Cannabis use in cinema has traditionally been associated with comedies and stoner flicks, often portraying users in a light-hearted, humorous manner. However, the depiction of cannabis in serious films has evolved, offering a nuanced exploration of its impact on character development.
In these narratives, cannabis is not merely a tool for comic relief but a significant element that shapes characters’ lives, decisions, and relationships. This article examines how serious films incorporate cannabis use to enrich character development and convey deeper themes.
How Cannabis in Movies Affects Characters?
Growing cannabis is legal in some areas for certain purposes, such as industrial and medicinal use. This plant has different growing techniques that you can explore in our guide. In the cinema industry, many series and movies include cannabis. Here, you will explore in depth the impact of cannabis on characters.
1. Cannabis as a Catalyst for Change
In serious films, cannabis often serves as a catalyst for character transformation. Characters who use cannabis may undergo significant changes, revealing hidden aspects of their personalities or altering their life trajectories.
For instance, in the film Half Nelson (2006), Ryan Gosling’s character, Dan Dunne, is a high school teacher struggling with addiction, including cannabis use. His substance use is intricately tied to his personal turmoil and his unorthodox teaching methods. The film uses his cannabis consumption to highlight his inner conflicts and the disconnect between his professional responsibilities and personal demons.
Similarly, in The Kids Are All Right (2010), the use of cannabis by Jules (Julianne Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening) provides insight into their relationship dynamics and individual coping mechanisms. Jules’ casual use of cannabis contrasts with Nic’s more rigid, controlled demeanor, offering a window into their differing approaches to life and their marriage.
2. Symbolizing Rebellion and Independence
Cannabis use in serious films can also symbolize rebellion and a quest for independence. Characters who use cannabis are often depicted as challenging societal norms or seeking freedom from oppressive structures.
In Requiem for a Dream (2000), the character Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto) uses cannabis as part of his broader engagement with drug culture, symbolizing his resistance to conventional life paths and his desire for a more liberated existence. However, the film also portrays the devastating consequences of his choices, providing a stark commentary on the perils of seeking freedom through substance use.
In Garden State (2004), the protagonist Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) returns home after years of being medicated with heavy pharmaceuticals. His use of cannabis becomes a metaphor for his attempt to reclaim his sense of self and break free from the numbness imposed by his prescribed drugs. The film uses his cannabis use to illustrate his journey toward self-discovery and emotional awakening.
3. Exploring Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
Serious films often use cannabis to explore themes of mental health and coping mechanisms. Characters who use cannabis are frequently depicted as grappling with emotional pain, trauma, or psychological issues. The substance serves as a coping tool, revealing their vulnerabilities and the complexity of their struggles.
In Lady Bird (2017), the protagonist Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) experiments with cannabis as part of her teenage rebellion and quest for identity. Her use of cannabis is portrayed as a symptom of her broader search for meaning and escape from her perceived mundane life. It highlights her emotional turbulence and the pressure she feels to conform to societal expectations.
Moreover, in Pineapple Express (2008), while primarily a comedy, the film delves into serious themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of a life entwined with drug culture. The character Saul Silver (James Franco) uses cannabis not just for recreation but as a means to deal with his loneliness and existential angst. The film subtly addresses how cannabis use intersects with deeper emotional and psychological needs.
4. Cannabis and Interpersonal Relationships
The use of cannabis in serious films also significantly impacts character relationships. It can serve as a bonding agent, a source of conflict, or a reflection of shared experiences and values. In Moonlight (2016), the use of cannabis between the characters Chiron and Kevin is a poignant moment that encapsulates their bond and shared understanding. It symbolizes their connection and the comfort they find in each other’s presence amid their turbulent lives.
On the other hand, in A Bigger Splash (2015), cannabis use among the characters adds layers to their complex relationships and underlying tensions. The casual use of the substance in social settings contrasts with the characters’ deeper emotional conflicts, revealing unspoken truths and heightening the film’s dramatic tension.
Conclusion
In serious films, cannabis use is far more than a trivial or comedic element; it is a powerful narrative device that shapes character development and thematic depth. By portraying cannabis use in a nuanced manner, filmmakers can explore complex aspects of human behavior, relationships, and societal norms. Whether as a catalyst for change, a symbol of rebellion, a coping mechanism for mental health issues, or a factor in interpersonal dynamics, cannabis use in serious cinema offers rich opportunities for storytelling and character exploration.
