IMDb > Bad Influence (1990)
Bad Influence
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Bad Influence (1990) More at IMDbPro »

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Bad Influence (1990) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)

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Overview

User Rating:
6.0/10   2,863 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 33% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer (WGA):
David Koepp (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Bad Influence on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
9 March 1990 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
Michael, a wimpy young executive, is about to get pulverized by a jealous boyfriend in a bar when a handsome... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
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)

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
more
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Additional Details

Runtime:
99 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Rob Lowe researched his part by watching hours and hours of footage of Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer. more
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. more
Quotes:
Alex: [to Michael] You know, you make a funny face when you come. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Cable Guy (1996) more
Soundtrack:
WHO'S LAUGHING NOW more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
Going to Bed with The Devil, 18 October 2009
10/10
Author: wesconnorsehny from Earth

"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

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Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Spader vs Lowe ReillyFilms
Watch it online? nellie78
caught the ending... blankly
Rob Lowe's character is a metaphor for the Devil/Satan logicbomb_DE
Very entertaining thriller!!! hannahp1
What in the Classified ads told them where the party was? russech
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