We chose this film because it stars Al Pacino. Indeed he does act well in it. However, the story lacks something. It's kind of sick-making without much moral direction. Usually we don't even finish watching such a movie, so it's still a tribute to Pacino.
Aside from the general moral idea of "don't do drugs" and "Big powerful politicians can be ruthless," and "becoming a publicist might not be the best career for peace of mind," it's hard to draw much from the film. John Gardner, in his book "On Becoming a Novelist," says that good fiction needs to revolve around a moral dilemma. That's what's missing in "People I Know." It's tragic. It's sad. It's horrible. But it seems unavoidable. There's no dilemma, just bad stuff playing itself out.
So - I'll give this just 2 stars. And one of those is just for Al.
8:26:44 PM 
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