A engrossing drug drama with a superb Johnny Depp performance

Rating: 8/10 (31 March 2001)

Johnny Depp is emerging as one of our most gifted actors. His performance in this film is better than most everything else he's done.
He plays a character based on a real life person who was in at the ground level when the drug boom began on the West Coast in the late 60s-early 70s. He plays the character with an intensity and gravity that is amazing.
The period costumes and music are great. Great supporting performances by Ray Liotta, Paul Reubens and Penelope Cruz. My one complaint would be Rachel Griffiths performance. She felt totally miscast to me, and trying way too hard.
Kudos to director Ted Demme. Engrossing.