The Panic in Needle Park: Chip, Don't Use

With a vibrant and charming Al Pacino, the world of heroin junkies is revealed without being pretentious. Characters are deeply flawed but never glorified or sympathetic which preserves the film's sense of realism, glazing the film with a human aspect that is missed in other fanciful tales where people become heroes.

It has definitely lifted my spirits (ironically so) after suffering through a chain of disappointing movies. As a fan of Pacino, I love it. It's raw and avoids being gloomy, showing how addicts survive.

The sights and sounds of NYC are utilized well, as well as the interpersonal relationships between the one-in-the-same addict society. Al Pacino spices up his versatility in this role and plays a very convincing junkie that is constantly smiling and showing his silly side.

This film reminded me of how much I like NY-based cinema. It's apparent that Pacino loves NYC, as well. His background clearly benefits him in these roles. I may not have been around during the 70s, but even a disjointed city like NYC seems to flow inside of its own perfect disharmony and Pacino almost glides down the infinite corners and crossings. Such a lively performance. I also love the old feel to these movies. People look real for once and they aren't touched up by 2000-era technology. Everything in this film progresses at a natural slow pace as the atmosphere teeters on misery but luckily never reaches it.

Even though these characters are self-destructive and aimless, they trudge on with such energy and openness to others. It's childlike as well despite the heavily adult undertones that are neither the aim or bulk of the scenes. If there is one, I would say the meaning behind this film is to showcase the need inside all of us for community and warmth of friendship in our lives. Pacino carries the film, well within his style, and every scene seems more bleak without him. But he's never gone for long. It's a wonderful film. Poignant and yet merry at the same time, despite some dark moments when the panic takes over.