Darren Aronofsky: Horror as Greek Tragedy

My husband is one of the most stoic, non-emotional, iron willed people I’ve ever met. In our almost 15 years together, we’ve watched Requiem once. Once. And every time I bring it up, he’ll say “I’m never watching that movie again.”

"Nobody can hurt you the way YOU can hurt you" And there it is. A 10-word summary of some of the most powerful Tragedy stories AND the stories I can't handle watching, because that's something I personally struggle with all too much. Ooof.

I just came across your channel via your incredible Midsommar video and I'm obsessed. I love the way you talk about the humanity of horror. Just subbed and can't wait to see more videos from you in the future (PS - I'm also just happy to find someone else who appreciates mother! as much as I do, haha)

The first movie I saw of his was “Pi”, way back when no one really knew of his work..you could even count that one as horror of the mind

You are a fantastic presenter. A lot of other folks doing video essays feel like such over the top versions of themselves that it's exhausting- your style is incredibly laid back, well reasoned and well spoken. It's well appreciated!

Oh, man. Mother! was a never-ending anxiety attack for me. Your description is spot on. So glad your channel was recommended to me! I watched your Midsommar essay first. That movie was a giant wtf for me, honestly. Maybe I'm not that easy to brainwash? Lol

Omg thank you so much for talking about these films. They all left me shredded. In Mother! the dread and weirdness escalated to an absolutely horrifying climax. It’s a shame nobody gave that film the credit it deserves.

"Never go ass to ass" -Darren Aronofsky. Seriously, Requiem and Emergence is what DARE wanted to show us but couldn't.

Id love to hear your take on Fire Walk With Me and David Lynch

I've bullied myself worse than any seasoned, cruel bully could have ever attempted to. Oddly enough, the last person who tried to bully me failed miserably simply because I laughed in his face. I can't laugh at the bully I see looking back at me in the mirror. He knows every weakness and goes in full force without an ounce of empathy.

as a theatre major who’s in the process of switching to film/screenwriting.......this comparison/essay is VERY GOOD!

"No one can hurt you the way you can hurt you." That is so true. Gave me understanding into why I love those three Aronofsky films so much. They embody that truth, as you describe, that universal truth of tragedy. Makes me wonder what great American tragedy films there are out there. Citizen Kane? I'd say so. Hmmm, what else? I'll have to give that some thought. Thanks for making such thoughtful video essays on films. I guess "The Shining" could also possibly be seen as a tragedy. Husband slips back into alcoholism and kills family. Though Jack's character seems to have the dark lurking just beneath him from the beginning of the film. Doesn't seem to be any balanced struggle between the dark and the light. Though I guess that could still be tragedy. Dunno.

Great video. My only complaint is the sound mix. Turn your music down and your voice up.

Oh gosh, I was affected by each of those movies for days after I saw them, Mother! especially. It's super awesome to hear someone analyze these movies so respectfully and... beautifully really. I have difficulty being analytical. I get so engrossed in what I'm watching that I'm truly experiencing it, and struggle to step back. It's truly something special to hear someone speak about it so coherently and completely. Bravo! <3

Why have I not found this channel sooner ❤️

In Black Swan, Nina's mother is another one with borderline personality disorder. Also, modern, cinematic horror is one thing. Complete and utter existential dread is another. Just discovered your channel yesterday. You make a lot of very good points, and touch on deeper truths than most. Keep up the good work!

Finding your channel was an eye-opener for me. Watching your videos made me realize so many things. Thank you!

watched a bunch of your videos, love your presenting style and your ideas. the midsommar video was amazing, hope to see more film horror psychological analysis videos from you!

Only after JUST coming from your Exorcist video did I realize Sara Goldfarb is Chris MacNeil, I love that game 7 degrees of separation haha

Thank you well made thoughtful video. These three movies are impactful. I truthfully doubt I will ever forget the scene near the end of Mother, it was an utter gut punch..