This subject weighs heavy on my heart. The general idea and selected films in last month’s column had already been conceived and submitted, leaving no chance to change a Valentines Day issue into a heartfelt dedication to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. He very well may have been the finest living actor of his time.

It is easy to deny the effects of addiction, and it’s actually commonplace to simply romanticize it. Aside from untimely deaths, there are torn lives, tormented relationships, run-of-the-mill abuse, dishonesty and neglect. I am convinced that there is always dishonesty attached. We all know people who are good otherwise, but who suffer and often become desperately unhinged. So this is also dedicated to them, with sincere hopes for their quick recovery and renewed well-being.

Idiots and Angels (2008) (pictured, top) is animated and directed by Bill Plympton. The characters exemplify what is often referred to as “the day crowd” at local bars. They are brilliantly recognizable. In some meaningful ways, Idiots and Angels is a realist portrayal, but with the full use and licenses that animation provides. Plympton wields wonderful cinematic devices throughout, without the necessity of dialogue.

Leaving Las Vegas (1995) is directed by Mike Figgis. Nicholas Cage plays a man hell-bent on creating his own demise by drinking himself to death. His portrayal is grotesquely believable, and is surely one of his finest performances. Elisabeth Shue plays the love interest who must accept the reality that he will carry out this morose deed. Leaving Las Vegas is on the tragic end of the spectrum for certain.