Hollywood’s Take on Addiction

Drug addiction and alcoholism have become such prevalent issues in American culture that Hollywood has taken on the topic of abuse and addiction in numerous recent films. In many cases, the topic will only appear briefly – perhaps the problem of a minor character or a momentary side note. But in the movies listed below, addiction and/or abuse plays a central role in the plot or in the lives of the primary characters. From the serious to the comedic, addiction films continue to attract Hollywood’s interest. Below is a small selection of many films that include the topic of addiction. Please be aware that the plot summaries below may contain spoilers that will reveal significant and crucial details of the movies’ plots.

Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Rachel Getting Married is the story of a family that has struggled with the devastating long-term consequences of prescription drug abuse and addiction. The main character, Kym, was responsible for the death of her then 5-year-old brother, Ethan. While babysitting, 16-year-old Kym (played by Anne Hathaway) drove the family car into a lake and was unable to free Ethan from his car seat because of the impairments that resulted from Percocet abuse.

When Kym leaves her treatment facility to return home for her sister Rachel’s wedding, she catalyzes a period of emotional turmoil for herself and her family members, who have never been able to completely resolve their feelings about the situation, their roles in it, and their relationships with Kym. The days leading up to the happy occasion are tainted by her presence, which is a constant reminder of what happened, and Kym cannot help but feel ostracized and judged. Over the course of the movie, it becomes clear that the direct and indirect effects of Kym’s addiction have damaged the family relationships. However, in the end, they are all able to forget their differences and enjoy themselves during the celebration of Rachel’s marriage.

Pineapple Express (2008)

In a more light-hearted look at drug abuse, Pineapple Express is the story of the relationship between marijuana user Dale Denton (Seth Rogan) and his drug-dealing “friend” Saul (James Franco). While attempting to deliver a subpoena to Ted Jones (Gary Cole), Dale witnesses a murder committed by Ted (another drug dealer) and a corrupt policewoman. In his rush to leave the scene, Dale dumps the marijuana roach that he has been smoking. When he realizes that Saul may also be in danger because the marijuana could be traced back to him, Dale returns to Saul’s place.For much of the movie, Saul and Dale attempt to evade Ted’s cronies and figure out a way to get themselves out of their situation. A side plot that hinges on Dale meeting his girlfriend’s parents is almost literally knocked off its feet as Dale frantically tries to warn them of the danger they may be in, forgetting that he was expected for a quiet, pleasant dinner that same evening. The film takes the potential consequences of marijuana abuse to hilarious and unrealistic extremes as “average-Joe” Dale fights his way out of an impossible situation with superhero flair, saving his new-found friends in the process. In this way, Pineapple Express uses humor to demonstrate how marijuana abuse can damage relationships and negatively disrupt a user’s life.

Rock Bottom: Gay Men and Meth (2006)

Inspired by an activist whose personal attempts at increasing awareness of the problem of methamphetamine abuse in the gay community attracted the attention of The New York Times, Rock Bottom: Gay Men and Meth shadows 7 gay men over the course of 2 years as they attempt to overcome their addictions to methamphetamine. The film gives the audience access to their personal experiences with family, in clubs, and at the hospital. By addressing important issues about the health consequences of meth abuse, especially as they relate to the gay community, Rock Bottom offers insight into this increasingly prevalent problem (see Methamphetamine Use in the Gay Community). Many of the men reveal deeply personal and sensitive information; some are stories of success whereas others are stories of loss and failure as the men relapse and fall victim to HIV.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Requiem for a Dream is the tragic story of four functional and ambitious individuals who lose their hopes for better lives as a result of their out-of-control addictions. The first three characters – Harry, Tyrone, and Marion (Harry’s girlfriend) – are companions in addiction, taking both heroin and methamphetamines. Harry and Tyrone plan to fund their addiction (and their lives) by buying and reselling heroin. When they spend much of their earned money on expenses (like bail and stereo systems), they are left without a way to buy more heroin to resell. In a desperate attempt to restart their “business,” the two drive to Florida, only to be incarcerated. As the result of an infection at the site of injection, Harry’s arm is amputated at the prison infirmary. Meanwhile, Marion’s desperate attempts to get heroin without money forces her to consider prostituting herself, which is what she ultimately decides to do.

In another plot line, Sara Goldfarb, the fourth character and Harry’s mom, learns that she has been selected to be a participant on a game show. Determined to wear a favorite red dress on the show, Sara resorts to diet pills to lose weight, only to fall into an addiction that creates hallucinations, and, ultimately, drives her into a mental hospital.