Miguel Pinero: The Man vs. The Poetry
             Any person who has watched the film "Pinero," or is familiar with its main character Miguel Pinero, can be assured of learning one thing about the man, the fact that he wrestled with incredible inner conflicts his entire life. From renowned poet and playwright to street-corner junky, Mr. Pinero simultaneously experienced both the best and the worst aspects of life. Even with the aide of friends and family, he could never overcome his dependency on drugs and alcohol, the primary contributing factors to his fall from stardom and eventual death. All too often, incredible talent is wasted on those who are never quite sure of how to handle their gifts, and one attribute seems to be common in every case, fear. These people are scared of becoming great. They fear achievement and public recognition, and tend to exaggerate the personas of their lives prior to stardom.
             The story of Miguel Pinero's life is a common one amongst those whose lives are overshadowed by troubles and drugs. As a Puerto Rican-born immigrant in New York, his troubles began after being sexually abused as an adolescent. Frequent encounters with the law soon followed, and he was twice incarcerated before gaining celebrity status by writing plays representing prison life. Movie offers and television roles became commonplace in his life, yet throughout it all, he was never able to leave his troubled past behind. If anything, the increased income allowed him greater access to drugs and alcohol. This story, taken by itself, would not be film-worthy only because it such a common occurrence in our culture. What makes "Pinero" theatrical is the apparent lack of plot and timeline, and the ability to portray two different realities in the same person's life.
             A constant effect throughout "Pinero" was the contrast between black-and-white film and color. The director went back an...