This documentary is not as good as previous real life anecdotal films relating this topic such as: "Meth" (2006) or "Chemsex" (2015), but still somewhat interesting. This film deals mostly with the aftermath of the crystal amphetamine addiction of various homosexual men of different ages. From those who grew up, in the AIDS torn 1980s, to those who are currently very young and have fled to New York to make it, and get hooked to meth. The film comes across a little puritanical and guilt based for my taste.
From the anecdotes told and shown, it is obvious that there is a causality between someone's lower socio economic status and the manner in which crystal meth is used to escape from the stress of surviving in a city, New York, that can be a brutal, dystopian, existentialist vacuum. If one cannot afford a decent home, one cannot begin to have a sane life. That is the core reason why most people in this film, can not kick the habit. But it is not explicitly stated as the core problem. Instead a therapy based solution to the problem is offered up. Those offering the therapy are some of the more malevolent characters that cities have to offer; for example, an ex meth head turned drug counselor with a chip on his shoulder, or a sour younger "coach" that is blatantly gaslighting his doting client. They are the very toxic component of the gay community that make so many vulnerable young hopeful homosexual men turn to drugs. Where they would need friends and mentors with a heart and a helping help, they meet with with a resentful cold sarcastic glance of an abusive predator. The director has managed to catch the body language of these unsavoury characters very well (whether intentionally or not).
The most impactful scenes of this documentary are those of a young blond rent boy who uses crystal methampethamine in real time. He is filmed whilst slamming. The visceral effect it has on his body and state of mind is fascinating and harrowing to witness. This young man is (at) the very heart of the documentary. It was worth watching this film for his scenes. He shines through his candour. The camera catches his beautiful pale complexion that resembles that of a dying crucified Christ in classical paintings.
This film offers interesting visuals and observations that have value beyond the more insipid official narrative that it tells.
From the anecdotes told and shown, it is obvious that there is a causality between someone's lower socio economic status and the manner in which crystal meth is used to escape from the stress of surviving in a city, New York, that can be a brutal, dystopian, existentialist vacuum. If one cannot afford a decent home, one cannot begin to have a sane life. That is the core reason why most people in this film, can not kick the habit. But it is not explicitly stated as the core problem. Instead a therapy based solution to the problem is offered up. Those offering the therapy are some of the more malevolent characters that cities have to offer; for example, an ex meth head turned drug counselor with a chip on his shoulder, or a sour younger "coach" that is blatantly gaslighting his doting client. They are the very toxic component of the gay community that make so many vulnerable young hopeful homosexual men turn to drugs. Where they would need friends and mentors with a heart and a helping help, they meet with with a resentful cold sarcastic glance of an abusive predator. The director has managed to catch the body language of these unsavoury characters very well (whether intentionally or not).
The most impactful scenes of this documentary are those of a young blond rent boy who uses crystal methampethamine in real time. He is filmed whilst slamming. The visceral effect it has on his body and state of mind is fascinating and harrowing to witness. This young man is (at) the very heart of the documentary. It was worth watching this film for his scenes. He shines through his candour. The camera catches his beautiful pale complexion that resembles that of a dying crucified Christ in classical paintings.
This film offers interesting visuals and observations that have value beyond the more insipid official narrative that it tells.
