dad is dating again. G. Cinema World 8. Cinemark 17. Scary Movie: Parody of Scream teen horror directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans stars Carmen Electra in the Drew Barrymore role, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans. Look for lots of improvisations in this spoof. R. Movies 12. Sixth Day, The: Roger Spottiswoode directs this futuristic thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in two roles. One is a clone, but nobody can tell which one. Also stars Wendy Crewson as his wife, Tony Goldwyn and Robert Duvall. PG-13. Movies 12. Solas: Spanish director Benito Zambrano directs this wholly unsentimental, humanistic film about an estranged daughter whose mother comes to stay with her for a few days. About the loneliness of cities and the lasting gifts of love. Stars Ana Fernández, María Galiana, and Carlos Alvarez-Novoa. Unrated. Bijou. Unbreakable: New film by M. Night Shyamalan writer, director of last year's surprise hit, The Sixth Sense, stars Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. Both put themselves on the line in these understated roles. Willis's character is inner-directed and thoughtful, while Jackson's steely reserve and crushing vulnerability are quietly menacing. Beautifully directed, it's a great movie. Very highly recommended. PG-13. Cinema World 8. Cinemark 17. Vertical Limit: Action adventure tale of a former mountain climber who has to save a sibling trapped at 26,000 feet. Chris O'Donnell is the traumatized ex-climber, Robin Tunney is his sis. Directed by Martin Campbell. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. What Women Want: Mel Gibson stars as an accident victim who can suddenly hear the private thoughts of women. The women in question include Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei and Lauren Holly. PG-13. Cinemark 17. Cinema World 8. Movieland. MOVIE THEATERS Use the links provided below for specific show times. Bijou Art Cinemas Bijou Theater | 686-2458 | 492 E. 13th Regal Cinemas Cinema World | 342-6536 | Valley River Center McDonald | 344-4343 | 10th and Willamette Movieland | 342-4142 | W. 11th and Seneca Springfield Quad | 726-9073 | Cinemark Theaters Movies 12 | 741-1231 | Gateway Mall Movies before 12:30 are Sat. Sun. only. $1.50 all shows all days. Cinemark 17 | 741-1231 | Gateway Mall NEW RELEASES ON VIDEO: Releases subject to change. Available the Tuesday following date of EW publication, sometimes sooner: Autumn in New York: Joan Chen directs Winona Ryder and Richard Gere in this romance. PG-13. Comic Act: A behind-the-scenes look at life in London's underground comedy world. No rating. Crime and Punishment in Suburbia: Thriller about a cheerleader who engineers the murder of her abusive stepfather. Loosely based on Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. R. Hollow Man, The: Director Paul Verhoeven's (Basic Instinct) rape fantasy stars Kevin Bacon as an experimental scientist who becomes invisible and runs amok. With Elisabeth Shue, Josh Brolin and Kim Dickens. Avoid it like the plague. R. Under Suspicion: Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman star in this drama set in Puerto Rico. Based on the French film Garde a Vue. R. Way of the Gun, The: A pair of bad guys low on cash decide to donate to a sperm bank. They kidnap Juliette Lewis who plays a surrogate mother who will soon be a millionaire. The three are on the run after finding out she's been hired to deliver the child of an aging underworld bagman. Lots of blood and gore. R. Yellow: Eight Asian American teens make big plans for their high school graduation night. When one father's convenience store is robbed, the friends go on a wild evening to replace the money. No rating. Next week: Animal Factory, Claire Dolan, Me, Myself and Irene, Once Upon a Time in China, Wonder Boys. Back to Top Table of Contents | News & Views | Arts & Entertainment Classifieds | Personals | EW Archive