This is not a cautionary "just say no" after-school special. Schatzberg films the first hit almost tenderly. The rush is a warm blanket. The problem isn't the first time; it's the last time.
The "panic" of the title is not just emotional panic. In addict slang, a "panic" refers to a sudden shortage of heroin in the streets. When the supply dries up, the price skyrockets, and the real desperation begins. The film uses this mechanic as its engine: what happens to love, loyalty, and morality when the drug vanishes? At its core, the film is a love story. Bobby (Al Pacino, in his second film role) is a small-time dealer and addict with a charming streak. Helen (Kitty Winn) is a sweet-faced young woman from a "good" family who has just had a back-alley abortion. They meet, they orbit each other, and eventually, Bobby introduces her to heroin. The Panic in Needle Park -1971-
This is not a fun movie. It is not a date movie. It is a necessary movie. For fans of cinema verité, for students of acting, and for anyone who has ever wondered what it looks like when two people drown together instead of swimming alone— The Panic in Needle Park is essential, devastating viewing. This is not a cautionary "just say no" after-school special
Just don’t expect to feel clean after the credits roll. The problem isn't the first time; it's the last time