I've got to admit that I don't rate Gus Van Sant very highly. Most of his films are disappointing; and, of course, he was also the man responsible for the entirely pointless Psycho remake - but Drugstore Cowboy is a major highlight of his filmography, and a film that I wouldn't hesitate to name as the best that he's directed. Drugstore Cowboy takes place in the seventies, and is a story of a self confessed 'dope-fiend'. Bob is a man wrapped up in superstitions, and a man that cares for little outside of where his next fix is going to come from. Along with a small group of like-minded friends, Bob robs pharmacies. However, his life changes when he believes that he's been hexed. The plot sticks closely to its subject material; and the director and cast do well in aptly portraying the mind of a drug user, whether it be through pseudo-dream sequences or the actions of the central protagonists. Following a man that robs drugstores isn't the most obvious base for a film; but it provides a good point of view for a story like this, and this film is almost completely successful throughout.
Gus Van Sant appears to enjoy making films with documentary elements; 1995's To Die For is key in this respect, but there are several instances where it appears that Drugstore Cowboy is attempting to analyse it's characters from a documentary standpoint. Lead actor Matt Dillon has had a varied career, and many of his films haven't been the best. He can, however, be very proud of his lead performance here. Dillon looks the part that he's meant to be playing, as his good looks brilliantly offset the 'in the gutter' character and his acting talent, which has never been under question if you ask me, is allowed to shine through also. The rest of the cast don't stand out over the lead; although it's worth noting that this film features an early performance from Heather Graham. The atmosphere of the movie is gritty and dirty, and this is helped along by the grainy film stock that the movie has been shot on. The locations are well used also, and Van Sant ensures that the film takes place in the sort of atmosphere you would associate with junkies. Overall, this film is a good dissection of drugs and drug users and comes recommended.
Gus Van Sant appears to enjoy making films with documentary elements; 1995's To Die For is key in this respect, but there are several instances where it appears that Drugstore Cowboy is attempting to analyse it's characters from a documentary standpoint. Lead actor Matt Dillon has had a varied career, and many of his films haven't been the best. He can, however, be very proud of his lead performance here. Dillon looks the part that he's meant to be playing, as his good looks brilliantly offset the 'in the gutter' character and his acting talent, which has never been under question if you ask me, is allowed to shine through also. The rest of the cast don't stand out over the lead; although it's worth noting that this film features an early performance from Heather Graham. The atmosphere of the movie is gritty and dirty, and this is helped along by the grainy film stock that the movie has been shot on. The locations are well used also, and Van Sant ensures that the film takes place in the sort of atmosphere you would associate with junkies. Overall, this film is a good dissection of drugs and drug users and comes recommended.