Five Addiction Films You Have Probably Never Heard Of
It was winter, I was weary from the cold, and bored from staying inside on yet another Saturday night. So I went on a movie hunt for addiction films, and this is what I found:
1. Trees Lounge – 1996
Perhaps best known for his roles in The Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire, Steve Buscemi not only stars in this film, he wrote it, and it was also his first directing debut. He plays the part of Tommy, an out-of-work mechanic, who spends most of his time languishing in a bar called Trees Lounge.
After losing his job, his girlfriend, and his uncle, Tommy finds himself doing cocaine with relatives and ending up at Trees Lounge. His “if only this wouldn’t have happened” attitude fosters his addictions and propels him through a convoluted series of drama until he comes full circle back at Trees Lounge.
2. Jesus’ Son – 1999
This film, based on a book written by author Denis Johnson, is set in 1970’s rural America. Its chaotic narrative features the drug-fueled life of a young man known only as FH as he chronicles his time as an addict along with all of the stories he collected along the way.
Both haunting and hilarious, it offers a direct look into the mind and heart of an addict as he stumbles through life learning the true meaning of compassion and how he can use it to heal himself while helping others.
3. Pure – 2002
Whether you have grown up in addiction, are an addict with children, or have simply recognized how your addiction has profoundly affected the lives of the people around you, this film will speak to you. While a young Keira Knightly plays a pivotal supporting role, the film focuses on the gritty reality of a ten-year-old boy named Paul, who lives with his heroin-addicted mother.
After his father’s death, Paul struggles to find a way to live a normal life and take care of his younger brother. The subsequent death of his mother’s only remaining confidante sends her into a downward spiral that Paul fears will cause her to completely abandon him. As he searches for answers, he befriends a pregnant heroin addict superbly played by Knightly.
4. Candy – 2006
An expertly portrayed tale of the perils and pitfalls of co-dependency in addiction, this film features a poet, played by the legendary Heath Ledger, who falls in love with an art student, Abbie Cornish. She, in turn, falls in love with his drug of choice. The journey of their romance with heroin and each other is revealed through three acts, entitled Heaven, Earth, and Hell.
As their heaven of drugs and sex floats down to earth, the film deftly guides you through the layers of destruction that eventually carries them to a hell where an innocent life is lost and there is no turning back.
5. 1982 – 2013
Based on the life of it’s writer and producer, Tommy Oliver, this film delves into the heartbreak and destruction of families during the crack cocaine epidemic in Philadelphia in the early 80’s. In this drama, a father is faced with having to make the gut-wrenching choice of standing by his crack-addicted wife or rescuing his young daughter from its effects.
Despite it’s period setting, it’s depiction of drug abuse and urban violence is just as timely as it would be today. Ultimately, it’s a poignant picture of a father saving his child.
Relatable characters and deep gratitude that I made it through my addiction and out to the sober side placed all of these movies on my top ten list.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction or alcohol abuse, contact Beginnings Treatment Centers today and speak with one of our experienced and professional intake advisors, help is here. We are located in beautiful and sunny Southern California in Orange County, which has one of the best and most active recovery communities in the United States.
