We Americans are certainly no strangers to drug epidemics, are we? In recent years, we’ve had a massive one sweeping across our beautiful country. From the sweeping mountains of Washington to the sunny beaches of Florida, the Opioid Crisis has managed to sink its venomous, filth-encrusted fangs into the backbone of American society. Even Ohio, our heartland, and its neighbor Indiana are seats to the worst cases yet. Now, imagine a drug epidemic where the harmful substance not only created dependency but also wiped your identity away. That is the premise that is beautifully illustrated in Richard Linklater’s sci-fi drama A Scanner Darkly (2006), a science fiction thriller that paints a gorgeous yet horrifying series of scenes about a man’s descent into madness. Let’s take a closer look at how this film creatively portrays a severe drug epidemic.
Mental Breakdown
Based on the story by Phillip K. Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), A Scanner Darkly takes us on a journey through a totalitarian future, where undercover detective Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves) is attempting to uncover secrets about a deadly hallucinogen called Substance D, developed from a small blue flower. However, Arctor himself has become a frequent user of this mind-altering drug and has started to lose his grip on reality. Ultimately, he takes on an alternative identity “Fred” and starts to monitor his activity as a drug dealer, becoming the observer and the observed.
Effectiveness
What makes A Scanner Darkly unique in the world of drug films is the fact that it focuses on the world of an addict and a clean person through the lens of one individual. Due to his schizophrenic behavior, Arctor begins to lose his grip on reality and begins to observe himself as an outsider. Adding to the kaleidoscopic film is the otherworldly rotoscoping animation, which blurs the actors’ faces and adds to the otherworldly environment of the film. Ultimately, it makes us answer this question: who is watching whom?
Always remember that mind-altering drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
