This is easily Gus Van Sant's best movie and contains Matt Dillon's best performance. The other cast members are also terrific, but the part of "Bob" is greatly realized by Dillon and he shines. The movie is difficult to watch at times but you get something out of it to think about when its over. I also must mention a great scene between Lynch, Matt & Matt's mother, played by Grace Zabriskie. To top it all off, this is also Heather Graham's best movie and she delivers as well. A blues soundtrack and beautiful cinematography make this one to remember.
Drugstore Cowboy
1989
Action / Crime / Drama
Drugstore Cowboy
1989
Action / Crime / Drama
Plot summary
A group of drug users in the 1970's help finance their habit by robbing drug stores. Matt Dillon's character is very superstitious and eventually his luck runs out.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
As great as anything
The drugstore was located only a few blocks from my school.
In what may have been Gus Van Sant's best movie ever, a group of people led by Matt Dillon inhabit a world revolving around drugs in 1971 Portland. They steal the drugs allegedly to sell, but just end up using them. These people have no connection to anything, just exist with no aim in life. Probably the best part of the movie is when William S. Burroughs, as the priest, says that all these anti-drug policies pursued by the government will probably get used to infringe on people's freedom. He wasn't kidding.
All in all, "Drugstore Cowboy" is definitely a movie that I recommend. Grim but not preachy, it hits all the right points in looking at a world degenerating. Also starring Kelly Lynch, James LeGros, James Remar and Grace Zabriskie.
And yes, the drugstore was located a few blocks from where I went to middle school and high school. Apparently, when they were filming the scene where the characters pull off the heist, it took all day to film because the actors kept driving the wrong way.
great work from all 4 actors and creative style from Van Sant
It's 1971 American Northwest. Rob (Matt Dillon),his girlfriend Dianne (Kelly Lynch),his second Rick (James Le Gros) and Rick's girl Nadine (Heather Graham) are all drug addicts. They rob drugstores with well planned schemes. Federal agent Gentry (James Remar) stakes out the group waiting for them to slip up.
Director Gus Van Sant brings a jazzy hypnotic sense to the feel of being on drugs. He infuses the movie with an off-center sense of humor. The four leads all contribute some great work. Matt Dillon is a terrific lead. Kelly Lynch is a perfect match. She has the same power without the manic personality of Dillon. James Le Gros is a great second and Heather Graham is build to be a victim in this movie.