Watch Black Tar Heroin

Black Tar Heroin: The Dark End of the Street is a 2000 documentary film that takes an unflinching look into the underground culture of heroin addiction in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. It is a raw and in-your-face exploration of the lives of four young people who are caught up in the sordid world of addiction, prostitution, and crime. The documentary was directed by Steven Okazaki and produced by HBO.

The movie is centered around the lives of Tracey Helton, Alice McMunn, Jessica Snow, and Oreo, who are all junkies living in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. The film follows them as they panhandle, prostitute, and steal to support their habit. It shows how they got into the drug scene, their daily struggles for survival, and their battles with addiction.

The documentary is an unflinching portrayal of the harsh reality of the drug scene. It is made up of a mix of interviews with the addicts and their friends and family, along with footage of them shooting up and being arrested. There are also scenes of the addicts living in squalor, surrounded by trash and drug paraphernalia.

The film is divided into four parts, each devoted to one of the addicts. The first part focuses on Tracey Helton, a twenty-something college graduate who became addicted to heroin while living in the Tenderloin. The film shows how her addiction spiraled out of control, leading her to become a prostitute and commit other crimes to support her habit.

The second part of the film focuses on Alice McMunn, a teenage runaway who was addicted to heroin and cocaine. The film follows her as she retreats into her addiction, cutting herself off from her family and friends.

The third part of the film is devoted to Jessica Snow, a transgender drug addict who is trying to get clean. The film shows her struggles to overcome her addiction and move on with her life.

The final part of the film is devoted to Oreo, a young man who is addicted to heroin and crack cocaine. The film shows how he survives on the streets, stealing and panhandling to support his habit.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with the addicts' family members, friends, and others who are affected by their addiction. These interviews add depth and context to the addict's stories, showing how their addiction affects not only them but also those around them.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its honesty. The filmmakers do not hold back in showing the gritty reality of addiction. The scenes of the addicts shooting up, nodding off, and committing crimes are presented without judgment or romanticization. Instead, they are presented as the tragic consequences of addiction.

In conclusion, Black Tar Heroin: The Dark End of the Street is a powerful and moving documentary that shines a light on the devastating impact of addiction. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the harsh reality of drug addiction and the toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities. The film is a reminder that addiction is a disease that affects real people, and that there is always hope for those who are struggling.