Chasing the White Dragon

Saying this movie is a poor man's Requiem for a Dream is an overstatement. This film was produced by LittleBo productions and Kat Scratch films, which if you've ever seen any film by either of these companies you know to go the other way. The actors in this movie make Shaquille O'Neal look Oscar worthy in his Kazaam role. It's not that I don't have a taste for the small budget film, just the acting and characters in this film are underdeveloped. The fact that makes Requiem For A Dream so monumental is that you connect and feel for the characters; In this movie you can't wait for them to ruin their lives and the movie to end because the characters are so unlikeable and annoying. Don't make a decrepit movie that can be compared to something epic.

Early on in this movie we see that the cast assembled has zero talent. Really bad acting mirrors the mind achingly inane dialogue. Anyone who has lived this life will immediately see the drug using scenes are not even close to accurate. The movies Go & Spun were far better, and they weren't great by any means. This was a slog to get through. Mass overdoses at the half hour mark would have been welcomed.

This might have been a good flick with better acting. The Jesse character was overwrought and generally insufferable. Lighting could stand much improvement, and sound engineering was non -existent, save for a few overlays of grunge music choices that were fairly well matched to the story. Overall, it had a sophomoric film school feel about it. In someone else's hands it might have stood a chance at being a really good film.

So light something up, pour a few shots, and watch the film. Someone has to get practical experience while cutting their teeth. It's not a complete loss. Some scenes just needed a little coaching and a few more takes to make it flow.

This movie excels in portraying the true horrors of crystal methamphetamine addiction. The research that went into the character development, makeup, clothing, sets, and mannerisms of the main characters is dead on. To have people praising the accuracy of this movie who have come in close personal contact with crystal methamphetamine addicts is truly a compliment of the highest degree and all involved in this project should be proud. The combined talents of award winning film makers Kat Phillips and Austin Haley are further recognized in this dramatic indie masterpiece. With one award already, this film is sure to win even more after only one appearance (as of 9/15/08) on the festival circuit and a 1st place Best Screenplay award already.

I have heard "Chasing the White Dragon" being compared to other films about drug addiction and I will concede to agree on one point. It's no "Requiem For a Dream." Because, in fact, "Chasing the White Dragon" is much more true to life!! I have been a police officer for almost 15 years and see every day the effects of methamphetamines in peoples lives and nothing could be closer to reality than the portrayal presented by Kat Scratch Films and Lil Bo Productions. As I watched this film I felt the impact the drug made not only on the users but the way it impacted the lives of their families and the community. The actors performances were exceptional. The expressions of fear, frustration, paranoia, betrayal, love, and friendship were all played with such intensity that I was drawn into the lives of the characters. The special effects were perfect! They added just the right dimension of power without overloading the storyline... as I felt happened in "Requiem For a Dream." The realism was edgy and frightening. The music added just the right touch, mixing sad and mournful melodies then heightening the tense moments with perfectly chosen heavy rock. I have to comment on some of these fresh faced actors, most of whom are new to the industry. These actors showed such an incredible level of talent in their roles and were very refreshing to watch. This is a very well cast and well crafted Indie film that will definitely be getting some attention. At it's first appearance on the film festival circuit it won a well deserved award which I'm certain is the first of many to come.

Kat Phillips is an extraordinary writer and director. See "Katrina's Wake" and "Space Available" and you will see what I mean. CTWD is her first feature length effort and I think she exceeded all expectations with this film. My congratulations to all of the production staff, cast and crew for making this important film. My 15 year old son accompanied me to the Tupelo premiere and it opened his eyes to the horrors of addiction, whether the drug is meth, cocaine, alcohol, or even tobacco. He left with a keener sense of awareness of addiction's very real, very devastating effects on not only the user but the friends and families of the addict. It makes us realize that drug abuse isn't restricted to the inner city. It reveals the terrifying fact that it reaches into even the smallest town, "Anytown, USA." Watch this film! It is engaging, engrossing, educational, and inspiring. I applaud the young actors for their excellent performances and feel like we are seeing the beginning of some very successful film careers with CTWD! Kat Phillips and Austin Haley did not have a Spielberg-size budget to make this film but the final product rivals many of Hollywood's multi-million dollar movies. This was a project from the heart and it showed. Excellent work!!