Stoned Moments — My High Five Mystery/Thriller Movies
It’s no secret that many stoners often enjoy firing up a little something to watch after blazing one up. Granted, much of that probably has to do with strains that contain high-ish levels of the terpene known as myrcene (also found in lemongrass, ylang-ylang and thyme) and/or various levels of other terpenes like terpineol, linalool, phytol and alpha-bisabolol. Many indica dominant strains like Bazookas, Wedding Cake, Nitro Cookies or Kush Mints have higher amounts of myrcene. When I decide to inhale a couch-lock, zone-out, chillaxing strain, I am no exception. I’ve totally binge-watched a few shows or held an impromptu movie marathon here or there. However, over the last few years, I’ve discovered an intriguing pattern regarding my viewing preferences as it relates to a particular movie genre, especially whenever I’m rather high-af.
When I’m in the mood to watch a movie after getting high and don’t feel like leaving the sofa for a few hours, mysteries and thrillers have become my go-to genres. I find that watching a decent (or at least interesting) mystery or thriller movie really stimulates my brain. Please note, this isn’t to say I exclusively watch mysteries or thrillers when high. I’ll watch other genres as well, but I have noticed that halfway through a comedy, drama or even sci-fi I usually start to feel drowsy or discover I’ve fallen asleep once I wake up spy the rolling credits. They just don’t tickle my brain the same way unraveling a mystery or thriller does. There’s something engaging about these genres that feels like dabbling around with a low-key, virtually risk-free puzzle that’s not going to make me feel stupid and frustrated by the end.
As I’ve observed this pattern unfold, it’s become apparent that I keep coming back to occasionally rewatch a core five mystery or thriller movies, despite the fact that I’ve watched most of them at least seven times. Regardless of how many times I’ve seen them, there’s something about being high and watching these movies that feels incredibly satisfying. A few of them are immensely cerebral, while a couple are more lighthearted and lean towards entertainment than providing an actual mystery. As a list, I would imagine, even when not stoned, all the movies I’m sharing are incredibly captivating in a way that other films aren’t. However, getting baked definitely adds a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates these already head-trippy mysteries.
Note: These films are in no particular order.
1) Triangle
Admittedly, Triangle takes a bit to get started. Most of the acting is decent enough, though the dialogue is kinda meh. But once the main characters board the ship, the protagonist, as played by Melissa George really starts to shine. At first viewing, this may feel like a standard slasher flick on a boat, but you gotta hold on to your blunts cause one and a half twists later and this movie will blow your fucking brains. Don’t worry, the flick mostly answers your questions about what’s going on, or is at least decent enough to give you a few theories. Triangle is more fun than it should be due in large part to the ambition of what the writers and director attempted. It’s not the best movie ever by any stretch, but it is a fun ride once it picks up. High-ly recommended with a strain like Girl Scout Cookies or Sour Diesel, one that’s both heady and often leaves you going “Whoa dude!”
2) Coherence
Coherence is a little bit more heady in that it doesn’t beat you over the head about what’s going on. If you’re able to get past the handheld-ish nature and, according to wikipedia, mostly improvised dialogue, you get a movie that feels like a mushroom trip that’s starting to go bad. Once it picks up, this movie becomes a major headtrip and leaves you creating all kinds of theories about what’s really going on and the meaning behind this film. The twist starts out like an odd dream that soon spirals into a paranoia fueled nightmare. The ending is a little lame, but how they’re able to pull off what they did with camera angles and certain shots on what seems like a shoestring budget makes everything feel all the more real and gritty. Again, not the greatest movie ever made, but the mystery and, at times, dream-logic aspect of the movie make this a definite and fun mind-splosion.
3) Mulholland Dr.
Mulholland Dr. frequently appears amongst various “best of lists” and is, in some circles, considered one of the best movies of the 21st century. It’s a creative and cinematic masterpiece. It’s nice to know that many reviewers and filmmakers also concur, especially because it’s one of my all-time favorite films. It is incredibly surreal, but as the twist in the second half establishes that nothing is as it seems, that’s when the mind really starts to explode while watching this artistic masterpiece. Upon first viewing, it’s understandable that certain audiences may find themselves initially baffled by this dream-like plot that slowly devolves into a nightmare. Lynch’s direction creates two distinct atmospheres, one a little more dreamy that sorta harkens back to the 1950s, and the other much more gritty and unpleasant. But the fact that nearly everything ties together is quite impressive, even if you’re still left with a few questions about the creepy monster in the alley. Out of all the movies on this list, this one definitely requires at least another viewing. The Club Silencio scene is a perfect example. The aforementioned scene in this film is one of my favorite scenes of all time from any movie, masterfully blending the surreal, dream-like first half with the nighmare-ish second half. Yet, the layers of this scene definitely require at least another viewing.
While Lynch is notably ellusive when asked to explain most of his filmography, it does appear he wanted viewers to at least mildly comprehend this film’s meaning due to the fact that he took added measures to share “10 Clues to Unlocking This Thriller” on the DVD cover insert. I appreciate the clues, which may or may not help (your mileage may vary), as they strike a balance between understanding what’s happening and enjoying the wild ride that is this amazing movie. This movie is a trip unto itself, but if you’re going to blaze with it, maybe try Lemon Sour Diesel, Lemon Kush, or other strains that are heady but not paranoia-inducing.
4) Tie — Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys
I honestly couldn’t decide between Kiss Kiss Bang Bang or The Nice Guys. Instead, I’ve chosen to include both of these exceptionally clever detective movies, both written and directed by Shane Black. Is it a copout? Maybe. But, as Robert Downy Jr.’s character explains in the opening narration of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, “I don’t see another goddamn narrator, so pipe down!” Please note that because I’m including both movies, in no way am I trying to insinuate that both are carbon copies of each other with the same plot. In fact, I’d argue the breezy plots of both movies don’t matter as much. Rather, both movies showcase Black’s hilarious writing, delivered flawlessly, with performances that pair up a naturally funny actor with someone who often fields more serious roles, and the results are goddamn hysterical. The chemistry between the leads is excellent together, those being Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer (in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) and Ryan Gosling with the menacing teddy bear Russell Crowe (in The Nice Guys). Just make sure to keep an eye on your joints, pipes, or bongs when watching both of these silly movies so you don’t drop or break ‘em in one of the many ridiculous giggle fits you’re bound to have. Out of all the comedies I’ve watched, one of my favorite scenes of all time is the “who taught you math?” bit in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
These two funny films make perfect pairings with more laughy, happy giggly strains such as Apple fritter, Mimosa, Face wreck, or Runtz.
5) The Big Sleep
Another detective movie with a breezy, if practically insane plot is The Big Sleep. Now, before everyone starts getting on me about this being a black and white movie, just hear me out. The story itself isn’t nearly as interesting as the chemistry between Bogey & Bacall. Both them and the wry writing elevates this as the on and off screen couple quite naturally toss sardonic (and sometimes sexually charged) barbs at each other or others in the film. Sure, this is in black and white, and while the elements of film noir are there, this isn’t nearly as heavy or preachy as some other classic noirs, making it a great candidate to blaze and breeze through, especially if you have a strain like Crunch Berries, Blue Dream, Cherry Pie or other easy breezy uplifting strains like these that are also good at inducing giggles.
Free-flowing and frequently amusing thoughts often percolate through my brain after I smoke, vape, or nosh on a creative-inducing strain of cannabis. Sometimes I decide to jot down these stoned moments. Then, after a nap (and occasionally forgetting I even wrote anything until checking my notes), I go back and do a little sober editing. But I’ve never shared these thoughts with anyone. After a good deal of thought, I believe it’s time I began sharing these thoughts as a unique way to normalize the herb while also showcasing its creative capability. Maybe these toughtgasms will merely blow some minds and/or provide a few laughs along the way, thereby reducing the stigma that certain artistic and creative individuals may have about the plant. PLEASE NOTE: I am in no way encouraging anyone under the age of 21 to consume cannabis for any reason. I simply aim to show a fresh facet of my writing while advocating for something I believe will be beneficial to others. If you support cannabis legaluzation I would also recommend donating to groups like Last Prisoner Project, Cage Free Cannabis and/or the Drug Policy Alliance.
