Realistic Drug Movie?

Do check out HUMAN TRAFFIC.

Regarding what to show and what not too... I'm not sure there's anything left not to show... Besides actually making the stuff :)

EJ
 
Use only fake drugs. You'll get better performances and keeps the production costs much lower.:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
I think the shots of a needle going into an arm, or clever camera angles showing someone sniffing coke are more than a little over used. Come to think of it though - this must have been done a thousand times but I can't recall seeing it... what about someone sniffing fake cocaine from a glass top table (or just a sheet of glass for shooting), shot from underneath with a close up on the nostril. Again, probably done countless times, but might be fun.

It seems like "fantasy sequences" are also a fun way to portray the euphoria of being high - the quirkier the better. They can be expecially effective when slammed against the reality of the ugliest aspects of addiction when editing.

Caveats (IMO) would be overly dramatic make-up. You know, where the talent looks more like a zombie than an addict (way too black eyes, way too pale face.) A small amount of makeup and "unflattering" lighting will do more than gobs of dark makeup. Also, most addicts don't live in abandoned urban buildings - even when they're at rock bottom. Lastly, it seems it's what addicts DON'T do that is more accurate and effective than what they DO. In other words, scenes of them acting crazy, etc. are less effective (IMO) than those that show them withdrawing away from people, friends, family, etc.

Good luck - post some stuff for us.
 
See the movie "Rush" with Jason Patrick...it's a very good "drug movie" and doesn't really fall into the traps of clever camera work to glorify drug use and make it look cool. Good Soundtrack too...
 
vitaluminosa said:
Hello,

I'm planning to make a drama short about the effects of drugs on a couple of students.

What are the "dos" and "don'ts" of a drug movie?
As in, what is appropriate to show or do and what isn't?


Any help would be appreciated.
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Having sprinkled a few scripts with drug use subplots myself, all I can say is, getting down to the nitty-gritty is important. Going in with the intention to remain 'appropriate' can stifle your creativity and blck you from what's a truly degenerating process (drug use). I mean, there's nothing like sinking yourself into a dark place and diving into characters that use.

Also, noticed some tips on angles, make-up and directing. Forget it, this is a script first, and production second. Get down and dirty, go for it, and hold nothing back with your imagination. You can always come back, edit, re-write and decide on the right angles and direction when the time comes.

Have fun.
 
you should check out darren aronofsky's requiem for a dream. it is very stylish and still tells of 4 addicts downfall as their addictions become exponentially worse and eventually they are left with nothing. brilliantly photographed and brilliantly told.
 
thematthewbone said:
you should check out darren aronofsky's requiem for a dream. it is very stylish and still tells of 4 addicts downfall as their addictions become exponentially worse and eventually they are left with nothing. brilliantly photographed and brilliantly told.
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Requiem for a Dream is probably the best. The film is briliant. Warning: You may run for the hills after you have seen it, but one thing is for sure - you won't forget it.

It makes a huge impact. Keep a few hours of cartoons on stand by to pull you out of the depression.
 
i never would have thought about using powdered milk to snort.

i guess i would imagine it wouldnt be too difficult to get down....

that is kind of a funny post.
 
dustino said:
Use only fake drugs. You'll get better performances and keeps the production costs much lower.:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
Click to expand...


That's funny! I'm still laughing at that one.
 
I'm writing a screenplay about multiple characters(vignette style)and one of the characters is a user...my advice would be dont focus too much on whats done or what hasn't been done,or can't be done....Just do your research on drugs,their effects and the implications of abuse.If you research it well and get FACTS and read news stories about real people your story will be more genuine....And OF COURSE develop your characters and their backstories so that you'll have your influence as well.
Truth is stranger than fiction.
 
alveraz said:
Having sprinkled a few scripts with drug use subplots myself, all I can say is, getting down to the nitty-gritty is important. Going in with the intention to remain 'appropriate' can stifle your creativity and blck you from what's a truly degenerating process (drug use). I mean, there's nothing like sinking yourself into a dark place and diving into characters that use.

Also, noticed some tips on angles, make-up and directing. Forget it, this is a script first, and production second. Get down and dirty, go for it, and hold nothing back with your imagination. You can always come back, edit, re-write and decide on the right angles and direction when the time comes.

Have fun.
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yes totally agree there are no borders in this genre, but do your homework and get the facts from someone who knows. using your imagination aint gonna cut it. that's like hiring an drug counselor who's never done drugs to mentor.
 
swiperstopswiping said:
requiem for a dream -- music in the last 20 minutes will haunt you forever.... foorrrreeevvveerrrr.
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the last twenty minutes period will haunt you.

but yes, clint mansell did such an INCREDIBLE job with the score too.

so i suppose what i am saying is if you are doing a drug movie find one stellar composer. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
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