Film on adolescent addiction raises question regarding drug rehab and mental health

Self-Medicated (Rated “R”, running time 107 minutes)
 
By Richard Davis
 
Self-Medicated is a film about Andrew Ericksen (played by Monty Lapica), a high-functioning but troubled 17-year-old living in Las Vegas. Reacting to the pain of losing his father, Ericksen turns to drugs, alcohol and rascally behavior.
 
Ericksen’s mother (played by Diane Venora), who is also trying to cope with the death of Andrew’s father, is deeply depressed and seemingly under a constant prescribed- medication stupor. Finally realizing that she is unable to control her son and fearing for his safety, she arranges for him to be forced into rehab. Her actions, however, redouble her own suffering.
 
Andrew’s own mental health is further stressed when he’s kidnapped in the middle of the night and then put under the control of a for-profit Utah mental hospital. He eventually escapes and seeks redemption by relying on his own strength and accepting the love of his mother and friends.
 
What sets the film apart from many addiction/redemption stories is how Andrew must ultimately save himself. Andrew is ignored, even abused by those who are supposed to help him. Many are not only angered by his attitude but also threatened by his genius. His teacher is enraged when Andrew, despite sleeping in class, can correctly answer his questions. Andrew’s well-meaning mother fails him by arranging for his kidnapping. And even the mental health professionals at the hospital fail him with their hard-handed discipline and flawed treatment. In this “get thee to a rehab” era, we often overlook the fact that drug and alcohol rehabilitation can be expensive and imperfect.
 
Self-Medicated is the first feature film for 24-year-old writer, director and Loyola Marymount graduate Monty Lapica. It was made in only 40 days and is loosely based on Lapica’s own experiences as a teenager growing up in “Sin City.” Lapica, a tall and lean GQ type, plays the lead well, showing that he can act as well as he writes and directs.
 
But Lapica’s greatest talent may be his ability to persuade. After all, convincing so many talented individuals to take part in an independent film, not only written and directed by a young unknown, but starring him as well must have taken some smooth talking. Along with seasoned filmmakers Denis Maloney (director of photography) and Anthony Marinelli (composer), A number of gifted actors signed on and gave remarkable performances.
 
Most note-worthy is Award-winning actor Diane Venora who is truly believable as Andrew’s mother Louise. Venora who has an extensive list of acting credits, played a similar role, the prescription drug-taking unhappy wife of Al Pacino in the Michael Mann film Heat. Venora’s performance brings a dimension of real emotion and truth that enriches the entire film.
 
Other notable actors include: Michael Bowen (Kill Bill, Jackie Brown, Magnolia) who plays Dan Jones, a counselor at the mental hospital; Gregg Germann (Ally McBeal, Down to Earth, Sweet November) who plays Keith McCauley, another counselor at the mental hospital; and the stunning Kristina Anapau (Cursed, Escape from Atlantis, CSI), who plays Andrew’s love interest Nicole.
 
While the film is far from perfect, it has enough creativity, twists and humor to keep the story entertaining and interesting. It’s not surprising that the film has won over 39 international film awards including Best Feature film, Best Ensemble Acting, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
 
For more information, visit www.selfmedicated.com