Film Review Fridays--Spun (2003)

photo courtesy of myspace.com/wesmantooth710

When I think of Jonas Akerlund’s film Spun a few adjectives come to mind; erratic, fragmentary, energetic, freaky, animated…I could go on. This film is not particularly focused on the writing of the plot or acting, it’s more about the insouciant editing which provides a glimpse into substance abuse and a crystal-meth addict’s struggles as he tries to get his next fix.

Spun is a black comedy that takes place during one long weekend; it’s a drug drama with the perfect cast. John Lequizamo is “Spider Mike” (dealer), Jason Schwartzman stars as “Ross” (meth addict), Mena Suvari is “Cookie” (Spider’s girlfriend and addict), and Brittany Murphy plays Cookie’s friend “Nikki” who is also an addict. Lastly, Mickey Rourke is “The Cook.”

So, to sum it up this film is about meth-addicted junkies who bounce off of one another as they get high and try to get their next fix. It starts out with Ross tracking down his regular “go-to” dealer, Spider Mike. When they finally link up, Spider Mike realizes his stash has been misplaced; he goes crazy with both panic and paranoia. During the frantic drug search and mayhem at hand, Cookie volunteers Ross to pick up her stripper friend Nikki from work; he only agrees because he learns Nikki has an inside drug connection. Introducing, The Cook. While Ross is on his quest, that includes many incidental incidents, Spider Mike discovers the cops are hot on his trail. In his delusively paranoid state, he is out to get the person who set him up.

Spun may seem like a crazy film after reading my summary. Don’t get me wrong, it is a crazy film, but in my opinion, the cinematography and direction was great. It was unlike any other film I’ve seen before. Jonas Akerlund, a former music video director, has just the right amount of visual grit and quick cuts; sound shocks and accelerated animation to draw us inside of a meth-high. I thought he did a great job of transitioning between personal hallucination and returning to the present time.

All and all, the plot doesn’t hold too much weight, but the visuals and cinematography are awesome, if you’re into that kind of thing. I think the cast really took their roles and ran with them; they make you ask yourself, “Do addicts really act like this?” This isn’t a must-see, but if you’re up for something different, check it out.

GRADE: B-/C

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