Amazing performances from the entire cast, particularly Burstyn, propel this harrowing story of drug addiction and crumbled dreams. Harry (Leto) and his friend Tyrone (Wayans) decide to become small-time drug dealers in order to raise the cash needed to help his designer girlfriend Marion (Connelly) open a clothing store. Unfortunately, they begin to sample the merchandise, and their plans slip away until all they can plan is how to get the next fix. In a parallel storyline, Harry's mother Sara (Burstyn) receives a call that she may be a contestant on her favorite game show. She begins gobbling diet pills to improve her appearance and soon can't live without them. Director Aronofsky has stated that addiction is the hero of this movie. Based on the novel by Hubert Selby, Jr.