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Bad Influence (1990)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer (WGA):
David Koepp (written by)
Release Date:
9 March 1990 (USA)
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Plot:
Michael, a wimpy young executive, is about to get pulverized by a jealous boyfriend in a bar when a handsome...
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Plot Keywords:
Executive
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Psychopath
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Finance
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Sadomasochism
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Cynicism
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Awards:
1 win
&
1 nomination
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NewsDesk:
(4 articles)
Twilight: Bad Influence on Love?
(From PopStar. 2 October 2009, 9:46 PM, PDT)
Twilight Saga Daily Dosage - 10/02/09
(From ScreenStar. 2 October 2009, 2:01 PM, PDT)
(From PopStar. 2 October 2009, 9:46 PM, PDT)
Twilight Saga Daily Dosage - 10/02/09
(From ScreenStar. 2 October 2009, 2:01 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
Going to Bed with The Devil
more (43 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Rob Lowe | ... | Alex |
 | James Spader | ... | Michael Boll |
 | Lisa Zane | ... | Claire |
 | Marcia Cross | ... | Ruth Fielding |
 | Rosalyn Landor | ... | Britt |
| Tony Maggio | ... | Patterson |
| Palmer Lee Todd | ... | Naked Woman |
| Kathleen Wilhoite | ... | Leslie |
| Sunny Smith | ... | Waitress |
| Susan Lee Hoffman | ... | Karen, Woman in Bar |
| Jeff Kaake | ... | Willie, Man in Bar |
 | Christian Clemenson | ... | Pismo Boll |
| Charisse Glenn | ... | Stylish Eurasian Woman |
| Jay Della | ... | Chez Jay Bartender |
| Inger Lorre | ... | Band Member |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
99 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Norway:15 (DVD rating) |
Ireland:18 (DVD rating) |
Norway:18 (original rating/video rating) |
Netherlands:16 |
Australia:M |
Finland:K-16 |
Spain:18 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:18 (cut) |
USA:R |
West Germany:16 |
France:Unrated |
Iceland:16
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Rob Lowe researched his part by watching hours and hours of footage of Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer.
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Goofs:
Continuity: At the tar pits as seen from above, we see a yellow or lime-green fire truck (ladder truck). When the camera comes back as the fireman descends it (the ladder), we notice the truck is now red.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Cable Guy (1996)
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Soundtrack:
WHO'S LAUGHING NOW
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (43 total)
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"Financial analyst Michael Boll (James Spader) seems to have everything: brains, money, a socially connected fiancée, and a blindingly bright future. Then he meets Alex (Rob Lowe), an impeccably dressed drifter with a fatal charm and an insatiable appetite for wine, women… and danger. Alex befriends Michael and takes him for a walk on the wild side - but Michael soon discovers that there's a terrible price to pay for life in the fast lane, because hanging out with Alex can be murder…" according to the film's official synopsis. "Don't touch that dial!"
Christian Clemenson's character is almost a "Pepto-Bismol" anagram.
Director Curtis Hanson's "Bad Influence" has been compared to Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" (1951). The plot's comparison to Hitchcock's classic is justifiable, but Mr. Hanson makes "Bad Influence" look much more like "Psycho" (1960). And, this story is clearly Faustian; "Alex" isn't merely psychopathic, he's evil incarnate. The deal Mr. Spader makes with "the Devil" involves help in beating Tony Maggio (as Patterson) out of a promotion at work, and weaseling out of a marriage with Marcia Cross (as Ruth). "Come on down!"
The only way "Mick" can defeat "Alex" is to send him plummeting back into the depths of Hell.
It's always nice, when watching old movies, to stumble upon an undiscovered jewel, or even a lost masterpiece. "Bad Influence" is one of those films. The film had a relatively unheralded reception, when originally released; and, it received zero nominations from any of the major film awards groups. One of the problems may have been the media "scandal" erupting over the nearly simultaneous uncovering of a "sex tape" featuring Mr. Lowe. Presently, this sort of "publicity" would be planned to help the film, which includes Lowe's character in a similar situation; but, it was no publicity stunt.
And, if you see Lowe with Spader in a bunny mask, that is a gun in his pocket.
This was before celebrity Paris Hilton and FOX showed how to use the "celebrity sex tape" to their advantage - making Ms. Hilton and the network's "The Simple Life" hits. Lowe's appearance in a "Snow White" opening at the previous year's "Academy Awards", and his "teen idol" backlash didn't help. But, Lowe is terrific in "Bad Influence"; it should have established him as an "A-list" film actor. Ironically, co-star Spader had just received the same kind of career break, in the recent "sex, lies, and videotape" (1989). Ah, those were the camcorder days…
"Does anybody want an espresso?"
With perfect performances, and a dazzling display of light and shadows, "Bad Influence" should have received six "Academy Award" nominations, including one for "Best Picture"; it is absolutely one of the best-looking films of its year, and surfaces as one of the more stylish looks at MTV generation. Those most responsible, director Hanson and cinematographer Robert Elswit, received "Oscars" for work on subsequent films. Writer David Koepp's screenplay is also excellent; to appreciate his story, and understand the L.A. scene depicted in "Bad Influence", simply use the code words given, to enter the film:
"Dominant Athletic Female", "Gay White Male", "Fun-Loving Couple".
********** Bad Influence (3/9/90) Curtis Hanson ~ Rob Lowe, James Spader, Christian Clemenson, Lisa Zane