These movies paint a stark portrayal of the seriously addicted and their psyche in desperation. Originally to be entitled simply, “Arm Dope,” I later realized that would put the shaft to Ellen Burstyn’s monumental contribution. Other honorable mentions closely related to this category are Trainspotting and Drugstore Cowboy.

The Panic In Needle Park

The Panic in Needle Park takes place in Sherman Square in New York City. Jerry Schatzberg directs, and it stars Kitty Winn and Al Pacino. If I am not mistaken, it is this performance which won Pacino his role in The Godfather.

The Panic In Needle Park is extremely bleak, gritty and realistic. Put this one up there in the post-1960s decline of all that was beautiful, when hard reality struck. Put this one up there with Midnight Cowboy. The movie poster read, “GOD HELP BOBBY AND HELEN, They’re in love in Needle Park.”

Requiem For A Dream

Requiem for a Dream is Darren Aronofsky’s hard-hitting follow-up to his superb debut, Pi. Requiem for a Dream, although stark and gritty, like The Panic in Needle Park, is also very stylized. It is based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr., and Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans star as the principle characters. They all give commanding performances, but Ellen Burstyn gave the performance of her life in my book.

Among the silent crowd departing from the theater, I turned to my date and blurted out, “Don’t use drugs.”

Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience.  Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.