Story of movie Bad Influence Film : Bad Influence is a 1990 American psychological thriller film directed by Curtis Hanson starring Rob Lowe and James Spader. In this noirish film, Spader plays a yuppie who meets a mysterious stranger (Lowe) who encourages him to explore his dark side. Bad Influence was the first original screenplay for which David Koepp received a sole screenplay credit. The film's villain is loosely based on a real person, a nomadic surfer who befriended executive producer Morrie Eisenman.
| Bad Influence | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Curtis Hanson |
| Produced by | Steve Tisch |
| Written by | David Koepp |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Trevor Jones |
| Cinematography | Robert Elswit |
| Edited by | Bonnie Koehler |
Production company | Epic Productions |
| Distributed by | Triumph Releasing Corporation |
Release date | March 9, 1990 |
Running time | 99 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $7 million |
| Box office | $12,626,043 |
Screenplay
Michael, a shy, socially awkward doormat, meets the extroverted Alex, who teaches him to be assertive and take risks. Things go too far however, when they go on a drug-fueled crime spree and assault a coworker Michael dislikes. When Michael wants out, Alex takes it upon himself to convince Michael to reconsider his decision - one way or another.
- Rob Lowe as Alex
- James Spader as Michael Boll
- Lisa Zane as Claire
- Christian Clemenson as Pismo Boll
- Marcia Cross as Ruth Fielding
- Kathleen Wilhoite as Leslie
- Grand L. Bush as Bartender
- David Duchovny as Club Goer with Glasses
- Perri Lister as Claire's Friend
- Michael Kristick as Bouncer
- Bianca Rossini as Bumped Woman
- John de Lancie as Howard
- Warren Stanhope as Banker
- Lilyan Chauvin as Art Gallery Patron
- Rosalyn Landor as Britt
- Tony Maggio as Patterson
- Palmer Lee Todd as Naked Woman
- Sunny Smith as Waitress
- Susan Lee Hoffman as Karen, Woman in Bar
- Jeff Kaake as Willie, Man in Bar
Bad Influence received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It holds a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews.
Rob Lowe said in a 2017 interview it was the project in his career he did not feel got the attention it deserved. "It was really ahead of its time," he said. "I’m really proud of it... It’s sexy. It’s weird. It’s dark. The characters are great... It’s also a great snapshot of underground L.A. at the beginning of the ’90s. And yet it doesn’t feel dated."
- List of American films of 1990
- List of films featuring home invasions
