The Boost

The Boost from 1988 is a drama film directed by Harold Becker that depicts the struggle of a couple who move to Los Angeles hoping to make it big in the real estate business. The movie stars James Woods as Lenny Brown, a struggling salesman, and Sean Young as Linda Brown, his beautiful and ambitious wife.

The film begins with Lenny and Linda moving from New York to Los Angeles, hoping to start a new life and make a fortune in the booming real estate market. They quickly discover that the competition is fierce, and they struggle to make ends meet. Lenny falls into a deep depression and becomes addicted to drugs, particularly cocaine. As their situation worsens, Linda turns to Jerry, Lenny's business partner, played by John Kapelos, for help.

Throughout the movie, Lenny's addiction continues to spiral out of control. He loses his job, his wife, and his home as his addiction becomes more severe. Despite Linda's best efforts to help him, Lenny's drug use becomes the driving force in both of their lives, leading to their ultimate downfall.

The Boost features intense and raw performances from its leads. James Woods delivers a particularly powerful performance as Lenny. His portrayal of a man consumed by addiction and the desperation that comes with it is both hard-hitting and heartbreaking. Sean Young is equally compelling as Linda, the woman who is determined to stand by her husband despite his addiction.

The movie also features solid writing and direction. Harold Becker captures the gritty reality of Lenny's world and makes it feel genuine. The film's pacing is excellent, with the tension and emotion building gradually as Lenny's addiction worsens.

The Boost is a harrowing and disturbing movie that explores the devastating impact of drug addiction on individuals and their loved ones. It portrays addiction in a way that is honest and uncompromising, and it is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the realities of this disease. The movie offers a message of hope for those struggling with addiction, but it does not shy away from the dark and tragic realities of the disease.

In conclusion, The Boost is a powerful and moving film that is both frightening and deeply moving. It offers a stark portrayal of addiction and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. Its performances, writing, and direction are all top-notch, and it is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the realities of this disease. Despite being released over three decades ago, the movie still resonates with audiences today and remains a vital and potent depiction of addiction in all its forms.