Blow' Focuses on Character, Not Drugs

Blow
4 Stars

Drugs and Hollywood were made for each other. Each have their own way of taking people to incredible highs and staggering lows. The mutual affection developed over the years has recently taken a curious turn, though.

In the last six months, both "Requiem for a Dream" and "Traffic" have delved into American drug culture, making another movie with similar aspirations seem like an overdose.

But despite arriving last, Ted Demme's "Blow" carves its own niche in the genre and distributes a unique product that even the most veteran drug-flick fiend should enjoy.

What separates "Blow" from similar films is its singularity of focus. Unlike "Traffic," this is not a movie about drugs and the world built around them. This movie is about a man and his goals.

George Jung (Johnny Depp) wants to have a family, do good work and be rich.

The work he chooses just happens to involve being in possession of a quarter-ton of marijuana, flipping 110 pounds of Columbian cocaine in 36 hours and banking with Manuel Noriega.

On paper, these events seem unbelievable, especially for a nice young boy from New England. But Depp does a remarkable job of keeping this vehicle on the right track.

"It's not the taking off part you got to worry about," remarked George's friend Dooley. "It's the landing that's tricky."

Getting high is the least of George's problems. After enduring poverty as a child, George makes good on his vow to never be poor.

His friend Tuna (Ethan Suplee) in tow, George relocates to California where he discovers beach life and bud. Since getting an actual job is out of the question, Tuna suggests selling weed instead of just smoking it.

With a little help from his stewardess girlfriend Barbara (Franka Potente) and her gay hairdresser Derek (Paul Reubens), "Boston George" quickly takes off, developing a profitable cross-country franchise.

There's one small problem, though.

"It isn't enough," George said as his friends admired their money.

Depp's acting brings a richness to George's base impulses. Each time that ambition propels him higher, Depp refuses to cede control of the film like Al Pacino did in "Scarface."

George builds his empire without violence and threats. He is methodical, focused and balanced almost to a fault.

The first time he goes to jail there is no reflection or insight. But thanks to his Colombian cellmate Diego (Jordi Molla), George leaves behind his "bachelor's of marijuana" and picks up a "doctorate in cocaine."

Upon release, George hits it off with Pablo Escobar. Soon he, along with his new wife, Mirtha (Penelope Cruz), is handling roughly 85 percent of America's coke.

There are some intriguing glimpses into the drug life, but all are funneled through George's cold eyes.

The supporting cast is solid but lacks a player with Depp's range and skills. Ray Liotta, who plays George's father, turns in a memorable performance.

Ultimately, "Blow" is effective because it doesn't dilute the product with preachiness. The movie's only real victim is George, who is also a villain. "Blow," which is based on a true story, chronicles his life and times, never apologizing for his narco-millionaire rise or eulogizing his calamitous fall.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.