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Bad Influence Details

1990 Certificate 18
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 516 members

In this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson, James Spader stars as Michael Boll, a meek executive who lives a boring life. Though he wants nothing more than to be successful at work, Michael does nothing when a sneaky co-worker consistently throws wrenches into his plan. His love life is not much better--he's .. Read more

Starring James Spader, Lisa Zane, Rob Lowe, Kathleen Wilhoite
Director Curtis Hanson
Genres Thriller

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Bad Influence

In this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson, James Spader stars as Michael Boll, a meek executive who lives a boring life. Though he wants nothing more than to be successful at work, Michael does nothing when a sneaky co-worker consistently throws wrenches into his plan. His love life is not much better--he's engaged to a woman who has their entire future planned. Escaping from the office for a drink, Michael is saved from a violent barroom brawl by the mysterious Alex (Rob Lowe). Wimpy Michael befriends Alex, who introduces him to the seedy underground scene in Los Angeles. At first Michael enjoys his new adventure and is empowered by the advice that Alex offers, becoming bolder and taking action to get what he wants. But when Alex begins to influence every aspect of Michael's professional and personal life, drawing him into his own dark world of theft, sex, voyeurism, and murder, Michael has to save himself from this sadistic stranger's depravity. Christian Clemenson stars as Michael's brother, and Lisa Zane is the seductive Claire. Blink and you'll miss David Duchovny, who is billed as Club Goer.

Starring James Spader, Lisa Zane, Rob Lowe, Kathleen Wilhoite, Christian Clemenson
Director Curtis Hanson
Studio MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 34 mins
Certificate Certificate 18
Genres Thriller
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 04 Aug 2003
Production year: 1990
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (5) of Bad Influence

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  • 1 stars out of 5

    In this wildly implausible mystery thriller, a stranger (Rob Lowe) befriends a down-at-heel suit (James Spader) and is soon conducting a cat-and-mouse game of psychological manipulation. It starts as a promising, taut thriller in the same vein as Single White Female, only with male protagonists, but soon disintegrates into pulp that wastes the talents of the gifted Spader.

    • Radio Times
  • Michael Boll (Spader) is up against a rival at work, his fiancée is boring, and he suffers mysterious stomach... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • Most helpful member's review of Bad Influence

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  • 5 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Intense thriller

    An emotional rollercoaster of a film, truly inspirational performances by James Spader and Rob Lowe, who make this film stand out. The kind of film that stays with you long after you’ve watched it. A must see movie.

      • boogsy from Moston
  • Most recent members' review of Bad Influence

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    So So

    Film ok, made better with Rob Lowe,

      • A customer from ENGLAND
  • More like this

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Rating breakdown

516 Member ratings
  • 100
20
  • 90
23
  • 80
58
  • 70
70
  • 60
99
  • 50
80
  • 40
67
  • 30
42
  • 20
38
  • 10
19

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    • In this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson, James Spader stars as Michael Boll, a meek executive who lives a boring life. Though he wants nothing more than to be successful at work, ...