George and Mirtha. Sad, sad, sad.

Rating: 7/10 (8 April 2001)

The plot wandered, as life tends to do, but the characters and settings were fascinating. It seemed a lot longer than it was, because it would come to a dramatically logical end and then start up again. Plus, each new phase is more depressing than the last. Based on the true story of one George Jung, who is said to have supplied 85% of the cocaine used in the USA in the 1970s. If that's true, then the particularly nasty circle of hell he inhabits to this day is well-deserved. Johnny Depp wore out his one facial expression about a third of the way through. Penelope Cruz gamely tries to chew the scenery, but is a weak link. Ray Liotta's performance is strangely affecting.