Documentarian and dream TV dad Louis Theroux has admitted that he some infinitesimal part of him wanted to try heroin, if only to understand the high described to him by one of his new film’s subjects.
Speaking to Radio Times about Heroin Town, one of three new documentaries focusing on some of America’s most crushing social issues, Theroux described being shown ostensibly high-quality heroin in the palm of a man’s hand.
Theroux actually took whiff of the drug to understand its distinct odour. To the Radio Times, he said “I never would [take heroin] but of course there is a little part of you that wants to know, to understand that rush.
“I wish, maybe, that a little had accidentally touched my nose. Just to accidentally get an idea of how it feels.”
The fella quickly reiterated that he wouldn’t ever actually delve into opiates, but the suggestion he wanted to know what it feels like speaks to that deep well of empathy that’s apparent across the entirety of his work.
Heroin Town is one part of the Dark States trio, which also includes a look at the Houston sex trafficking industry and racial tensions in Milwaukee.
