Bad Influence Synopsis & Summary
Synopsis
Successful LA marketing analyst Michael Boll (James Spader) seemingly has it all-except a sense of self-confidence. Enigmatic drifter Alex (Rob Lowe) enters Michael's life and immediately begins to exert a negative influence. As Michael's self-esteem zooms (aided by generous dollops of sex and drugs) he allows himself to be dragooned into a life of crime by the demonic Alex. The "doppelganger" aspects of Bad Influence, and the film's many unexpected twists and turns, echo films of Alfred Hitchcock, especially Strangers on a Train. The film's boldest stroke is to cast the likeable Lowe as the bad guy (albeit a charming one) and the often villainous Spader as the malleable milquetoast. - Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Movie Info
Starring:
Theatrical Release Date:
03/09/1990
DVD Release Date:
12/03/2002
Run Time:
105 min.
Distributor(s):
Triumph
Production Co.:
Epic Productions, Producer Representatives Organization, Sarlui/Diamant, Steve Tisch Company, Triumph
Director(s):
Themes:
Dangerous Friends
Tone:
Moody, Lurid, Menacing, Cynical, Slick
Keywords:
betrayal, cat-and-mouse, corruption, deduction [reasoning], false-accusation, frame-up, friendship, killing, rival
Country of Origin:
USA (03-09-1990)
Language:
English
Status:
DVD
