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Best deterrant? Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream or others?

posted 15 years ago by cara-macdonald
99 replies | jump to latest

Just wondering - what film would you show someone to put them off drugs for life?

For me I'd have to say Requiem. While I love Trainspotting and don't think it glamorises drug use in any way I think it shows a bit more of the 'fun' elements of drug culture.

I seriously think an edited Requiem should be played to older school kids - would have more impact than all the 'drugs are bad' videos I sat through for sure.

Any other suggestions . . . ?

[–] Booth1 13 years ago

Without question Requiem. It's a film so depressing (like most of Aronofsky's work ), so joyless, so miserable, that after seeing it I knew I'd never want to watch it again. Trainspotting is just an awesome movie, I don't think of it as a deterrent at all.

[–] funky_dunc 13 years ago

I'd go with 'The Panic in Needle Park', so bleak it made 'Trainspoting' look like Disney but is still extremely realistic.

I grew up in Edinburgh and remember the heroin problems that affected the city detailed in 'Trainspotting', it is a very accurate depiction of the problems. Despite what some of the other posters may have said, if you start taking heroin it becomes a friend for life. Some people may be able to manage their addiction but they are few and far between. The reality for most users is absolute dependence on the drug, living life in fear of your dealer, crime and prostitution. Anyone who doubts this should take a trip to Muirhouse, where Trainspotting is set, and they can see for themselves the impact smack has on a community.

Two Scottish television shows, IMHO, actually deal with the issue of heroin better than any film. 'Looking After JoJo', set in Sighthill, another Edinburghian council estate, tells the story of young adults getting mixed up with addiction and dealing. It was made in the late 1990s and also stared Carlyle and McKidd, whilst it's never been repeated on TV, you can find it on YouTube. 'The Scheme' meanwhile is a documentary about a Kimarnock council estate and many of the people in it are smack addicts. A glimpse into their lives would put anybody off ever dabbling with heroin.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] oldhamwho11 13 years ago

Have you seen the new film Puncture. It has Chris Evans in it, and while you don't really like his character because he is so enveloped in doing cocaine and shooting heroin. You do see the real side of doing drugs. It's wroth a watch if you like these films.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbaTN0Pc6bQ

[–] marjan-ugackv 13 years ago

Pusher 1,2 and 3. What a ride. :)

[–] jefgg 13 years ago

"Basketball Diaries" is a pretty good deterrent.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] jefgg 13 years ago

I thought of another film that might inspire people to stay away from drugs. "The Boost" starring James Woods was outstanding.

[–] trip2themoon 13 years ago

Sweet Sixteen beats them both.

Trainspotting: Edinburgh junkies who are intelligent and discuss literature and art. Doubt it. None of them look at all like junkies. They all look more like art students who dabble occasionally. With the exception of baby Dawn's Mum.

[–] jefgg 13 years ago

Trip2themoon raises a good point. Do junkies really discuss topics like literature and art? I know they are not born junkies. But I don't think their banter is as witty as in movies like "Trainspotting".

[–] IanElliot 12 years ago

Yes, yes in fact they do. A lot of drug addicts are actually pretty intelligent, in fact intelligence increases the risk of drug use (there's a study out there.)

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] fred-889 12 years ago

It terms of a deterrent, Requiem trumps Trainspotting.

But, Trainspotting is a far better film, with a plot which isn't purely a downward spiral, and themes which are about more than simply drugs; Trainspotting is as much about clawing one's way out of a terrible situation and a debate about friendship than it is about heroin addiction. Requiem is purely about addiction ruining lives. The title sums it up really.

[–] Maestro37 12 years ago

Consider also: Rebound. The Legend Of Earl "The Goat" Manigault, starring Don Cheadle. Or, Permanent Midnight, featuring a surprisingly competent Ben Stiller as a junk addicted TV writer. Each of these are based on real incidents.

[–] 12 years ago

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