Watching over this films again I have to give it a 5, but not because it is mediocre but because those rating it much lower have a point. It is raw and shocking in showing the truth behind drug addiction. I only hope it resonates with anyone out there thinking about using drugs. A 10 for showing the truth behind drug use and addiction.
However, one has to wonder if it would be ok to offer a documentary on some other type of disease. How about showing a graphic documentary of AIDS, or better yet a disease that has no social stigma behind it, one that people are less likely to blame the victim. How about following people in a dementia unit. People striped of their humanity as their mind decay. Would it be ok to watch someone acting crazy, soiling themselves, screaming and yelling at staff? Of course not, but why is ok to film people who have the disease of addiction? It is because society tends to view addicts as victims of their own moral failing. And for this I would give it a one for voyeurism and exploitation.
However, one has to wonder if it would be ok to offer a documentary on some other type of disease. How about showing a graphic documentary of AIDS, or better yet a disease that has no social stigma behind it, one that people are less likely to blame the victim. How about following people in a dementia unit. People striped of their humanity as their mind decay. Would it be ok to watch someone acting crazy, soiling themselves, screaming and yelling at staff? Of course not, but why is ok to film people who have the disease of addiction? It is because society tends to view addicts as victims of their own moral failing. And for this I would give it a one for voyeurism and exploitation.