This assignment is relevant to understanding the role of drugs in modern society. You will watch 2 movies about drugs and behavior, and then write a reaction paper comparing the statements that each movie makes about drugs in society.
Here are some questions that you can think about while viewing the films and that you can comment on in your paper:
- How do the movies portray drug use? Does it make drugs seem "cool," or does it demonstrate consequences that can arise from drug use?
- How would you describe the physical, emotional, and/or spiritual health of the individual(s) in the movies who are actively using substances?
- How would you describe the substance dependent individual's relationships with other people?
- What motivation do the substance dependent individual(s) in the movies have to change/stop using substances? What are some of their obstacles to change?
The following is a list of movies that you can choose from (this is not comprehensive! You are free to use other movies not from this list that you feel are relevant; just check with Dr. Loscalzo first):
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Trainspotting (1996)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Scarface (1983)
The Basketball Diaries (1995)
Blow (2001)
Spun (2002)
Pineapple Express (2008)
Reefer Madness (1936)
Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke (1978)
Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Limitless (2011)
Sid and Nancy (1986)
Dazed and Confused (1993)
New Jack City (1991)
Maria Full of Grace (2004)
Training Day (2001)
Half Baked (1998)
American Gangster (2007)
Friday (1995)
Ray (2004)
Traffic (2000)
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Less than Zero (1987)
Days of Wine and Roses (1962)
When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)