DMT: The Spirit Molecule

Starring: Joe Rogan, Ralph Abraham, Joel Bakst, Steven Barker
Directed by: Mitch Schultz
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Documentary
2010

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: This documentary explores dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is perhaps the most potent psychedelic drug on the planet.

Review:

Tim: I was really looking forward to this documentary on dimethyltryptamine, which is a pretty interesting drug. I didn't know much about DMT before watching this film, but I was intrigued by the concept. The film does an interesting job of exploring both the history of this drug in the United States, but also examining the spiritual aspect of the drug's effect as well. This is a controversial, interesting film. Unfortunately, it also has some pretty big flaws as well. In the end, this film was decent, but it's not a particularly strong documentary.

Watching this film, I was curious to see what the interviewees would be like. What type of people are attracted to powerful hallucinogenic drugs? While some of those interviewed are undoubtedly a little unhinged (I did cringe at some of the people and wondered what drug use had done to their brains). However, there were others who seemed fairly in control of their mental faculties, and indeed, even seemed intelligent and clear minded. Those were the people I tended to gravitate toward, and believe when they spoke. The film does have some great interviewees, but certainly not everyone featured falls into this category.

The central premise of the documentary is interesting- what does DMT do those who use it? Does it just create crazy hallucinations, or is there something more to it? Many people have used the drug to open up a spiritual pathway, to open their minds to enlightenment about the true nature of the universe and about our place in it. Those who have taken the drug are convinced it opens up the truth to our minds- that we are all interconnected, that we are surrounded by incredible beings beyond the limits of human comprehension. When you hear people depict the places they go to on this drug, the feeling of being outside of time, about being exposed to truths beyond any form of human understanding, it makes you wonder. Are these people just tripping out of their minds, or is there something more to this drug? The scenes were people described their experiences were the most fascinating to me. There were a few of these, but unfortunately, far too many of them talked about the drug itself, about U.S. regulations, etc. I wanted more exploration of the spiritual aspect, less about the American culture of being antidrug (although I have to admit this was somewhat interesting as well).

The film did a good job of asking questions, but it doesn't really offer many answers. I understand that there might not be a lot of answers to be had, but it made the film a bit unsatisfying. I also thought there were some big gaps in the film. For example, they never really examined the potential consequences of using DMT. I would imagine that with a powerful drug like DMT, there would have to be some side effects, right? What are they? What does this drug to peoples' minds? Does anyone care? Were there any studies into side effects? This was a huge flaw in the film.

Like most documentaries, DMT: The Spirit Molecule does examine a topic that is deserving of conversation. Before watching this film, I had never even heard of DMT. The movie did a good job of informing me and educating me. In that regard, this film was a success. However, the film has some severe flaws. As far as documentaries go, this one could have been a lot better. It doesn't offer nearly enough answers or even suggestions, and it left too much unexplored. In the end, this is a decent film, but it is certainly not what it should have been.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Cocaine Cowboys