Not Me, Part 1

Year Published: 1971

Creator: New Jersey Community Action Training Institute

Description: Produced by the New Jersey Community Action Training Institute in 1971, "Not Me" is a drama about the impact of drug addiction. It chronicles the addiction of a 13-year-old Black youth from an urban ghetto, resulting in his death from a heroin overdose. The film depicts scenes of drug-seeking behavior, drug use, and the consequences of addiction on individuals, families, and communities. It features actors Kevin Riou, Antonia Rey, Maria Landa, Vera Luphemia and others. It was produced and written by Edward Bartley and directed by Glenn M. Parker. 00:00 An aggressive confrontation erupts. One character, clearly disturbed, threatens violence 1:00:The mood momentarily calms, though it remains emotionally charged. A young man, likely Paul, expresses a desire to "make it" and appears consumed by a need to be seen as older, saying he looks 15 instead of 13—hinting at insecurity and a drive to escape his reality. 2:30 : Paul is at home, where a tense conversation with his mother unfolds. She questions his behavior and whereabouts, pointing out his absence from school and his habit of coming home late.4:30: Paul leaves the house. A friend warns him as he departs, signaling he might be heading into danger. 6:00: A street scene where drug culture is front and center. He meets friends who are already immersed in substance abuse. There's casual talk of getting high, money troubles, and requests for drugs. One character grows desperate for a fix, begging Paul for money. 8:00 : A girl arrives and is pressured into giving a kiss. 10:00:The group begins pressuring Paul to use drugs. At first hesitant, he eventually tries some, and the tone shifts to chaotic euphoria as the group dances and acts out. The music intensifies, mimicking their altered states and the madness that ensues. 12:00: Tensions rise again when an argument over seating breaks out. Despite the friction, the group regains its energy and begins dancing and joking. The mood is erratic—swinging from aggression to camaraderie, reflecting the instability that comes with drug use. 14:00: In a rapid turn, the group decides to rob a car they’ve spotted nearby. They run down to the street, break in, and steal items. 16:00:After the theft, the group feels accomplished. They joke about the heist and muse about their friendships. However, the excitement is brief as the emotional void beneath their actions becomes more visible. 18:00 Paul is offered a heroin injection, something stronger than what he’s tried before. Despite his reluctance, peer pressure wins, and he is coached through taking his first shot. This moment marks a major turning point in his descent into addiction. 20:00:As the drug kicks in, Paul’s demeanor changes drastically. His friends joke about his state, some mockingly calling out his "Jones". It's clear he’s beginning to lose control. 22:00 : The group scrapes together a mere $4 for more drugs. Tension arises, especially toward one of the girls who brought in the money through sex work. One boy mocks her for what little she earned, reflecting growing disrespect and desperation. 24:00: Continued drug use. The emotional tone darkens as their highs grow shorter and frustration intensifies. The girl is berated for not earning enough and forced to go out again, exposing the exploitative cycle she’s caught in. 26:00: At home, Paul’s mother becomes suspicious of his absence. When he returns, she demands answers and accuses him of grooming excessively to hide something. The conversation escalates, and the emotional toll becomes apparent. 28:00: The film closes with a devastating confrontation. Paul is revealed to be fully addicted, preparing another shot. His mother sees him, breaks down, and cries out, realizing the truth. In one of the most heartbreaking moments, she acknowledges that her son is “hooked” and no longer the boy she once knew.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWmzwZ8rVRM

Metadata Source:YouTube