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Drugstore Cowboy

List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]

Review by Marc Girdler | posted January 24, 2000 | E-mail the Author
Movie: Drugstore Cowboy is a very cool movie, with a unique cast filled with young talent. One of my favorite actors, Matt Dillon gives a superb performance here. The rest of the cast is also good, which is pivtotal for a movie of this style, where character depth is more important than special effects. Kelly Lynch is very good, while not her best work it is one of her better portrayals. I have to admit it, Heather Graham is decent in Drugstore Cowboy. I know most of you enjoy her work, but for me, looks don't equal talent, and usually she is drab and lacking. But here, she gives a solid performance, much better than I would expect from her now. Drugstore Cowboy is directed by Gus Van Sant, who is known for his unusual characters, and this movie is no expeption there. But enough already, what about the storyline? The movie follows two couples, one a more street wise pair of drug addicts, the other a younger, less hardened couple. As the four use and use, they discover money is getting harder to come across, and they need more narcotics. So the four work together, and start robbing drugstores, in an effort to keep a steady flow of drugs coming their way. As time goes on, the four become more and more desperate, as the drugs take their toll on them. We learn about them during these desperate times, and learn about what they were before drugs. They manage to avoid the authorities, and keep their addictions fed. But the day comes when the drugs and lifestyle finally catch up to one of them, and he must choose between his wife and the drugs, and staying alive.

Video: Drugstore Cowboy is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, with no option for full frame. The film shows some minor wear signs, but nothing major, so I won't delve much there. The black levels are very dark, but that is intentional, and no detail is lost without purpose. Colors are also very well done, with all hues being vivid, yet earthy, as to fit the material. Overall, I am impressed with the visual transfer, it captures the essence of the film's style quite well.

Audio: Artisan chose to use the original 2.0 stereo track, and I can't penalize them for it. The track is more than adequate, and it is as the movie was intended to sound. Music sounds good, with some surround use, but not much. Dialogue is the key factor in this audio equation, and it passes the test. While a little too quiet in some places, usually the vocals are clear and easily audible.

Extras: Artisan called this disc a Special Edition, but it lacks the goodies other SE's have. It has some good stuff though, so I'll stop my complaining. First off, you get a running commentary with director Gus Van Sant and actor Matt Dillon. The commentary is decent, but once was enough, believe me. You get a nice mixture of entertainment from Dillon and technical info from Van Sant, so it should please most listeners. You also get a "making of," which is a fun watch. Heather Graham fans will like the extra footage. On the whole, there is some great stuff within this featurette, with interviews and behind the scenes footage. Rounding out the disc are talent files, production notes, and the trailer.

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