Review of Drugstore Cowboy (1989) by Scott C — 28 Feb 2013

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.