“The Panic in Needle Park” (1971)

The lives of many of the denizens who populate Needle Park is centered on drugs. In particular, heroin. Those who sell the narcotic, the addicts that consume it, and the members of law enforcement who wage a war with the sellers and consumers to remove the substance from the streets. The addicts will do whatever it takes to get the cash in order to score; some are thieves, others are sex workers. Regardless, none of what the addicts do to generate revenue is glamorous. For the most part, the addicts don’t seem to realize or care, that they are existing merely for their next injection. When the drugs are readily available to be purchased, life is good for the addicts, as well as the suppliers. If there is a shortage, what is known in the drug community as a panic sets in. Those who can’t live without their drug of choice, resort to any and all means to obtain their next fix.    

The two addicts that the film focuses on is the charismatic charmer, but no less troubled Bobby, portrayed by Oscar winner, Al Pacino (Scent of a Woman), and the seemingly helpless and sorrowful drifter Helen, played by Kitty Winn (The Exorcist). Bobby is a product of the streets. He has been in and out of jail, since he was nine, or so he claims. Marco, a role acted by Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Raul Julia (The Burning Season: The Chico Mendes Story), is purchasing drugs from Bobby. While at Marco’s apartment, Bobby sees Helen sleeping on Marco’s couch. He is immediately taken with her. Bobby even walks over to her, and adjusts her blanket to keep her warm. (As an aside: Richard Bright, who played Al Neri, Michael Corleone’s assassin, bodyguard and enforcer, throughout the three Godfather films, portrays the part of Pacino’s brother Hank in the film. In addition, Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), has a small role in the movie). 

Helen’s need to feel loved and valued by someone, leads to her getting into a romantic relationship with Bobby. Money becomes an issue for the couple, as does their access to heroin, which thanks to a panic gets scarcer. Bobby approaches Santo (Vic Romano), a powerful drug dealer. He agrees to work for him. Bobby believes this will ensure that he and Helen will have money, as well as, continuous access to drugs. Unfortunately for the couple, Detective Hatch (Alan Vint), is interested in taking Santo down. He ensnares Helen in a trap. Will she turn on Bobby to save herself?

Jerry Schatzberg (Scarecrow), directed the film. The screenplay was co-written by National Book Award for Nonfiction winner, Joan Didion (The Year of Magical Thinking), and John Gregory Dunne (A Star is Born), based on James Mills novel of the same name, which was published in 1966 by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. On May 21, 1971, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The drama has a runtime of 110 minutes.

Trivia buffs take note: “The Panic in Needle Park” was Al Pacino’s first leading role. Furthermore, Kitty Winn and Raul Julia made their film debuts in the movie. Francis Ford Coppola needed to convince the executives at Paramount, that Al Pacino was the right person to portray Michael Corleone in “The Godfather.” He screened “The Panic in Needle Park” for them, and they were convinced, based on Pacino’s performance, that he should be cast. Viewers might notice while watching the movie, that it is devoid of music. The name Needle Park used to be what Sherman Square, located on 72nd Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan was called, because it was a popular place for drug users to congregate. 

“The Panic in Needle Park” is an interesting, at times intense, as well as gritty portrayal of addiction and how it affects those who succumb to its devastating allure. The onscreen chemistry between Pacino and Winn was excellent. They both completely embody the parts they play. For fans of thought provoking drama, who haven’t seen the film, you’ll more than likely consider it worth your time.