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Bad Influence (1990) 6.0
Michael, a wimpy young executive, is about to get pulverized by a jealous boyfriend in a bar when a handsome, mysterious stranger steps in--and then disappears. Later that night, while ... See full summary » Director:Curtis HansonWriter:David Koepp |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Rob Lowe | ... | ||
| James Spader | ... | ||
| Lisa Zane | ... | ||
| Marcia Cross | ... |
Ruth Fielding
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Rosalyn Landor | ... |
Britt
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Tony Maggio | ... |
Patterson
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Palmer Lee Todd | ... |
Naked Woman
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Leslie
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Sunny Smith | ... |
Waitress
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Susan Lee Hoffman | ... |
Karen, Woman in Bar
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| Jeff Kaake | ... |
Willie, Man in Bar
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| Christian Clemenson | ... |
Pismo Boll
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Charisse Glenn | ... |
Stylish Eurasian Woman
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Jay Della | ... |
Chez Jay Bartender
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Inger Lorre | ... |
Band Member
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Michael, a wimpy young executive, is about to get pulverized by a jealous boyfriend in a bar when a handsome, mysterious stranger steps in--and then disappears. Later that night, while jogging, Michael runs into the stranger on a pier. He introduces himself as Alex, and the two go out to an under- ground club. Within a matter of days, Alex wheedles his way into Michael's life and turns it upside down, and Michael doesn't realize that Alex is a dangerous sociopath until it's too late. Written by Denise P. Meyer <dpm1@cornell.edu>
Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
9 March 1990 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Cattive compagnie See more »Filming Locations:
George C. Page Museum - 5801 W. Wilshire Blvd., Hancock Park, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Box Office
Gross:
$12,626,043 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Michael: What?
Alex: Sorry.
Michael: Sorry? You - fuck you, you're sorry? Sorry about what? Killing Claire? Trying to kill my brother? Or maybe you're just sorry for holding a guy down while I beat him? Fuck you, you're sorry!
See more »
Written and Performed by Les Negresses Vertes
Produced by Clive Martin and Sodi
Courtesy of Sire Records/Off the Track Records
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Rob Lowe researched his part by watching hours of footage of serial killer Ted Bundy. See more »Goofs
Lowe wore a glove on one hand to smear blood on the wall of Michael's apartment. In the following scene, the glove switched hands. See more »Quotes
Alex: I'm sorry.Michael: What?
Alex: Sorry.
Michael: Sorry? You - fuck you, you're sorry? Sorry about what? Killing Claire? Trying to kill my brother? Or maybe you're just sorry for holding a guy down while I beat him? Fuck you, you're sorry!
See more »
Soundtracks
"ORANE"Written and Performed by Les Negresses Vertes
Produced by Clive Martin and Sodi
Courtesy of Sire Records/Off the Track Records
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products
See more »
Some people have got that influential touch that can bring any one out of their comfort zone. There are risk takers and those you play it safe. It's matter of personal choice. The clinically dark yuppie thriller 'Bad Influence' takes on a psychological power play between an enigmatically bold drifter (a tremendously venomous Rob Lowe) and a pinned-down marketing analyst (suitably acted by James Spader). Watch how the relationship grows and slowly treads dangerous ground, as the dream of being confident and striving to overcome one's fears is manipulated into a tormented nightmare of aggression and punishment for simple, ungraspable fulfilment for one's own gain. It's a game on someone's life and Lowe's icy portrayal of the controlling puppeteer works effectively. Sure the fundamental storyline isn't anything new (an old formula ala noir going contemporary) and some plot avenues seem a little too glossed over and hard to fathom, but Curtis Hanson's daringly sharp and tight direction cements intense empowerment and morbid curiosity in certain visual suspense. Using an almost voyeuristic approach he draws upon unearthing the violence, drug habit and sleaze trying to hide behind a materialistic obsessive society. Fascinatingly slick and stylish, and the cruise-like pace moves along well enough. The soundtrack has that steamy, on edge kick that doesn't show its age. Also for one in this time period, it's strangely underplayed and kept in the background. The support cast play trumps to Lowe and Spader, but Lisa Zane titillates in her all too short of a role. Fashionably entertaining psycho-thriller.