Jonas Åkerlund's short film Try (2000) is a graphic depiction of the lives of a homeless couple addicted to heroin. Åkerlund gives us a gritty vision of life on the drug that, in my opinion, is as disturbing as Requiem for a Dream (2000) and all other depictions of heroin use I have seen.
Despite having seen scores of graphic films there are moments in Try that I find difficult to watch. Throughout, it seems as if Åkerlund is being excessively graphic, not to enhance the narrative, but instead merely for shock value. I would not say the film changed my outlook on heroine or added to my knowledge of it. Still, how much character development can you expect in a 15 minute short?
Overall, Try is pretty well done. The ending gives me chills every time I watch it but the story itself is nothing spectacular. It can be found on The Smashing Pumpkins DVD: 1991 - 2000 Greatest Hits Video Collection.
