The Panic in Needle Park (1971)

Director:

Jerry Schatzberg

Writers:

James Mills (book)
Joan Didion (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

1 October 1971 (Hong Kong)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

In the dark corner of the city, they found light

Plot:

This movie is a stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in "Needle Park" in New York City...

Plot Keywords:

New York City | Addiction | City | Heroin Addict | Heroin

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Al Pacino	...	Bobby
Kitty Winn	...	Helen
Alan Vint	...	Hotch
Richard Bright	...	Hank
Kiel Martin	...	Chico
Michael McClanathan	...	Sonny
Warren Finnerty	...	Sammy
Marcia Jean Kurtz	...	Marcie
Raul Julia	...	Marco
Angie Ortega	...	Irene
Larry Marshall	...	Mickey
Paul Mace	...	Whitey
Nancy MacKay	...	Penny
Gil Rogers	...	Robins
Joe Santos	...	DiBono

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:MA (cable rating) | Canada:PG (video rating) | Australia:R | Finland:K-16 | Norway:15 | Norway:16 (1971) | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:PG | USA:R (original rating)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Gadd Productions Corp.

Trivia:

When the screenplay for the film was submitted to the MPAA for a ratings evaluation, the board declared that it would receive an X rating for the language alone. The final film was rated R.

Goofs:

Boom mic visible: Boom mic extends into the upper right hand corner during stick ball game.

Quotes:

Bobby: I want you to shape up!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Pulp Fiction (1994)

Specter of Bergman

Director Jerry Schatzberg's style looks remarkably like Ingmar Bergman's in works like "Scenes From a Marriage." Using no music background only real life sounds, abrupt scene cutting and cross-cutting, highly realistic style, and copious closeups, the Bergman influence is apparent.

Schatzberg fashioned a piece that has a timeless look and feel. While Verdi Square (Needle Park) may not be quite as rich with denizens today and that W. 72nd subway exit not as peopled with thick crowds, it's still bustling mid-Manhattan--like no other place on earth.

And no better actor to play the street savvy slicker than Al Pacino in only his second film appearance. He, Kitty Winn and a host of sharp protogees from the Strasberg seminars breathe life into the scenario.

It remains one of Mr. Pacino's best efforts, and a film that paved the way for a new realism in gritty subject material.