Film #285
Title: The Panic in Needle Park (1971)
Starring: Al Pacino and Kitty Winn
Dir: Jerry Schatzberg
Basic Synopsis (from IMDb): A stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in “Needle Park” in New York City. Played against this setting is a low-key love story between Bobby, a young addict and small-time hustler, and Helen, a homeless girl who finds in her relationship with Bobby the stability she craves.
My Mini Review:
A very realistic portrayal of addicts, showcasing the damage and drama that a lifestyle of that caliber produces. Though some scenes are hard to watch at times due to their graphic nature, the story is quite compelling and well told. It explores the depths of the characters in a way that is both in-your-face and subtle (simultaneously).
Cinematically, this film is very raw – handheld camera work and very naturalistic lighting. This was only the 2nd film that Pacino acted in (released one year prior to The Godfather), and also the 2nd film that Schatzberg directed. That being said, the acting, particularly by Pacino and Winn is excellent, and I thought the direction was solid. To add to the reality of the film, there is no music used at all in the entire film – so the quiet moments have a chance to be truly reflective without the influence of musical cues.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Farron('s) Films 