OVERVIEW
"The film depicts different forms of addiction, leading to the characters' imprisonment in a world of delusion and reckless desperation that is subsequently overtaken and devastated by reality" - Wikipedia. Yes, the movie is as intimidating as it sounds which is why it had problems getting a MPAA rating. Now it is categorized as an "intended for adults" movie which the famous film critic, Roger Ebert, comments on: "Anyone under 17 who is thinking of experimenting with drugs might want to see this movie, which plays like a travelogue of hell." Read whole review.RAPID MONTAGE
The movie is famous for its fast montage that shows the subjective experience of taking drugs. It is scary to watch but also artistically fascinating. The main example is when the main character's son, Harry, takes his drug, we see extreme closeups of his eyes, the drugs etc.
ELLEN BURSTYN
The main character of the movie is an elderly widow named Sara Goldfarb who ends up being addicted to "diet pills" which are made of speed and sleeping pills. She is played by Ellen Burstyn and her acting is so incredible that all her awards and nominations are well deserved. The closing scene with her is the climax of the movie and the viewer is drawn into her scattered world and the awfulness of the drugs.
