The story is that of four people... Harry, the central figure (Leto), Marion, his girlfriend (Connelly), Sara, his mother (Burstyn), and Tyrone, his friend (Wayans). Each of the characters plunge deep into a world of addiction, despair and solitude. I cannot even describe the depths to which they sink, if fact I won't even try. Harry, Marion and Tyrone are each hooked on hardcore drugs and seem constantly obsessed with finding their next hit.

The film opens, with what seems like a regular occurrence, as Harry and Tyrone 'borrow' Sara's television to pawn off for drug money. "You'll get it back in a few hours," Harry yells to his mother as they wheel the TV out the door. Unfortunately for Sara, television is her fix. She is addicted to a 'game-show-esque' infomercial which claims it can improve your life. Her addiction to this show and its mantras lead to a desperate need for diet pills. At first it seems to work... she loses enough weight to fit into her only 'fancy' dress... but it doesn't stop there. I will leave the rest of the spiraling consequences to your imagination, but believe me, your imagination doesn't stretch that far.

The acting is of special note here. Jennifer Connelly and Ellen Burstyn give performances that demand Oscar consideration. Connelly gives a tear-inducingly brave performance in her best role ever. The vulnerability she must show is astonishing and would most certainly have been too much for most actresses. Burstyn is not afraid to appear pathetically bedraggled for the last two-thirds of the film... and that final shot of her... WOW! You have to see this film to believe it. Leto is the straight man here, if that is possible in this film, and plays his part admirably. Marlon Wayans will make you forget his comedic prowess in a role that shows great promise.

The score is unforgettable, and if you see this film in a theatre with a great sound system it will blow you away. Aching strings and soul pounding bass make you feel every beat of the film... it is a soundtrack that could be enjoyed on CD.

The quick cutting style may be a tad overused, but I am really just nit-picking. The lack of a character to root for could be a problem for some viewers. Although we care about the characters, it is clear that they do not care about themselves... and that suggests to us that they deserve their fate. It is hard to feel sympathy for anyone but Sara. Some viewers will be turned off by that fact.

Yes it's artsy-fartsy... but it's brilliant filmmaking and a must-see. I urge all of you to give it a try because this film has power and depth that will stick in your mind a heck of a lot longer than your run-of-the-mill Hollywood cheese. This film will mean more to you than all of the 'Bruckheimer' tender moments you could possibly feast your eyes on.