Dope Sick Love

I was a paramedic for ten years during the worst of the opiate crisis and in the course of my daily duties I encountered people like this all the time I firmly believe that this should be shown to high school students so they can see the ugly side of drugs, and especially the desperation to make enough money for the next high. Note that they never eat. They just get high.

When this doc was made, another was Add at the same time, here in NYC: UNION SQUARE THE MOVIE. Both of these featured people from the same group

I was in the latter film, my best friend (Sebastian) was in this.

It's '12, and both of us are not on the street. He lives with me, and we're both doing MUCH better than we were at that point in our lives.

Michelle's son is currently incarcerated. Matt & Tracy (who we know), are alive. How much better they're doing is questionable, and not something I want to comment on.

Suffice it to say, (Sebastian & I) have both been through a lot. We made our films for different reasons (the makers of Sebatian's flick would give him money to get high - then film it. I had a contract (of which I was the only one paid, and even I was screwed).

But, it's over: we're older, and we both want to get on with out lives.

I wouldn't change way happened, but, I don't wish anyone would go through this. It's NOT 'fun.' nor glamorous. Unfortunately, you can't make people learn from your mistakes.

UPDATE: Michelle passed away in May '12. That's all I know (Someone told me. I told Sebastian - who wasn't interested).

Watching people self-destruct is not my idea of a good time. "Dope Sick Love" followed two drug addict couples around New York as they filled their days and nights A.) trying to get drugs B.) trying to get money for drugs or C.) using the drugs they just scored. It was a sad existence and it was depressing to watch.

When Michelle gets into Maxima to rip off trick, didn't it seem staged? How are the conversations inside the car recorded very loud and clear? (cameraman is not inside car).Is it recorded with a pocket recorder (or phone) by Michelle and then re-recorded later? Other parts also appeared staged. And were the two couples paid to be in the film? And if not, why would they do it? Another nagging question is: Are these couples homeless? We are never told whether they are sleeping outside or have places.

Still worth 6 stars though.

This documentary was originally part of the America Undercover series produced by HBO and presents a searing view of life at the bottom of the drug culture. Shot in cinema verite by film makers Brent and Craig Renaud there is no narration, no music, and there are no special effects. It documents an 18 month period during which two couples, living on the streets of New York City, struggle day by day, and, sometimes, hour by hour to feed their crack habits. They are caught up in an endless hustle to make the next score, then the next , then the next. This is a film which should be required viewing for any young people who think there is romance in crack addiction.