Intoxicating (2003) Reviews

• Dark assignment

  maggiepie822005-06-08

  For starters: I was given this film as an assignment by my film school college professor. Went to see it at Edwards University 6 in Irvine, CA. One of those small indie films where I could tell part of the audience dug it, and part didn't. Very dark and unforgiving in tone. Seldom have I seen a film with a more unlikable lead character. But, somehow I did like him. Maybe it was the devil may care grin. The filmmaker never wavers or backs away from the characters lifestyle. Not a film for everyone for sure. It is the character study about a young surgeon who parties like a mad man at night. One night stands between surgeries during the day. I left worn out like the main character. Supposedly based on a true story. Certainly felt real. Film felt like it could have been a bit shorter. Middle drags a bit. Well shot, with a hip score (although a bit too loud). All in all, I recommend it.

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• depressing but real

  oba-12004-08-05

  Let me start by saying I am not a fan of "down and out stories" (ie I didn't care for Leaving Las Vegas). This one is certainly a down and out story with a twist. That being the substance abuser in this film is a surgeon. Which is quite a scary thought. I scored the film an "eight" largely because of the incredibly realistic portrayal of the surgeon by the lead actor. Also, enjoyed Eric Roberts being subtle for change. Kinda like in his glory days. This film reminds me of how terrific an actor he is. The film could have been better with different set of lead actresses. Not that they were bad just not anywhere near the level of the lead actor or other members of the cast. Not for everyone but I would recommend giving the film a look. If not just to make you wary of being under a surgeon's care.

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• Realistic tale of substance abuse

  michelle-1462004-04-15

  As someone who has grown up with parents in AA this film is as close to the reality of it all as I have seen. Lead Actor Kirk Harris' performance is at once incredible and should be star making. The stories centers around a young doctor with a large appetite for drugs and alcohol. His arrogance is offset by the love he has for his dying father played by John Savage. Eric Roberts does a terrific job as his drug dealer. A guy who lives in the suburbs and who looks anything but a drug dealer. It is clearly the best Eric Roberts has been in a film since Runaway Train. The visuals of the film give the frantic life of the lead character a whole other level usually not seen in independent film. The hip hop soundtrack adds an extremely modern edge to this film as well. It was odd but cool to see hip hop artists rap over the tale of a caucasian doctor. I applaud the filmmakers for being this eclectic and having the courage to take on this heart wrenching subject matter. The film reminds me of another of my all time favorites in Leaving Las Vegas. I would also recommend it to anyone who dug Requiem for a Dream or the lost gem Clean and Sober.

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• Very realistic

  YopoM77777772005-03-28

  I think that the lack of name brand Hollywood stars, and the somber way it is presented, actually make this quite a good movie. You'd be surprised how accurate this is, as many of the hospital "best" actually are the abusers. In "Leaving Las Vegas", it was just too much of a show, whereas this really makes a person step back and think about it all. I thought it was very good, and so recommend it. Also, it is not depressing at all, but has a nice follow through into "doing the right thing". I was never bored by the film, and I thought it progressed very well, never leaving you with wandering thoughts - it was well focused. --SPOILERS -- I also liked the way Roos was portrayed as someone highly attracted to Harris, yet knowing it was wrong, and struggling to cope between what should be done and what she was doing. Again, right on the money, very realistic, as this struggle happens to a lot of people.

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• Just watch the trailer

  sinjac2006-10-29

  Don't bother watching the movie. The trailer is the best part. The rest is just filler party and bar scenes and little dialog. Don't even bother to turn on subtitles because most of the dialog is just "heh baby" or "heh sweetheart". The only suspense in this movie was wondering if Dr Shanley has a cleaning service. There was vomit on the bed linens when he went to the ER. When he returned home the rumpled bed linens were the same but the vomit was gone. The film could have been condensed to 30minutes are less. I suppose this isn't the worst film I've seen--since I did stay with it till the end, but it ranks pretty low.

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