by Carys

What is it about drug movies that are so fascinating? What weird dark corner of the human psyche sends us to the video store to buy M & Ms and popcorn, and spend 3 hours on a basement futon watching someone else’s track marks, vomit-fests, and hallucinations?

Drug movies are, almost as a rule, some of the worst to watch when you’re stoned. They do, however, offer insight into a world that, for most of us, is cloaked in mystery. And a new perspective is never a bad thing. So, while they may veer towards the dark and disturbing, these chronicles of drug addiction also offer up beautiful filmmaking, intriguing stories, and a cache of plot points slightly off the beaten track of mainstream hollywood. This selection of films captures addictions new and old, to heroin, cocaine, pot, speed, alcohol and even milk. Watch, learn, and wonder.  

CHOOSE LIFE! 

Trainspotting

-“Choose your future. Choose life… But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin’ else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?” Watch Sick Boy and Renton struggle to quit, and remember: there is nothing more terrifying then watching a ceiling-baby when you’re high.  

Blow

-After seeing his father go bankrupt George Jung vows to become rich, he does so by bringing cocaine to America. Based on a true story, and starring Johnny Depp.  

Traffic

– A conservative American politician fights against drugs and realizes his teenage daughter is an addict. WHAT NOW, White-Collar?  

Scarface

-Cuban refugee, Tony Montana, hero of dorm-room posters everywhere, builds a drug empire in Miama. As his business grows so do his ego and paranoia. Bonus points from any guy in your life for suggesting this flick.  

Requiem for a Dream

-Four characters get hooked on heroin, cocaine and speed, each addiction starts with something as simple as taking diet pills to fit into that perfect red dress. 

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

-Hunter S. Thompson’s roadtrip across America in search of the “American dream.” (Sidenote: what is it about Johnny Depp and drug movies?) His lawyer, copious amounts of drugs and alcohol, and a scourge of bats accompany him in his red convertible. 

Narc

-The murder of an undercover narcotics officer goes cold and a cop, who’s a recovered drug addict, is put on the case.  

A Clockwork Orange

-So maybe a drug of choice is milk but you and your droogs will be tripping over the plot and dialogue. 

Rules of Attraction

-A drug dealer, a virgin and a bisexual classmate; what a love triangle.  

Saving Grace

-When Grace’s husband dies and leaves her in debt the widow turns to something she’s always been good at: gardening. Only this time, she’s growing pot. The precursor to a certain Mrs. Botwin?