Ranking Darren Aronofsky's Films (Worst to Best)

I have now seen Darren's seventh film and I don't know if I'm a fan of his or not.  The best thing to do in a situation like this is to rank all his films and see what my issue with him might be.

Film/Rank:
#7- Noah (2014)

Reason Why:
Setting aside the fact that this movie stars, not one, but two, actors who I just don't like at all in Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, this movie felt devoid of whatever it is I think I like about Darren Aronofsky.  I didn't feel the need to think about anything I saw on the screen after I left the theatre and I wasn't haunted by any specific imagery.  The film just feels like a film from a lesser director.

Film/Rank:
#6- The Fountain (2006)

Reason Why:
As a huge Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz fan, I was rooting for this movie.  I never felt a connection with the characters in this movie.  I was constantly feeling like I was just about to get into the meat of the story only to have something beautiful and artistic shift focus.  To Darren's credit, unlike the previous entry, this film does require unpacking of visuals and themes.  Unfortunately, I didn't care enough to dig into the story and themes of this movie.  I was just happy that the movie was over.  It's not even that long.

Film/Rank:
#5- Pi (1998)

Reason Why:
Now we're getting into a film that made me want to unpack what was happening.  What put me off though is the cinematography.  As someone who digs Hitchcock, it should be known that I have nothing against black and white.  I just felt that it wasn't well lit.  The overall feeling was that of a film school film.  That doesn't make it a bad movie, just a movie that didn't work for me.

Film/Rank:
#4- mother! (2017)

Reason Why:
If I had to pick a side, I'd pick pro mother!  It is a film which, if you go in blind, takes a hard turn that may throw people off.  However, it's an overall interesting film and does what I like about Aronofsky well, which is keep me thinking about the movie well after I leave the theatre.  The more I thought about it, and read various takes, I thought the religious and environmental

Film/Rank:
#3- The Wrestler (2008)

Reason Why:
This movie doesn't really make me want to think about it after the fact in order to figure out what I just digested.  However, it's a great film because the audience gets to go on the journey with The Ram!  A Darren Aronofsky film where he invests in his characters instead of doubling down on metaphors and allegories is rare but it turns out I like it.

Film/Rank:
#2- Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Reason Why:
This is one of the best films I've seen that I never want to watch ever again.  I appreciate everything about this film, including Ms Connelley (not for that scene).  It is a moving film but it is also emotionally draining so while I respect and like it, I don't feel the need to re-visit it.  Not of nothing, but, imagine if Marlon kept putting in performances like this?  It would have had him on quite a few lists touting him as a new Denzel/Will.

Film/Rank:
#1- Black Swan (2010)

Reason Why:
While all the metaphors, allegories, and unpacking that is required of an Aronofsky joint is present in this film, the journey of Nina can still be enoyed on a surface level.  It is one of Darren's most visually striking films and it goes dark and uncomfortable without me feeling like I could never go back.  It also is the movie that made me like Natalie Portman and showed everyone that Mila Kunis is the goods!

-YG