If I hadn't researched alcoholism and watched a selection of documentaries on the subject before watching Smashed, I might have thought it overly dramatic and over-the-top. I didn't always understand just how dangerous alcoholism could get, and while I'm no absolute expert, I do get the impression that this is mostly honest and true to life, when it comes to representing these problems and how they affect people in real life. Alcoholism is scary because alcohol is legal, and often socially acceptable, particularly if you're young like the two main characters in this film. It might not instantly ruin your life the way that a heroin or meth addiction might, but it creeps up on you and can make you an addict without you even realising. And you don't have to risk your life or your freedom to purchase alcohol the same way you might have to do so when buying outlawed drugs.
Smashed, however, I must say is not quite a great film. It's a really solid depiction of alcohol addiction, but it is very straightforward, and brief, and therefore not as in-depth an exploration on the subject and its characters as it could be. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the only one really given the opportunity to shine here, which works, as she is fantastic and largely carries the movie. Aaron Paul is in more of a supporting role; fans of Breaking Bad may be disappointed to find that the movie does not focus on him as much, but he does a good job with what he's given to do. Their relationship is mostly believable- not entirely, but the chemistry is decent and for the most part understandable.
The acting is mostly good, the script is solid but again: very short, and this helps the movie be direct, straightforward, and immediate, but does make it feel quite simplistic and not really something that you haven't seen before, should you already be familiar with other films that depict addiction. It's competently shot, but it has that handheld style that is such a cliche for indie films from the past 10-15 years, and it always irks me because I think it's rather overdone in low-key, low budget, "quiet" character study type movies.
For all the flaws though, it is a good look into the pitfalls of alcoholism, especially in regards to how it can derail both your professional and romantic lives. Given that there is still somewhat of a cultural belief that alcohol isn't super harmful, in relation to its addictiveness, I think a solid movie on the topic is still worth watching and talking about. If it makes at least a few viewers become more critical, or at least more aware of their drinking habits, then I'd say it's served its purpose well. And being a generally good movie with a very good central performance, I believe there's a good chance it has done (and will continue to do) just that.
Smashed, however, I must say is not quite a great film. It's a really solid depiction of alcohol addiction, but it is very straightforward, and brief, and therefore not as in-depth an exploration on the subject and its characters as it could be. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the only one really given the opportunity to shine here, which works, as she is fantastic and largely carries the movie. Aaron Paul is in more of a supporting role; fans of Breaking Bad may be disappointed to find that the movie does not focus on him as much, but he does a good job with what he's given to do. Their relationship is mostly believable- not entirely, but the chemistry is decent and for the most part understandable.
The acting is mostly good, the script is solid but again: very short, and this helps the movie be direct, straightforward, and immediate, but does make it feel quite simplistic and not really something that you haven't seen before, should you already be familiar with other films that depict addiction. It's competently shot, but it has that handheld style that is such a cliche for indie films from the past 10-15 years, and it always irks me because I think it's rather overdone in low-key, low budget, "quiet" character study type movies.
For all the flaws though, it is a good look into the pitfalls of alcoholism, especially in regards to how it can derail both your professional and romantic lives. Given that there is still somewhat of a cultural belief that alcohol isn't super harmful, in relation to its addictiveness, I think a solid movie on the topic is still worth watching and talking about. If it makes at least a few viewers become more critical, or at least more aware of their drinking habits, then I'd say it's served its purpose well. And being a generally good movie with a very good central performance, I believe there's a good chance it has done (and will continue to do) just that.