Featured Audience Ratings

• Chris W

  
  Based on a novel, this is a story, set in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1970s about a group of drug addicts who rob pharmacies in order to get their fix and continue to stay high. They consist of husband and wife team Bob and Dianne Hughes (Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch) and the… More
  Based on a novel, this is a story, set in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1970s about a group of drug addicts who rob pharmacies in order to get their fix and continue to stay high. They consist of husband and wife team Bob and Dianne Hughes (Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch) and the younger couple Rick and Nadine (James LeGros and a young Heather Graham). Bob is a bit paranoid and superstitious, Dianne is rather sexually frustrated, Rick is a bit of a dolt, and Nadine is a young teenage runaway. They have their problems, but are nonetheless an offbeat family who make things work, despite their dangerous lifestyle. Given the nature of how they live and operate, the crew has been surprisingly lucky. When their luck begins to change however, Bob realizes that, no matter how hard it might be, a change needs to be made. This was Gus Van Sant's sophmore effort, but it became his breakout work that put him on the map. This is a very strong effort, and actually enjoyable despite the grim and gritty subject matter. What makes it all work is that it finds that middle ground where it manages to not sugarcoat things, but also not get too extreme or come off as preachy or pretentious along the way. It is competently and artistically made, and I can see why Van Sant managed to go somewhere after this instead of becoming a one trick indie darling. The music, cinematography, and editing are all quite nice, and the film does a great job of depicting the seedier side of the early 70s drug culture without glamorizing things even though they're done with strong helpings of cinematic craft and style. Where the film truly shines though is with the casting and the performances. Matt Dillon had done work before this, but his turn as Bob is pure excellence, and really made him a rising star. Kelly Lynch gives a finely observed turn as Dianne, and her performance really adds to the pain that is felt when it becomes clear that she will probably never change. LeGros is pretty good as Rick, but he gets a little too overshadowed by the others. Graham is quite strong as the newbie of the group, and it's wonderful seeing her in the infancy of her career. Other notable work is put in by James Remar as a cop bound and determined to catch the group and put them away for good and William S. Burroughs as a defrocked priest who shows up for just a few brief, but important scenes fleshing out the world of drugs and the toll they can take. All in all, this was quite an impressive film. I think it is brilliant, but can't, for some reason, bring myself to give it the full 5. It gets at least an A- though, it that puts things in perspective. I guess maybe I'm a little nitpicky because I was able to guess (correctly) the outcome of some events. Maybe I shouldn't hold that against the film though. After all, trying to be completely original and 100% unpredictable is something that died out long ago. Still though, you should definitely give this one a go.

• Dan S

  
  A well-done, gritty drama about addicts led by a charismatic young man (Matt Dillon) who rob drug stores along the West coast in order to clinch their drive to be high at all times. Dillon is sensational in the lead role as a man whose aimless life keeps on taking turns for the worse… More
  A well-done, gritty drama about addicts led by a charismatic young man (Matt Dillon) who rob drug stores along the West coast in order to clinch their drive to be high at all times. Dillon is sensational in the lead role as a man whose aimless life keeps on taking turns for the worse that he somehow gets out of each time due to sheer luck, and instead of squandering his chances to start his life anew, his character battles to find redemption despite his clinging urges to stay on the path he is on. Gus Van Sant's direction is phenomenal, striking a nostalgic tone to this film as he shows the characters dancing and goofing around below bridges, unaware and uncaring about the path their lives are on. Van Sant gives us a convincing, harrowing look at the lives of people addicted to prescription drugs, and despite the somewhat predictable turn his story ends up taking, it still gives the viewer hope that not all is lost amongst the drug-addled bodies of these characters. An experimental film with an indie vibe, and not for all tastes, but a very good motion picture.

• Melvin W

  
  Bob: Most people don't know how they're gonna feel from one moment to the next. But a dope fiend has a pretty good idea. All you gotta do is look at the labels on the little bottles.  Drugstore Cowboy is Gus Van Sant's ultra-realistic drug addict movie. If you're… More
  Bob: Most people don't know how they're gonna feel from one moment to the next. But a dope fiend has a pretty good idea. All you gotta do is look at the labels on the little bottles.  Drugstore Cowboy is Gus Van Sant's ultra-realistic drug addict movie. If you're like me, you are sick of seeing movies that overplay the life of an addict. In most of these movies, the lead character or the addict, is either extremely pleasant(when high) or is throwing stuff, throwing up, beating up his wife or girlfriend of any number of other self destructive things(when he isn't high). The fact is, is that the way the life of an addict is shown is normally unrealistic. Drugstore Cowboy avoids falling into the same trap most movies do. It is realistic. It shows us an unglamorous look at a group of junkies, whose only thoughts are, where their going to get their next fix. They aren't emotionally turbulent; in fact their pretty mellow. Even when our lead is withdrawing, he isn't much different. Four junkies, headed by Bob, rob drugstores in order to get their fix. They will do just about anything to get high. The police are also tailing them, just waiting for Bob to screw up in front of them. Bob has alienated his mother who is sick and tired of worrying about her son being alive or dead. Bob's wife, Diane, is part of the quad-dopers, but Bob isn't satisfying her either. All he wants is drugs. Whatever will get him high and keep him high, until he can find is next high is what he wants. Matt Dillon gives an incredible performance as addict, Bob. This is a role that is tailor made for Dillon. It is possibly his best performance ever and he's helped by a good supporting cast and incredible direction as always from Van Sant. As far as my favorites from Van Sant goes, this one is just below a few of his films like Elephant, Good Will Hunting, and Paranoid Park. This is also more accessible Van Sant. It isn't one of his awkward movies like Paranoid Park, where he let's his unknown actors freestyle lyrics. This is one of his movies that you don't have to be a lover of his indie style to enjoy. That isn't to say that it is mainstream because it still isn't. It's just easier for the casual viewer, than say Elephant is. As far as the movie goes, it is certainly a must watch. It's an amazing take on the average druggie's lifestyle. It's just what you'd expect from Van Sant as far as his filmmaking goes. He's a realistic filmmaker who isn't going to help the audience along by using standard drug user cliches. Instead, he turned the average drug film on its heels and it's a better film for it. It is a must see movie for Van Sant fans, and I would strongly recommend it to anyone, even if you aren't a Van Sant fan. Drugstore Cowboy is an important and well made film that deserves attention.

• Graham J

  
  Matt Dillon's finest hour and the film that put Van Sant on the map, this is a shockingly real depiction of drug addiction.

• Conner R

  
  One of my favorite movies from Gus Van Sant. This is a lot different from his other work, yet still holds a lot of the same style. The 70s backdrop worked perfect for an addiction narrative. I absolutely loved all of the performances, they were dead on while also being hilarious.… More
  One of my favorite movies from Gus Van Sant. This is a lot different from his other work, yet still holds a lot of the same style. The 70s backdrop worked perfect for an addiction narrative. I absolutely loved all of the performances, they were dead on while also being hilarious. It's a very heart-felt and powerful story that truly means something, it isn't just another story about drugs.

• Eric S

  
  Matt Dillon delivers a brilliant performance as the leader of a small group that robs drugstores for the drugs they live for. Bob's(Dillon) superstitious antics are quite effective, and really capture the feel of a paranoid, outlaw drug user. However, they are too silly to be… More
  Matt Dillon delivers a brilliant performance as the leader of a small group that robs drugstores for the drugs they live for. Bob's(Dillon) superstitious antics are quite effective, and really capture the feel of a paranoid, outlaw drug user. However, they are too silly to be taken seriously. A drama with the appropriate humor, perfect cinematography, and a memorable cameo by writer William S. Burroughs who portrays a junkie man of the cloth. Kelly Lynch plays Bob's unsatisfied wife and close partner in crime. Heather Graham and James LeGros play a young couple who are tagging along to help and learn how to steal, but their dubious beliefs in Bob's superstitions are tested, and shows that the drug addled Bob may not be far from the truths he clings to in his desolate journey as an addict of the early 1970s.

• Lady D

  
  A film which although lacks any major excitement is still a fairly interesting watch. You see the film through a viewer?s eyes and perhaps create your opinions on this as opposed to making the viewer see it through an Addict?s eyes, which many later films following this theme have… More
  A film which although lacks any major excitement is still a fairly interesting watch. You see the film through a viewer?s eyes and perhaps create your opinions on this as opposed to making the viewer see it through an Addict?s eyes, which many later films following this theme have managed to do. It?s a very watchable movie, just feel it lacked a little something, worth seeing if it appears on tv and enjoyable performances from Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch.

• Thomas J

  
  I have great respect for Matt Dillon as an Actor and hope he one day gets the recognition he deserves.

• jay n

  
  Grim, stream of conciousness drama with fine performance by Matt Dillon, heavy going.

• Michael G

  
  Such a well done and well-acted movie. Kelly Lynch is great here.

• Joey S

  
  A dark story of drug addiction, crime, and recovery, Drugstore Cowboy is definitely not easy watching, but it's very well-acted by Matt Dillon and the story it tells is very powerful. An above average addiction drama.

• John B

  
  Funny. I think I have seen bits and pieces of this film over the years but never from start to finish. Finally, I have accomplished it and I have to say that I am very impressed. I would like to rave about Van Sant but this is more of an actor driven film than one that relies on… More
  Funny. I think I have seen bits and pieces of this film over the years but never from start to finish. Finally, I have accomplished it and I have to say that I am very impressed. I would like to rave about Van Sant but this is more of an actor driven film than one that relies on direction..and Dillon and Lynch in particular come through.

• Mike T

  
  One of Gus Van Sant's most impressive works, Drugstore Cowboy is a film that burns with energy and poetic subtext, permanently imprinting its dark story into the audience's minds. The performances are as energetic and fascinating as the direction, and it's all held up… More
  One of Gus Van Sant's most impressive works, Drugstore Cowboy is a film that burns with energy and poetic subtext, permanently imprinting its dark story into the audience's minds. The performances are as energetic and fascinating as the direction, and it's all held up by a beautifully written screenplay. A masterpiece, and instantly one of my favorite films.

• Alex H

  
  Gus Van Sant's best film, period.

• Magnus X

  
  "Lord, it's my dope fiend thief of a son and his crazy little nymphomaniac wife." An old favorite with Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James LeGros and Heather Graham in her debut role. A great drama with a fantastic Matt Dillon.

• Adam M

  
  Drama with Matt Dillon as a druggie who leads a small crew as they go around robbing drugstores, selling and taking what they steal and moving from place to place as the police stay hot on their heels.Dillon gives a great performance as the young man who slowly realises the road… More
  Drama with Matt Dillon as a druggie who leads a small crew as they go around robbing drugstores, selling and taking what they steal and moving from place to place as the police stay hot on their heels.Dillon gives a great performance as the young man who slowly realises the road he's going down and eventually tries to change it but not before lots of deals,moves and a tragic accident.Decent performnces also from Kelly Lynch, James LeGros and the lovely Heather Graham.This has some nice surreal imagery at times as we see Dillons character getting wasted and despite occasional bursts of dodgy music, this is a well written, well acted, realistic and occasionally witty drama.

• MJS M

  
  I've recently been quite interested in Gus Van Sant's experimental arthouse work, but recently realized that I wasn't overly familiar with the early films that made him famous. As such I decided to finally see this stunning sophomore effort that put Van Sant on the map.… More
  I've recently been quite interested in Gus Van Sant's experimental arthouse work, but recently realized that I wasn't overly familiar with the early films that made him famous. As such I decided to finally see this stunning sophomore effort that put Van Sant on the map. This is a no holds barred look at drug addiction, made during a time of very cheesy anti-drug messages. This examines the negative consequences of drugs far far better than every "just say no" ad combined. A career making performance by Matt Dillon combined with an honest script by Van Sant. A keystone work of the American Independent scene of the early 90s.

• Eduardo C

  
  God I really hate not being able to see every single (worthwhile) film the exact moment it comes out. Yes, most great films age well but when one is particularly influential it becomes impossible to separate it from what it has influenced, a problem I had with Drugstore Cowboy. This… More
  God I really hate not being able to see every single (worthwhile) film the exact moment it comes out. Yes, most great films age well but when one is particularly influential it becomes impossible to separate it from what it has influenced, a problem I had with Drugstore Cowboy. This must have been a truly original, at times shocking criminal road movie when it came out: an unsentimental look at drug culture through the eyes of an amoral group of four who ride highs from drugstore to drugstore. The lack of ambition, common morality, the aimless drifting and the refusal to condemn (and certainly to glorify) drug usage must have been a revelation. Today though, much of its power is lost. The film's influences can be felt in anything from "Requiem for a Dream" to "Jesus' Son" and any number of drug films, which has in turn diluted the power of this one to those who, like me, had never experienced it before. What did I get out of it, then? Plenty. Matt Dillon is very, very good in his debut performance. The direction by Gus Van Sant is, (duh) splendid and the film is, escentially, an almost voyeuristic look at the lives of these four people. The last 40 minutes of the film are highlighted by an extended appearance by William S. Burroughs himself as an aged junkie who is absolutely terrifying. He looks, sounds and feels like death incarnate, someone who missed the train to the afterlife and is just waiting for it to circle back. The film, again, is very very good. Had I gone in clean, seen it the very day it was released, I no doubt would have absolutely loved it.

• Wu C

  
  Proly Van Sant's best.

Read all 19 featured audience ratings