While shooting footage for a documentary about Ecstasy drug use in America, the film's producers stumbled across an intriguing subject: Scott, 40, a successful small town husband and father, whom they meet at a “rave” party with his 18-year-old son, Craig, where both are high--or “rolling”--on Ecstasy. Friendly, uninhibited, and irresponsible in his blatant desire to be hip with his son, Scott goes so far as to encourage his two other children to experiment with Ecstasy, alcohol, marijuana, and LSD during an all-night party at his apartment. Eventually, Scott's ex-wife intervenes on behalf of the children and the viewer is witness to his downward spiral, including an arrest for drug possession, an ugly custody battle, and several emotionally draining family confrontations. What's particularly effective about this unsettling film (which includes a viewer discretion advisory) is the potent family dynamics that come into play throughout Scott's descent: despite his own drug addiction, Craig confronts his father about the recklessness of exposing his younger siblings to drugs; the younger children themselves evolve from initial resentment toward their mother for separating them from their father to a sincere attempt to understand and help rehabilitate him; the oldest son suddenly appears from the military to reshape the family social structure; and, following his arrest, Scott himself contemplates his options and analyzes his behavior in light of his relationship with his own father. A powerful, eye-opening account of middle-class drug abuse, this cautionary tale is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (A. Cantú)
Small Town Ecstasy: Getting High With Dad
(2002) 85 min. VHS: $149.95, DVD: $159.95. Films for the Humanities & Sciences. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-7365-6711-9 (vhs). Volume 19, Issue 5
Small Town Ecstasy: Getting High With Dad
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