Drugstore Cowboy
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Director: Gus Van Sant
Actors: Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James Le Gros
PlotIn the early 1970s, a small band of drug addicts, led by the charismatic and troubled Bob, seeks sustenance by robbing pharmacies. Bob and his wife, Dianne, work alongside their friends Rick and his young girlfriend Nadine as they move from one heist to another, always evading the authorities. The group is constantly on the move, adopting rituals that Bob believes keep them safe from law enforcement and the bad luck that seems to hover over their drug-induced lifestyle. Despite Bob's precautions, tension builds within the group as paranoia grows alongside their addiction and a sense of impending doom looms over their escapades.
As they continue their spree through the Pacific Northwest, Bob begins to question the choices he's made and the possible consequences of their actions. He feels the strain of his lifestyle wearing him down and senses an inescapable tragedy creeping closer. His guilt and introspection begin to conflict with his addiction, prompting him to consider the possibility of a different life. Meanwhile, relationships within the group begin to fray as personal dynamics shift and threaten to unravel their bond. The tension mounts, fueled by drug-fueled paranoia and desperation, as each member of the group faces a moment of reckoning. With law enforcement closing in, Bob must confront his past choices and decide whether he can escape the cycle of addiction and crime before it's too late.
Writers: James Fogle, Gus Van Sant, Daniel Yost
Release Date: 20 Oct 1989
Runtime: 101 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Criterion's 4K makeover of Drugstore Cowboy, approved by Gus Van Sant, offers a visually impressive upgrade, making this release highly recommended.
Read our review of Drugstore Cowboy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray to find out more