COCAINE ANGEL - the debut feature-film from Director Michael Tully, is likely to be compared to other such drug-themed films as REQUIEM FOR A DREAM and THE BASKETBALL DIARIES - and with good reason. These films typically deal with the similar and disturbing subject matter of substance abuse and its inevitable pitfalls. But instead of copying these films, COCAINE ANGEL creates its own world, inhabited by the likes of such colorful characters as lead protagonist (anti-protagonist?) Scott, lovable crack-head Mary, and the briefly seen, but equally memorable, Hurricane Mike. There is also a vein of genuine humor in these characters interactions that in some ways makes COCAINE ANGEL at times lighter than others of the drug-film sub-genre, which are typically dark and somber - while still making an impact and respecting the subject matter. If COCAINE ANGEL is to be related to such classic films as REQUIEM and BASKETBALL - I think that's quite good company, especially for a first feature.
COCAINE ANGEL follows a week in the life of Scott (played convincingly by the films writer, Damian Lahey) - an addict of little discrimination who comes off as a strange amalgamation of a young Woody Allen, and off-the-cuff comedian Adam Carolla (for lack of a better description)...with a serious drinking and drug problem. Most of Scott's time is spent copping for a fix and drinking anything and everything in sight. When not involved in his favorite activities, we get to meet some of the other degenerates that inhabit Scott's world - most of whom are actually more f!cked-up than Scott himself. We get to meet Scott's sometimes-hooker crack-head girlfriend Mary, and the insanely dysfunctional couple of hard-core pill-popper Hurricane Mike, and his wife Helen. We learn that both Mike and Mary each have children of their own (a side storyline that I would have liked to have seen developed further) where of course they play the absentee parents. As the drug-abuse escalates, the inevitable breakdowns both physical and mental occur, resulting in the films most harrowing and powerful scene. The resolution of the film (after further confirmation by Tully) is left purposely vague, allowing the audience to assume either a hopeful outcome or a possible complete disintegration for our anti-hero.
Although the film deals with serious and sometimes disturbing subject matter and material, COCAINE ANGEL deftly balances a mix of genuinely funny scenes, situations, and dialog, without ever making light of or glamorizing the seriousness of drug-addiction. Tully's direction is sure-handed and solid, and sucks you into Scott's drug-induced haze of a universe far more effectively than would have seemed possible given the budget constraints. Laheys performance as Scott is refreshing and incredibly believable, which is rarely seen in independent films of this caliber, and is oftentimes a low-budget films downfall. There is something very "knowable" and real about Scott that makes his otherwise scumbag character endearing and worthy of the audiences sympathy. The supporting cast are all competent in their respective roles, but it is Lahey's performance that will be most memorable and applauded. Also of note is the film's score, which helped bring out the emotion in scenes, without becoming overbearing or forced.
If I were to give criticism to the film as a whole, it would really only be in a few minor technical areas. There were a few scenes where the audio seemed low and sometimes hard to follow, and the lighting in a few scenes tended to be a little dark - but this may have been Tully's intention (I guess Ill find out for sure if we do the interview, right Mike?). There were also a few shaky camera scenes in the middle of the film that I could have done without...but this same technique was used very powerfully in the climax. None of these aspects however really negatively impact the overall production, and are only my personal gripes.
COCAINE ANGEL is a powerful and moving film that all involved with should be VERY proud of. The film is currently playing the festival circuit, most recently showing at the world-renowned SXSW festival to sold-out crowds and quite a bit of well-deserved "buzz" - pardon the expression. If COCAINE ANGEL is indicative of the work to come from Tully and crew, then I think he will be a name to look out for in the near future. The fate of the film's availability to the public is currently up in the air, as Tully and company participate in the usual business-end of things that is to be expected with a break-out film from an up-and-coming director. A great film and I wish the best of luck to all who brought it to fruition. 8.5/10
COCAINE ANGEL follows a week in the life of Scott (played convincingly by the films writer, Damian Lahey) - an addict of little discrimination who comes off as a strange amalgamation of a young Woody Allen, and off-the-cuff comedian Adam Carolla (for lack of a better description)...with a serious drinking and drug problem. Most of Scott's time is spent copping for a fix and drinking anything and everything in sight. When not involved in his favorite activities, we get to meet some of the other degenerates that inhabit Scott's world - most of whom are actually more f!cked-up than Scott himself. We get to meet Scott's sometimes-hooker crack-head girlfriend Mary, and the insanely dysfunctional couple of hard-core pill-popper Hurricane Mike, and his wife Helen. We learn that both Mike and Mary each have children of their own (a side storyline that I would have liked to have seen developed further) where of course they play the absentee parents. As the drug-abuse escalates, the inevitable breakdowns both physical and mental occur, resulting in the films most harrowing and powerful scene. The resolution of the film (after further confirmation by Tully) is left purposely vague, allowing the audience to assume either a hopeful outcome or a possible complete disintegration for our anti-hero.
Although the film deals with serious and sometimes disturbing subject matter and material, COCAINE ANGEL deftly balances a mix of genuinely funny scenes, situations, and dialog, without ever making light of or glamorizing the seriousness of drug-addiction. Tully's direction is sure-handed and solid, and sucks you into Scott's drug-induced haze of a universe far more effectively than would have seemed possible given the budget constraints. Laheys performance as Scott is refreshing and incredibly believable, which is rarely seen in independent films of this caliber, and is oftentimes a low-budget films downfall. There is something very "knowable" and real about Scott that makes his otherwise scumbag character endearing and worthy of the audiences sympathy. The supporting cast are all competent in their respective roles, but it is Lahey's performance that will be most memorable and applauded. Also of note is the film's score, which helped bring out the emotion in scenes, without becoming overbearing or forced.
If I were to give criticism to the film as a whole, it would really only be in a few minor technical areas. There were a few scenes where the audio seemed low and sometimes hard to follow, and the lighting in a few scenes tended to be a little dark - but this may have been Tully's intention (I guess Ill find out for sure if we do the interview, right Mike?). There were also a few shaky camera scenes in the middle of the film that I could have done without...but this same technique was used very powerfully in the climax. None of these aspects however really negatively impact the overall production, and are only my personal gripes.
COCAINE ANGEL is a powerful and moving film that all involved with should be VERY proud of. The film is currently playing the festival circuit, most recently showing at the world-renowned SXSW festival to sold-out crowds and quite a bit of well-deserved "buzz" - pardon the expression. If COCAINE ANGEL is indicative of the work to come from Tully and crew, then I think he will be a name to look out for in the near future. The fate of the film's availability to the public is currently up in the air, as Tully and company participate in the usual business-end of things that is to be expected with a break-out film from an up-and-coming director. A great film and I wish the best of luck to all who brought it to fruition. 8.5/10