any movie about the underground music scene is a difficult beast to master .
any meaning found in the underground is usually lost by the dumbing-down of the experience to make it ” more accessible ” to the general public .
or the film is produced and directed by people that have about enough understanding of the subject matter that they ought to work as production assistants for vh1 .
human traffic , a new film exploring the british underground party/rave scene and the people immersed in the world of clubbing , pubbing , drugs , sex , and the beautiful , beautiful music , is an example of how it really ought to be done .
the film follows five brits in their young twenties during a wild weekend of parties , drugs , dancing , sex , pop culture discussions , relationships , and wanking off in front of a mirror while mum interrupts .
the cast of character consists of jip ( john simm ) , our narrator , who has a bit of a problem with his willy , known as mr . floppy .
koop ( shaun parkes ) , our black dj maestro , who has insecurity issues , afraid his girlfriend nina ( nicola reynolds ) is shagging other men .
nina herself can’t stand her mcjob and longs for the freedom of the weekends .
lulu ( lorraine pilkington ) , jip’s best mate , is tired of her cheating boyfriends .
and moff ( danny dyer ) can’t seem to escape the black hole of his awful life .
the film follows these five individuals during one weekend as each of them discovers love , friendship , and self-fulfillment , all against the raging party background .
human traffic is proof that cinema can still tell us deep stories while being visually alive , as director justin kerrigan’s subtle use of the camera lets the audience become part of the action .
the use of direct communication to the audience by the collection of characters works well , making the viewer the subconscious mind for the characters .
dialogue is crisp and moves with an even pace , and the acting is confident .
however , the two females leads tend to promote their relationships and dialogue with a bit of unneeded urgency that shows through when poignancy is needed .
human traffic does not try to explain the rave scene .
instead , it gives the audience the ability to listen to the people inside it , letting you choose your own convictions about this powerful musical movement that brings together strangers , friends , and lovers for one blissful night of music and peace .