First off, let me say that I actually liked this movie a lot. Besides the lack of acting talent from the star (who is CLEARLY NOT a high school student), I think the acting as an ensemble was very good. The only thing that annoyed me was how the organization seemed over the top. Since they CONSTANTLY violate this kid's 8th amendment rights. It was very sad and the story was great. This movie was well written, and if this was true to form with the actual events, I feel even more drawn to it. Wait for the first 20 or so minutes, as it gets more interesting after that development time, and excuse the annoyances of poor acting & low budget, because it is well worth seeing. You will leave impressed by what they did with such a small budget.
59 Reviews
What am I not getting here? I mean, are you guys kidding?
polyprufrock24 August 2007
From all the reviews so far, I'm thinking I've stumbled upon a meeting of the Monty Lapica Fan Club.... Meanwhile, there's this film I saw last night with an audience that merely got up and walked out when it finished. And this particular indie theater is the kind of place where audiences easily clap when the credits roll -- unless the film is a dud.
This may not be the worst movie I've seen, but it's no Basketball Diaries. For starters, I commend Lapica for his multiple efforts, but he would have done better to have an actual teenager play the lead. I kept looking at this mid-to-late-20s guy and wondering why he was trying to portray a high school angst-ridden druggie. I don't care how intelligent the character (i.e. Lapine) is, he was just too-- neatly pressed, and too old, to be believed.
The dialog was wooden, the acting either stilted (Lapica and various reprobates) or overblown (Bowen), and the cinematography often washed-out and grainy (and not for effect). I'll give editor Kendall points for good flow and no continuity errors. But he had to work with trailing characters who said their lines and went nowhere -- and a big hole in the form of the pivotal but missing father whose death remained unexplained, and whose memory was as poorly detailed as the home movies that featured him.
There was a homogenized blandness to the proceedings that had me wondering if this project was backed by the Mormons or some other white-bread Christian group.... Despite the profanity, it had a fundamentalist ring to it. As a result, I had to keep focusing my attention consciously instead of being drawn in. The story may be based on actual events, but I had a hard time believing in it because almost everyone was isolated and self-centered. And so I remained unmoved by the plight of a handsome young narcissist who miraculously mends his ways thanks to the homeless black angel "Gabe"(riel), reminiscent of a Bulworth plot device.
All in all, it just goes to show what GQ looks and financial backing will do for a fella (who is this Tommy Bell producer-dude anyway?).... but I'm crashing the party here. Both the film and all the gushing about it smacks of major pretense. In fact, "Self Medicated" almost made me wish I was when I sat through it.
This may not be the worst movie I've seen, but it's no Basketball Diaries. For starters, I commend Lapica for his multiple efforts, but he would have done better to have an actual teenager play the lead. I kept looking at this mid-to-late-20s guy and wondering why he was trying to portray a high school angst-ridden druggie. I don't care how intelligent the character (i.e. Lapine) is, he was just too-- neatly pressed, and too old, to be believed.
The dialog was wooden, the acting either stilted (Lapica and various reprobates) or overblown (Bowen), and the cinematography often washed-out and grainy (and not for effect). I'll give editor Kendall points for good flow and no continuity errors. But he had to work with trailing characters who said their lines and went nowhere -- and a big hole in the form of the pivotal but missing father whose death remained unexplained, and whose memory was as poorly detailed as the home movies that featured him.
There was a homogenized blandness to the proceedings that had me wondering if this project was backed by the Mormons or some other white-bread Christian group.... Despite the profanity, it had a fundamentalist ring to it. As a result, I had to keep focusing my attention consciously instead of being drawn in. The story may be based on actual events, but I had a hard time believing in it because almost everyone was isolated and self-centered. And so I remained unmoved by the plight of a handsome young narcissist who miraculously mends his ways thanks to the homeless black angel "Gabe"(riel), reminiscent of a Bulworth plot device.
All in all, it just goes to show what GQ looks and financial backing will do for a fella (who is this Tommy Bell producer-dude anyway?).... but I'm crashing the party here. Both the film and all the gushing about it smacks of major pretense. In fact, "Self Medicated" almost made me wish I was when I sat through it.
Clever for its marketing campaign only....
bressonintheory1 September 2007
The only shocking thing here is how this film managed to rack up all those festival awards...until you realize what festivals actually did the giving. Flint Film Festival anyone? Or how about Tiburon? "The most award winning film of 2006" seems more than a little disingenuous.
Perhaps I'm being unfair to Lapica who managed a hat trick when it came to making this film and maybe if it wasn't preceded by all this false buzz (I'm sorry, but I can only assume that all the 10 star user comments on here came from friends or even a marketing team) I wouldn't be so harsh.
However, as it stands "Self-Medicated" just isn't a very good film. Its amateurish and clunky, the cinematography is severely underexposed (being a working D.P. myself, I don't understand why Denis Maloney didn't compensate better for what must have been a lack of lighting due to the budget and I'm tempted to say there were mistakes made in post), and the acting is, well, let's just say at odds with the realism the film is attempting.
I don't think Lapica should hang up his hat when it comes to film-making. It's just that this is clearly a student film that somehow scrapped together a professional budget (albeit a very low one). With hard work he may become a very assured director, but it will take some time.
Overall though this film (and the way it's being marketed) is symptomatic of a larger issue concerning young filmmakers today. When my father was making films (a long time camera op, and yes I went into the family business) directors had a chance to cut their teeth on countless B movies before being picked (or not) to move on to the bigger budget pictures. Nowadays you have to be spectacular right out of the gate. But if your movie's not, you're encouraged to sell it as the greatest thing anyway, eventually some will believe you.
Perhaps I'm being unfair to Lapica who managed a hat trick when it came to making this film and maybe if it wasn't preceded by all this false buzz (I'm sorry, but I can only assume that all the 10 star user comments on here came from friends or even a marketing team) I wouldn't be so harsh.
However, as it stands "Self-Medicated" just isn't a very good film. Its amateurish and clunky, the cinematography is severely underexposed (being a working D.P. myself, I don't understand why Denis Maloney didn't compensate better for what must have been a lack of lighting due to the budget and I'm tempted to say there were mistakes made in post), and the acting is, well, let's just say at odds with the realism the film is attempting.
I don't think Lapica should hang up his hat when it comes to film-making. It's just that this is clearly a student film that somehow scrapped together a professional budget (albeit a very low one). With hard work he may become a very assured director, but it will take some time.
Overall though this film (and the way it's being marketed) is symptomatic of a larger issue concerning young filmmakers today. When my father was making films (a long time camera op, and yes I went into the family business) directors had a chance to cut their teeth on countless B movies before being picked (or not) to move on to the bigger budget pictures. Nowadays you have to be spectacular right out of the gate. But if your movie's not, you're encouraged to sell it as the greatest thing anyway, eventually some will believe you.
A great movie that makes you think
benjamminputnam14 November 2006
This movie was such a nice surprise, so captivating and true. Few movies keep you thinking long after they end. Movies are supposed to entertain and most do so without requiring even one ounce of thought. It's sad that some people prefer movies like that. Thankfully this movie is all about thinking and feeling. This is really a human experience kind of flick. The story is touching and simple, as true things tend to be.
What a wonderful movie this is. I was awestruck at how the life of one person could be so changed after an experience like the one Andrew went through. I won't give away the plot, but suffice it to say that it provides us a chance to think, feel, and hopefully develop a little sympathy.
What a wonderful movie this is. I was awestruck at how the life of one person could be so changed after an experience like the one Andrew went through. I won't give away the plot, but suffice it to say that it provides us a chance to think, feel, and hopefully develop a little sympathy.
Good Cinematography & Music, Bad Writing
Quinn19841 September 2007
The film was potential unrealized. It has excellent ideas and intentions. Pic seems to be unsure of itself; at times drifting into the serious and self-important, and at others childish juvenility. The climactic moments ultimately ring hollow, especially a strange sequence with a homeless man the main character picks up while driving. The acting actually wasn't that bad, but the writing at times was almost comedically poor. The dichotomy of the writing with the wonderful photography was intriguing. Some beautiful shots and a great score give pic an air of weight that is smashed by several lines of cheese dialogue. The cast, although pretty, should have been younger, or the ages of the characters older. I think the kid who wrote, directed and starred in this will probably end up having a pretty good acting career, so long as he isn't writing his own parts.
A moving and thought provoking film with standout acting.
lauralady9166 May 2006
This is really such a wonderful movie. It's like a breath of fresh air to see a drama driven by characters rather than by a typical Hollywood plot. The characters think, act and talk like real people. They could be us. That's the genius of this movie. If you want fantasy, don't see this film. If you want to be touched by great acting and a wonderful plot that shows the complexities of human relationship, see this film. This is real. Mixed with wry humor and heartbreaking family drama, this film is an indie triumph. The actors and writing steal the show, which is kind of the point of movies like this anyway. I don't think you ever really notice the writing which is what makes it great. The writer feels like he knows his characters and is able to write them in their many moods and allowing their complexity as humans to remain intact. The cinematography deserves a word in my opinion too. I just loved the color of the movie. I am not sure why but something about the way it looked I just couldn't help but be drawn into watching it. I'm not sure where else this film will be playing as I saw it at a film festival, but if you have the chance, go see it. I loved it and both of my kids loved it too. Well done.
a few too many good reviews for this
irwinnormal17 May 2010
Normally I find IMDb recommendations pretty reliable with a few exceptions such as "A History of Violence" or "The Network" So, when I read the reviews of this I rubbed my hands together and made some popcorn.
By the end of the opening scene I had stopped eating it. I hate to have cheese on my popcorn.
This film is as if someone had studied the recipe for a good film, perhaps even read 'screenplay' They went out and bought all the ingredients but they bought the shitty white, granulated processed sugar, the lopsided eggs of downtrodden cage hens, the generic vanilla extract (artificial flavoring) if you put them all together and shove them in the oven, you will get cookies, but they won't be very good.
By the end of the opening scene I had stopped eating it. I hate to have cheese on my popcorn.
This film is as if someone had studied the recipe for a good film, perhaps even read 'screenplay' They went out and bought all the ingredients but they bought the shitty white, granulated processed sugar, the lopsided eggs of downtrodden cage hens, the generic vanilla extract (artificial flavoring) if you put them all together and shove them in the oven, you will get cookies, but they won't be very good.
Excellent performances all around.
sashawhatson14 November 2006
I must confess a big reason I adored this movie so much is because of Kristina Anapau, who is not only smoking hot in this film, but is absolutely perfect in her role. I also loved Monty Lapica's performance, who totally amazes in this film as well. Fortunately, the twists in this film keep this from being anything close to a formulaic movie. The tension builds steadily. Michael Bowen from Kill Bill makes an excellent bad guy, as always, who you love to hate. And there are several other good supporting roles, especially that of Greg Germann, who I used to watch on Ally McBeal.
I found out that this is the director's first film and I have to say he succeeds with flying colors in creating an original, beautiful, poignant and good natured picture.
I found out that this is the director's first film and I have to say he succeeds with flying colors in creating an original, beautiful, poignant and good natured picture.
Subtle and down to earth beautiful!
lee_rothenberg14 November 2006
This film is something very special.
Go see it! It's all true. It's subtle, down-to-earth, and allows the audience to observe and relate to the characters. The mother and son who are the main characters in this film have a life crisis to deal with, and both become alienated by their own self-destructive behavior. For me, I felt a very strong connection to the characters, their loneliness, and general fear about what to do and how to create/sustain their lives.
It's a real and true to life kind of film. If you cannot be sensitive for a couple of hours you certainly won't appreciate it, but if you can it is well worth the time. I think that everybody should have an experience that causes you to take stock of your life.
Go see it! It's all true. It's subtle, down-to-earth, and allows the audience to observe and relate to the characters. The mother and son who are the main characters in this film have a life crisis to deal with, and both become alienated by their own self-destructive behavior. For me, I felt a very strong connection to the characters, their loneliness, and general fear about what to do and how to create/sustain their lives.
It's a real and true to life kind of film. If you cannot be sensitive for a couple of hours you certainly won't appreciate it, but if you can it is well worth the time. I think that everybody should have an experience that causes you to take stock of your life.
A beautifully made film.
tedpress117 February 2006
If it had not been for the wonderful Santa Fe Film Festival it is unlikely that I would have ever had the pleasure of seeing this little gem of a movie. In my view, Diane Venora is one of the most underrated actresses of her generation. She was just incredible in this film, just as she is in any other movie she's in that I can think of, but this is certainly among her most powerful performances. The scene in the bedroom on the floor - just heartbreaking. If there is any justice in the world then this movie should find its way into theaters and I definitely recommend seeing it. If you're a fan of quality acting then you will not be disappointed because everyone in the movie is simply excellent, especially Diane Venora and the young man who plays her son. Certainly one of the best movies I can recall seeing in a very long time. I wish they would bring more quality independent films like this to New Mexico apart from just the film festivals. Thank goodness for the Santa Fe Film Festival for finding wonderful films like this for all of us to discover. What a treat!
Good news for indie film lovers!
crmn_rssll14 November 2006
Movies like "Self Medicated" don't come around often. The originality factor in independent features has been sadly lacking in recent years, but hope should be restored after a film of such dazzling and brilliant creativity like this one.
Nothing about it seems to be familiar, and the finished product will leave you totally amazed and compelled. The interactions between the characters are what fortify this film and breathe life into it.
In the long run, this is an amazing piece of cinema, and should be seen by anyone who thinks independent films of exceptional quality aren't being made anymore.
Nothing about it seems to be familiar, and the finished product will leave you totally amazed and compelled. The interactions between the characters are what fortify this film and breathe life into it.
In the long run, this is an amazing piece of cinema, and should be seen by anyone who thinks independent films of exceptional quality aren't being made anymore.
This movie is a gift
pnkjnny28 October 2006
This movie is like a gift you receive. Well-written, beautiful, touching... this is a great movie. Everything that makes the movie is carefully crafted, from the music to the cinematography to the acting. Every actor in this film is spectacular, without exception. That is a bold statement, but it is completely justified. At no point do any of the actors miss a step; all the performances are smooth and appear to be utterly effortless. Even the bit parts are acted with intensity, depth, and elegance. It is truly a film worth seeing. Remember this director. I'm sure there will be more great stories to come from him. And I for one will see them all.
a harrowing and important film
mariahenner27 October 2006
I couldn't sleep after watching Self-Medicated. This film bravely exposes the real-life correction centers built to reform delinquent teenagers. If you can imagine yourself in their places, this is a very harrowing film. (I spent a lot of it with my hand over my mouth...)
The bullying and treatment of these adolescents as criminals is shocking. I now have a lot of respect for teens that make it out of these facilities. I hope many teenagers and parents will see this film and take it to heart. Cinematically this movie is flawless. The acting is very natural, the story flows, and the shots are beautifully composed and dramatic.
I think that it fully deserves all the praise it's received. I would certainly recommend this film to anyone. I was completely engrossed from beginning to end.
The bullying and treatment of these adolescents as criminals is shocking. I now have a lot of respect for teens that make it out of these facilities. I hope many teenagers and parents will see this film and take it to heart. Cinematically this movie is flawless. The acting is very natural, the story flows, and the shots are beautifully composed and dramatic.
I think that it fully deserves all the praise it's received. I would certainly recommend this film to anyone. I was completely engrossed from beginning to end.
Profound and compelling
ronnykingston27 October 2006
I walked into this movie thinking it would be just another average film festival movie and was completely blindsided by an extraordinary experience. The movie is about love and compassion and forgiveness. I laughed and I cried several times. The dramatic urgency of the film as a whole makes this an extremely moving film especially for teenagers or families who are coping with loss and the often subsequent turn to addiction. The writing, and above all, the directing, soars in this profound and compelling film.
I was lucky enough to be able to attend the premiere of this film at the Hollywood film festival and got a chance to meet the filmmaker. I was lucky enough to tell him something I would rarely tell any director:
"Thank you for making such a beautiful movie."
I was lucky enough to be able to attend the premiere of this film at the Hollywood film festival and got a chance to meet the filmmaker. I was lucky enough to tell him something I would rarely tell any director:
"Thank you for making such a beautiful movie."
Superior and meaningful film-making
nicovelasquezeva27 October 2006
I suppose one could characterize "Self Medicated" as a coming-of-age drama. But it also has elements of comedy and tragedy, as well as mystery. In short, real life.
Above all things, it's a major character study. Andrew is a rude, self-destructive, risk-taking high school student who says one too many things and ends up getting in trouble with his mom, his girlfriend, and even the authorities. It is compelling from beginning to end, and the ending is most tender and bittersweet.
Superior and meaningful film making.
I wouldn't hesitate recommending this film to everyone I know who has survived or has hopes to survive those hard adolescent years.
Above all things, it's a major character study. Andrew is a rude, self-destructive, risk-taking high school student who says one too many things and ends up getting in trouble with his mom, his girlfriend, and even the authorities. It is compelling from beginning to end, and the ending is most tender and bittersweet.
Superior and meaningful film making.
I wouldn't hesitate recommending this film to everyone I know who has survived or has hopes to survive those hard adolescent years.
One of the best films about addiction I've ever seen
mitchruben4027 October 2006
This film is one of the best films I've ever seen about the effects of addiction and conflict on the psycho-dynamics of a family.
I took my teen daughters to see it at a local film festival. What an interesting story and how amazing that it's based on a true story! Michael Bowen was amazing as the official bent on capturing and punishing the main character, Andrew. I cried my eyes out when Andrew and his mother, well, I won't give it a way for people who haven't seen it, but wow... what a heartbreaking scene!
This is a rare movie that the family with teen-aged kids can enjoy together, and also discuss afterwards. In fact they really should!
This was a fascinating story that deserved to be told.
I took my teen daughters to see it at a local film festival. What an interesting story and how amazing that it's based on a true story! Michael Bowen was amazing as the official bent on capturing and punishing the main character, Andrew. I cried my eyes out when Andrew and his mother, well, I won't give it a way for people who haven't seen it, but wow... what a heartbreaking scene!
This is a rare movie that the family with teen-aged kids can enjoy together, and also discuss afterwards. In fact they really should!
This was a fascinating story that deserved to be told.
Excellent character-driven writing
stanleyadamsolinski30 October 2006
I have to say that this is one of the best films I have seen in the teenage/drug addiction genre and I don't expect it will be beaten as far as I am concerned.
As well as being a character-driven youth drama, it's basically a film about life. Too many movies are all about plot, and more specifically about plot devices. Screenwriters spend so much time developing plot that character development is put on the backburner. When you get to know the characters in this movie, you're able to connect with them, feel their pleasure and feel their pain. There is not a line of wasted dialogue and the movie incorporates a lot of life lessons that we can all relate to.
It is one of those rare, character-driven gems and is definitely worth seeing!
As well as being a character-driven youth drama, it's basically a film about life. Too many movies are all about plot, and more specifically about plot devices. Screenwriters spend so much time developing plot that character development is put on the backburner. When you get to know the characters in this movie, you're able to connect with them, feel their pleasure and feel their pain. There is not a line of wasted dialogue and the movie incorporates a lot of life lessons that we can all relate to.
It is one of those rare, character-driven gems and is definitely worth seeing!
Brilliant acting by all
harveybissel27 October 2006
This film has quite a few remarkable features.
First of all is its title, which is rather unusual and immediately grabs one's interest. It is a very well written script with stylish direction, however the real meat is the utterly convincing performances by the actors. Diane Venora, Greg Germann, Michael Bowen, and Kristina Anapau are all seasoned actors and their conviction and intensity is astounding. Monty Lapica, as the tortured juvenile Andrew, has a face which conveys a myriad of emotions with great sensitivity and few words. He can be cold as ice, but his performance is most moving when he reveals his sensitive side.
The final image will linger and hold you for a long while.
First of all is its title, which is rather unusual and immediately grabs one's interest. It is a very well written script with stylish direction, however the real meat is the utterly convincing performances by the actors. Diane Venora, Greg Germann, Michael Bowen, and Kristina Anapau are all seasoned actors and their conviction and intensity is astounding. Monty Lapica, as the tortured juvenile Andrew, has a face which conveys a myriad of emotions with great sensitivity and few words. He can be cold as ice, but his performance is most moving when he reveals his sensitive side.
The final image will linger and hold you for a long while.
The best independent film I've seen in recent years.
maryjonesallen30 October 2006
This was quite simply the best independent film I've seen in recent years. The acting in this film is superb. The character study is amazing. The societal insights are haunting, but true! The shared humanity it exposes is painful at times but ultimately reaffirming and uplifting.
Self--Medicated is an incredible motion picture, true to its meaning, and ultimately a very important and powerful film. Give this movie a chance, and see it. You won't be disappointed. It has excellent direction, excellent photography, it showcases credible performances by all its cast. But above all, it has a real story, real character development, and real power. One great movie from a very promising young director.
Self--Medicated is an incredible motion picture, true to its meaning, and ultimately a very important and powerful film. Give this movie a chance, and see it. You won't be disappointed. It has excellent direction, excellent photography, it showcases credible performances by all its cast. But above all, it has a real story, real character development, and real power. One great movie from a very promising young director.
This movie amazes and inspires
c_wolson14 November 2006
I saw this at a festival and I was blown away.
I can say that every element of the film was perfect. And from a first time director! I was amazed at how well this movie was made. Really, for an independent film it has an incredible amount of sophistication.
One didn't need a surprise ending or secret identities to make this film enjoyable. It was the sincerity and universal nature of the story that made it interesting. A lot of personal thought and expression went in to the making of Self Medicated. Mixed with skill and technical ability, this becomes a great work of art. In the end, this is a film about people who feel life and all the emotions within it very deeply.
I love this movie.
I can say that every element of the film was perfect. And from a first time director! I was amazed at how well this movie was made. Really, for an independent film it has an incredible amount of sophistication.
One didn't need a surprise ending or secret identities to make this film enjoyable. It was the sincerity and universal nature of the story that made it interesting. A lot of personal thought and expression went in to the making of Self Medicated. Mixed with skill and technical ability, this becomes a great work of art. In the end, this is a film about people who feel life and all the emotions within it very deeply.
I love this movie.
One of the best films of the year.
crystaltreefeather30 October 2006
Anybody starved for a genuine piece of indie film-making should breathe a sigh of relief and give thanks that Self Medicated has come to save the day.
Excuse me if I do not offer a critique, but I see nothing but perfection in this film. I am sure that many who watch this film will never see the same things I do, but if you look hard enough maybe you will see something you weren't expecting. Open your hearts and you may be able to let this fascinating film show you a world that truly has a meaning. This is truly an exceptional story with extraordinary acting. Monty Lupica deserves to be talked about. Every aspect of the movie delivers to the audience and makes an impressive overall package.
Excuse me if I do not offer a critique, but I see nothing but perfection in this film. I am sure that many who watch this film will never see the same things I do, but if you look hard enough maybe you will see something you weren't expecting. Open your hearts and you may be able to let this fascinating film show you a world that truly has a meaning. This is truly an exceptional story with extraordinary acting. Monty Lupica deserves to be talked about. Every aspect of the movie delivers to the audience and makes an impressive overall package.
A movie to remember
karinaspringsup27 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Truly a movie to remember always. One of the great things about watching movies is that you get to see how other people live. Not that I think filmmakers have the responsibility of teaching the audience something of value, but when they do, one should try to savor the occasion. (SPOILER) This is movie is about a boy who gets kidnapped REPEATEDLY by officers from a correctional facility hired by his own mother!!! I had no idea people did this. It is based on a true story, so I will have to accept that such things do happen. The best thing about this movie is the reality of it, it hits you so hard and so close to home, you may want to hug your parents afterwards!
An unflinching look at drug addiction
damienglmr30 October 2006
If you believe that cinema is an important tool in helping us understand ourselves and that we will only achieve awareness by plumbing the depths of self-destruction and despair, then you simply must watch Self Medicated. This movie is definitely not a movie to use as a venue to escape life for a couple of hours, but it is a movie that certainly makes you take a second and third look at who you are within yourself.
The actors are surprising not only for their depth of performance, but also because they do not play characters you think you know. Monty Lapica turns in one heck of a performance as the troubled young drug addict.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes drama, action, or just an appreciation for a well-made movie.
The actors are surprising not only for their depth of performance, but also because they do not play characters you think you know. Monty Lapica turns in one heck of a performance as the troubled young drug addict.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes drama, action, or just an appreciation for a well-made movie.
This is a fantastic film.
lauragoldstein200027 October 2006
This is a fantastic film. It uncovers and exposes the darker sides of growing up, the preservation of life, and the strong bonds between people tied together by blood. I especially loved the way the film ended. The ending seems to establish the overall purpose of the film and it leaves a dramatic mark on the story.
In addition, the movie is beautifully, artfully photographed and visually stimulating. The soundtrack is beautiful and gripping. And I especially appreciated the passion and commitment from the actors, which made the viewer feel like they were living through them. Diane Venora is simply amazing. All-in-all, if you're receptive to emotions and understanding them, this will probably be one of the best movies you'll ever see.
In addition, the movie is beautifully, artfully photographed and visually stimulating. The soundtrack is beautiful and gripping. And I especially appreciated the passion and commitment from the actors, which made the viewer feel like they were living through them. Diane Venora is simply amazing. All-in-all, if you're receptive to emotions and understanding them, this will probably be one of the best movies you'll ever see.
11/10 - A movie that makes you think as well as feel
isabellewinston2630 October 2006
I was blown away! In short, this is a well-acted, well-directed movie. The story isn't exactly a "feel good" one, but if you don't come away from this movie feeling good, you may just have missed something. When a movie can take you out of your comfort zone and make you really stop and think about the world around you, that's what really makes a difference. If you think you know everything there is to know about the world... then you won't gain much from watching. If you feel movies should be a form of "escape from the world"... you won't find it here.
Self Medicated is an honest, realistic film that tells it's story with an unflinching eye for detail and is all the better and more powerful because of it.
Self Medicated is an honest, realistic film that tells it's story with an unflinching eye for detail and is all the better and more powerful because of it.
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