Watch The Opium Eater

The Opium Eater is an independent drama film that was written, directed and produced by Dustin Morrow. The movie was released in 2010 and gained accolades for its artistry and storytelling. The lead cast of the movie includes David Bertelsen, Leah McCormick, and Brian Oblak, who have done a commendable job in bringing their characters to life.

The movie follows the life of Thomas De Quincey (played by David Bertelsen), a famous 19th-century writer known for his literary works and his addiction to opium. The movie is set in 1853 and is based on De Quincey's autobiographical work, Confessions of an English Opium-Eater. The story is told through De Quincey's perspective as he reflects on his life's journey, from his struggle with addiction to his literary success, and his troubled romantic relationship with Ann (played by Leah McCormick).

Thomas De Quincey is shown to be a complex character, and David Bertelsen has given a captivating performance to reflect the different aspects of his personality. His addiction to opium is showcased as a curse that haunts him every moment of his life, causing him to hallucinate and experience surrealistic dreams. The movie's cinematography captures his state of mind in a way that is both unsettling and beautiful.

Apart from his addiction, Thomas De Quincey's other challenges are also shown, including his financial struggles as he tries to make ends meet as a writer. The movie also highlights his relationship with Ann (Leah McCormick), a young woman who he takes in as his ward. Their unconventional relationship is fraught with tensions, and Leah McCormick's portrayal of Ann manages to convey the complexity of the character's emotions.

Brian Oblak also gives an impressive performance as William, a French artist who befriends Thomas during his travels to Paris. William serves as Thomas' confidant and provides him with the emotional support that he needs to deal with his addiction. William's character is a contrast to Thomas, as he is bohemian, passionate, and unafraid to embrace life in all its beauty.

The movie's direction, writing, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the production design manages to accurately capture the mood of the Victorian era. The music complements the movie's visual style and adds to the overall experience. There are some spectacular shots in the movie, including the scenes where Thomas hallucinates in his opium-induced states. The special effects used in these sequences are excellent and add to the movie's surrealistic vibe.

The movie's pace is deliberately slow, giving the audience ample time to reflect on the characters' emotions and the intricate details of their lives. The movie's themes revolve around addiction, love, loss, and the human desire for self-discovery. The Opium Eater is not just a portrait of an addict; it is a well-crafted story that captures the essence of human emotions and relationships.

In conclusion, The Opium Eater is a brilliant movie that deserves more attention than it received. The movie's cast and crew have done an exceptional job in bringing Thomas De Quincey's story to life. It is a movie that will appeal to fans of independent cinema and those who appreciate artistry and storytelling. The Opium Eater is a movie that is not afraid to explore the darker aspects of human existence while maintaining a sense of beauty and grace.

The Opium Eater is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.