2024-11-17 13:00:00
Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston in the American series “Breaking Bad” (season 2, 2009). In order to protect his family from want, Walter White took advantage of his knowledge of chemistry and began manufacturing and selling crystal meth (“methamphetamine”). PHOTO12
The history of the fight against drug trafficking and consumption in the United States resembles a descent into hell. Since the presidency of Richard Nixon (1969-1974), the resources devoted to fighting traffickers have continued to grow, without being able to prevent the quantity of drugs in circulation from continuing to grow at the same time. The series could only make America’s failure in its fight against drugs their blessing. From cocaine to crack, from heroin to designer drugs and from the almost joyful trivialization of marijuana to the tragic opioid crisis, Hollywood-produced series detail what drugs are doing to American citizens and society .
In this matter, deep links, of meaning and aesthetics, connect the two great masterpieces which span the last twenty years: The Wire (Listening) et Euphoria. From a first season which focuses on the careful observation of small street traffic in Baltimore (Maryland), The Wire (2002-2008) develops a broader story, which explores both the international traffic which passes through the port and the public policies which are put in place to deal with it, without ignoring the issues of corruption or electoralism which govern the decisions of police officers or elected officials. Overdoses, decrepitude of the most addicted users, repeated murders, The Wire painstakingly describes the effect of drugs on individuals and the extreme violence inherent in the illegal trade.
This article is taken from “Special Issue Le Monde – Drug traffickers: their networks, their crimes, the response”November-December 2024, on sale at kiosks or online by going to on our store website.
But if The Wire is a major work, it is also because it confronts the unpleasant realities of American society. In Baltimore, the persistence of real segregation separates black people from poor neighborhoods – who are both the actors and victims of trafficking – from the white police officers and elected officials who face more ordinary problems in their daily lives. Jimmy McNulty, the policeman played by Dominic West, drinks a little too much, is unfaithful, doesn’t know how to assemble an Ikea piece of furniture and experiences professional conflicts: the banal life of a white man from the middle class.
Even more subtly, the series highlights the values of exclusion that cops and thugs share, and, beyond that, the spinelessness of the virilism of machos, black or white, confronted with more courageous female or homosexual characters.
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How does “El Camino” compare to other films or series that explore addiction and its societal impacts?
**Interview with Film Critic: Insights on “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” and Drug Culture in Cinema**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right into the topic of “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.” As a film critic, how do you feel this film adds to the legacy of “Breaking Bad”?
**Guest:** Thank you for having me! “El Camino” serves not only as a continuation of Jesse Pinkman’s story but also as a reflection on the broader themes of consequence and redemption that defined the series. Released seven years after the show’s conclusion, the film captures the lingering aftermath of Walter White’s actions and offers a chance for viewers to revisit the characters they’ve grown attached to, but in a darker, more mature context.
**Interviewer:** Interesting perspective! The original series, rooted in drug manufacturing and moral decline, resonates deeply with real societal issues. How does “El Camino” portray the long-lasting effects of drug culture in America?
**Guest:** “El Camino” doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of drug addiction and the impacts it has on individuals and families. It mirrors the ongoing struggles that have plagued America since Nixon’s war on drugs, showcasing the helplessness that many feel even as efforts to combat these issues are ramped up. The film encapsulates a moment in time where the violence and heartbreak associated with drug culture are inescapable, reflecting a society still grappling with these deep-rooted problems.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the societal ramifications. How do you think “El Camino” compares to other critically acclaimed series that tackle similar themes, like “The Wire” or “Euphoria”?
**Guest:** Both “The Wire” and “Euphoria” provide nuanced perspectives on the drug trade and its effects on society. “The Wire” critically examines institutional failures and the complexities of drug policy, while “Euphoria” focuses on the personal stories behind addiction. “El Camino” falls somewhere in between, focusing on individual trauma and the ripple effects of one man’s choices in the broader context of a failed system. Each piece adds a layer to our understanding of drugs in America, but they all maintain their own unique voice and narrative style.
**Interviewer:** With Hollywood frequently addressing these themes, do you believe their portrayal affects public perception regarding drugs and addiction?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Hollywood has the power to shape narratives around drugs and addiction, often humanizing those affected and prompting discussions about addiction as a disease rather than a moral failing. While some portrayals may sensationalize drug culture, thoughtful storytelling, like that found in “El Camino,” can foster empathy and encourage viewers to confront the harsh realities of drug use and its widespread implications.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights. It seems “El Camino” is more than just a film; it’s a continued dialogue about the complexities of our social issues.
**Guest:** Exactly! It’s a compelling reminder of how art can reflect and influence societal attitudes towards critical issues like drug addiction. Thank you for having me!