Comparison of Aristotle’s Philosophy to the Movie Requiem for a Dream (2000) Requiem for a Dream as a Tragic Exploration of Aristotle’s Philosophy

Comparison of Aristotle’s Philosophy to the Movie Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Requiem for a Dream (2000), directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a harrowing exploration of addiction, obsession, and the destructive consequences of pursuing unrealistic desires. Based on Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel, the film follows four individuals whose lives spiral out of control as they succumb to their personal addictions—drugs, fame, and the pursuit of unattainable dreams. Given its deep emotional and psychological themes, it provides an interesting lens through which to explore philosophical concepts, particularly those put forth by Aristotle.

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, developed a framework for understanding human flourishing and ethical behavior, focusing on concepts like virtue, the golden mean, telos (purpose or end), and eudaimonia (human flourishing or happiness). His ethical theory is rooted in the idea of living in accordance with reason, achieving a balance between extremes, and cultivating virtue. By comparing Requiem for a Dream to Aristotle’s philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of how addiction and the characters’ desires relate to Aristotle's principles of happiness, virtue, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

1. Aristotle’s Concept of Eudaimonia vs. The Characters’ Destructive Pursuits

In Aristotle’s philosophy, eudaimonia refers to a state of living well and fulfilling one’s potential, achieved through virtuous living and the development of character. Eudaimonia is often translated as “human flourishing” and is Aristotle’s ultimate goal for human beings—living a life in harmony with reason and virtue.

The characters in Requiem for a Dream, however, are far from achieving eudaimonia. Instead of living virtuously and pursuing meaningful goals, they become consumed by addictions and unhealthy desires. For example, Harry (Jared Leto) and his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) dream of opening a boutique, but their addiction to heroin derails their ambition, leading them into a spiral of dependence, isolation, and degradation. Sara (Ellen Burstyn), Harry’s mother, becomes obsessed with losing weight and is seduced by the promise of happiness through amphetamines. As the characters fixate on their desires—whether it be drugs, fame, or appearance—they stray further from their true telos (purpose or end) and move toward self-destruction.

From an Aristotelian perspective, the characters in Requiem for a Dream fail to achieve eudaimonia because they are not living rationally or virtuously. Instead of cultivating self-control and wisdom (the virtues Aristotle sees as necessary for flourishing), they are driven by immediate gratification and unattainable goals, leading to their eventual downfall. The film serves as a stark contrast to Aristotle’s idea of a fulfilling life, where reason and virtue guide individuals toward long-term well-being rather than self-destruction.

For viewers interested in films that explore the consequences of failing to live in accordance with reason and virtue, Requiem for a Dream offers a powerful critique of addiction and obsession, contrasting Aristotle’s pursuit of eudaimonia with the characters’ tragic journeys.

2. Aristotle’s Golden Mean vs. The Characters’ Extreme Behavior

Aristotle’s golden mean is a key concept in his ethical philosophy, suggesting that virtue lies in the balance between two extremes: deficiency and excess. According to Aristotle, a virtuous life is one in which one avoids extremes and acts in moderation. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess), and generosity is the mean between stinginess (deficiency) and extravagance (excess).

In Requiem for a Dream, the characters exemplify the opposite of the golden mean. They fall into extremes in their pursuit of happiness, obsession, and material success. Sara, for instance, becomes excessively focused on losing weight and takes dangerous doses of amphetamines to achieve her goal, ignoring the detrimental effects on her health. Harry and Marion’s addiction to heroin leads them to neglect their relationships, their goals, and their well-being, while their behaviors escalate into destructive extremes.

The characters’ inability to find balance is what ultimately leads to their ruin. Their inability to moderate their desires results in an exaggerated dependence on substances, objects, and fantasies, which drives them further away from any possibility of a balanced, flourishing life. In contrast, Aristotle would argue that if they had sought the golden mean, moderating their desires and focusing on reason, they could have found a more sustainable path to happiness.

For viewers who are interested in exploring the consequences of excess and imbalance or those who enjoy films that portray the dangers of overindulgence and obsession, Requiem for a Dream is a dark reflection on Aristotle’s notion of moderation and the tragic consequences of failing to live in balance.

3. The Role of Desire and the Pursuit of False Goods in Aristotle’s Ethics

Aristotle’s ethics emphasizes the importance of rational desire—the idea that we should desire what is truly good for us. He believes that happiness comes not from fulfilling base desires, but from pursuing what is rational and in accordance with our true nature as human beings. According to Aristotle, the pursuit of external goods, such as wealth, fame, or status, can distract us from achieving eudaimonia if those desires become obsessive or irrational.

In Requiem for a Dream, the characters are consumed by their desire for material success, self-image, or an escape from pain. Their pursuit of drugs, fame, or superficial beauty are false goods that lead them away from their true purpose. For example, Sara’s obsession with weight loss becomes a symbol of her attempt to gain control over her life and find happiness, but instead, it leads her to physical and mental deterioration. Similarly, Harry and Marion’s addiction to heroin is their escape from emotional pain, but it results in physical and psychological devastation.

From an Aristotelian viewpoint, the characters in Requiem for a Dream are pursuing desires that are disconnected from their rational, moral ends. They are chasing false goods that distract them from achieving eudaimonia. This mirrors Aristotle’s warning about the dangers of desiring things that do not contribute to one’s well-being or flourishing.

For viewers interested in films that critique the pursuit of false or irrational desires or those who are drawn to movies that explore the consequences of chasing material goods or surface-level pleasures, Requiem for a Dream provides a powerful illustration of how chasing the wrong goals can lead to destruction.

4. Aristotle’s Concept of Friendship vs. The Isolation in Requiem for a Dream

Aristotle places great importance on friendship as a key component of eudaimonia. According to Aristotle, true friendships—based on mutual respect, shared values, and the pursuit of virtue—are essential for achieving a good and fulfilling life. Friendships, particularly those that contribute to personal growth and the cultivation of virtue, are central to Aristotle’s vision of happiness.

In Requiem for a Dream, the characters’ relationships are largely defined by isolation and dysfunction. Although there are attempts at connection—particularly between Harry and Marion—their relationships ultimately suffer because of their individual addictions and the self-destructive behaviors that come with them. The lack of true, virtuous friendship leaves the characters isolated and disconnected, and they are unable to support each other in their times of need.

For viewers interested in exploring films that examine the importance of relationships and human connection in achieving happiness, Requiem for a Dream serves as a stark contrast to Aristotle’s ideal of virtuous friendship, illustrating the emotional toll of isolation and addiction.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Requiem for a Dream offers a powerful critique of the pursuit of false desires, excessive behavior, and the consequences of losing sight of one’s true purpose—concepts that align closely with Aristotle’s ethical teachings. The film illustrates how the characters’ failure to live in accordance with reason, moderation, and virtue leads them down a path of destruction. Through its harrowing portrayal of addiction and obsession, Requiem for a Dream serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing quick pleasures and material success, highlighting the importance of living a balanced, rational, and virtuous life to achieve true fulfillment and happiness.