With a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb, it's no surprise that the 2012 documentary directed by Matthew Cooke is both provocative and enthralling.
The film is dedicated to highlighting the flaws in US drug policy and proceeds to explain how people have and do successfully exploit these flaws for financial gain. Cooke utilizes a "10 easy steps" plot structure, and in doing so makes the incredibly complex of the War on Drugs simple. Perhaps even more surprising is the star-studded cast, all recounting their personal experiences with and opinions on drugs. The cast includes Susan Sarandon, Eminem, 50 Cent, Arianna Huffington and Woody Harrelson just to name a few.
What surprised me the most about this film way by how tempted I was by the idea of the sheer amount of money to be made. Cooke breaks down each "level" by financial reward and difficulty, and it was easy to relate to the cast's decision to join the drug trade. I have plenty of student loans to pay off, and the idea that it could be done with relative ease in the black market is intoxicating.
The film is also quick to point out the effects of addictions, and details how some of the top players of the game lost everything due to their drug addictions. While addiction is a vital element of drug policy, it also somewhat confused the message of the film. Up until that point, the film seemed to argue that drugs laws were futile: however, the addiction portion of the film seems to suggest that some sort of regulation is necessary.
Overall, Cooke's work is a fantastic breakdown of US drug policy , and viewers are able to empathize strongly with the cast and their respective struggles. This movie is currently streaming on Netflix, and I highly suggest you check it out!
For more, check out:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1276962/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm
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