One day, Zenkie (played by Alex Cord) wanders the city streets with his close friend. Stoned out of his mind and barely functional, he discovers a Synanon building run by Chuck Dederich (played by Edmond O’Brien). Synanon is a corporation whose primary business is to cure drug addicts. At the time, approximately one hundred and forty people live at Synanon, and none of them have a drug addiction anymore. The key to their success is simply talking. At Synanon, they talk out everything- big or small. With all its success, Synanon is starting to gain a reputation, and people working in various professions are surprised by its results and curious as to how they are achieved.
As Zenkie walks into Synanon feeling high and dissatisfied with his life, he decides to give the program a chance. After spending three nights detoxing, he wakes up feeling exhausted and hungry. Attending an induction and meeting Synanon’s founder, Chuck, Zenkie learns about the ground rules and understands that he needs to make tough choices to improve his life. These tough decisions range from staying clean to changing his appearance to increase his chances of finding a better job. Despite the challenges, Zenkie agrees to Chuck’s terms.
However, as Zenkie starts his journey to a new life, he encounters roadblocks. He discovers that his old friend Ben (Chuck Connors) is also at Synanon, but Zenkie wants nothing to do with him due to their past. Additionally, he develops feelings for another person in the program, Joaney (Stella Stevens). Can Zenkie stay focused and determined to give up his old habits, or will temptation and conflicts push him back down a dark path with tragic outcomes?
Synanon, also known as Get Off My Back, is a drama film containing many drug references, justifying its strong adult rating. It was directed by Richard Quine, who also served as the film’s producer. For those interested in film trivia, the movie was filmed at the actual Synanon House in Santa Monica, California.
The dialogue in Synanon is excellent, and it feels like the film could be a stage play with its dramatization of the various people trying to stay clean at the rehabilitation home. Director Richard Quine’s work is truly excellent. There is a strong display of drama and personal struggle from the various characters and multiple impressive shots. Some shots that stood out were of characters at the crossroads and the use of clever angles to change the mood and feeling of the various situations. The film’s outcomes for each character are heavy-hitting, and the conclusions were also unpredictable, which left me extremely satisfied. The film concludes with real-life stats and data surrounding the actual Synanon facility, which improved life for many addicts. Given the storyline and extreme heaviness, I accept that this film won’t warrant many repeat viewers, but as a single viewing, the film leaves a touching and lasting impact.
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Overall, Synanon is not an easy watch due to the numerous drug references and discussions about addiction. However, if you give the film a chance, you’ll find it to be a richly rewarding and compelling drama. The movie focuses on the struggles of addiction and provides real-life facts and details about a drug rehabilitation home called Synanon. Director Richard Quine has delivered a stunning-looking film that effectively portrays tension and drama. The performances are strong, and the dialogue is significant, resembling a stage play. The film’s finale is hard-hitting, memorable, unexpected, and ultimately impressive.
Synanon (1965) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Imprint Films & Via Vision Entertainment!
7.8/10
25th September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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