Overrated all the way.
This film is basically average but no friggin masterpiece or something that should be held with high regard. Quite contrary...it does nothing but try to make us feel bad for the characters that make utterly idiotic choices and ruined their lives. All the characters in this film are either idiots or basically slow minded. Whatever they are I didn't feel any sympathy nor sadness for them.
This film tries too hard for you (i.e. the viewer) to feel sorry for these people. Sorry, the film fails for me. I does nothing but make me reject them. Too add insult to injury the camera man in this film spins and shakes around to catch the emotions and feelings of the characters. But it does waaaay too often that nearly gives the viewer whiplash. Yes, it's clear that it is intenionally done to capture the characters state of mind. As I said, it does way too often that it becomes annoying.
Blah!
I just finished watching this and I must say it's a superb film.
Great acting, especially from Ellen Burstyn, I really felt for the characters and their situations. I can see how WD can say they made stupid decisions, but I think they weren't planning on getting into such heavy drug use, that's at least my take on it. srug
Overall an excellent movie IMO, though I'd probably have to wait a while to watch it again.