I found that the grittiness of the picture making it real and whole. I enjoyed the soundtrack but did not think that it really added to the mood. I must admit my appreciation for James Woods may make me somewhat biased. James Woods just knows how to do anger and/or lunacy to a great art form. For most of the film Melanie Griffith just gave a flat performance but towards the end she really pours out the emotion and stands on her own. There are some great camera shots. I must warn people of the language and gross violence. There might have some scenes to be removed and there could have been more of a message about crime and/or drugs. However, one really gets a feeling for the small-scale drug industry on the personal level, although “Traffic� is the most complete film on drug industry.