The House I Live In (2012) - Eugene Jarecki

Eugene Jerecki, the filmmaker behind Why We Fight, turns his camera away from the military industrial complex and onto the misguided disaster known as the War on Drugs. Why We Fight is a combination of stock footage and talking heads, looking at all sides of the drug trade from law enforcement to users and dealers as well as politicians.  On the grand scale of its narrative, The House I Live in doesn't spend much time profiling individual stories.  Don't get me wrong it has some of that but the primary narrative is simply about the drug war in America touching on everything from the implications with capitalism to how race is one of the primary drivers of the "War on Drugs". The film shows the tragedy of addicts being treated as criminals and just how short-sighted and politically motivated the harsh laws on drugs are.  While I was familiar with much of the films commentary, the discussion about how police officers have become feared in society was a fascinating argument.   I must admit, I was not aware going into the film that David Simon was one of the contributors.  This made me quite happy, considering how well versed he is on the subject matter.  Perhaps in the end, David Simon sums up the war on drugs best, pointing out that it is a class-based issue.  The House I Live in is a well put together examination of the drug trade that is certain be an eye opening experience to many and be seen by all.
8/10

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