It seems like Anderson was well-suited for this project. His frequent use of very wide camera angles creates a visual style that resonates; those who’ve experimented with photography might recognize something familiar in how the world appears when using an ultra-wide lens. The film avoids becoming overly sensationalized, unlike something like *Fear and Loathing*, because of his choices about lenses. The humor is delivered in a wonderfully understated way, much like a perfectly made martini, and it's presented as comedy should be—without embellishment. Ultimately, the core idea really drew me in: reimagining a classic film noir mystery but swapping out the traditional detective with someone who’s constantly high, and then seeing how he tackles the case. The narrative is disjointed enough to suggest that Doc's constant intoxication genuinely impairs his ability to function effectively, which impacts his judgment and competence. He possesses intelligence, preventing him from making complete fools of himself, but he’s experienced enough altered states to still produce respectable results. It achieves what every movie needs to in order to be considered worthwhile—it provides entertainment. Frankly, it's a joy to experience. The performances were excellent, the director was an ideal choice for adapting this material, and the lighting skillfully balances realism with cinematic appeal. I hesitate to describe it as beautiful, since that feels inappropriate when discussing a film centered on drug use, but I’ll offer what I consider to be the highest possible compliment: it's entertaining and enjoyable.

Source on TMDB