The Ending: Nobody gets a happy ending here: Sara (Ellen Burstyn) loses her mind following electroconvulsive therapy, Harry's (Jared Leto) infected arm from drug use is amputated, Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) is imprisoned for drug possession and suffers severe withdrawal in jail, and Marion (Jennifer Connelly) continues to participate in sordid sex shows for drugs. Each character curls into the fetal position while Sara imagines winning the game show she thought she was going to appear on. Harry appears to meet her in the dream, looking smart and engaged to Marion, and finally, the two embrace, telling each other they love them. Fade to black. Why It's Awesome: It's completely emotionally shattering, and regardless of your opinion on drug use, a shocking summation of the movie's examination of addiction in all its forms. The performances (especially Burstyn) are astounding, Aronofsky's imagery delirious, and of course, Clint Mansell's wonderfully bleak score has become an iconic pop-culture mainstay ever since. Just don't watch it if you're feeling depressed. There's not an ounce of redemption to be found.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.