Bob Hughes is the leader of a “family” of drug users consisting of his wife, Dianne, and another couple who feed their habit by robbing drug stores as they travel across the country. After a tragedy befalls a member of his group, Bob decides he must leave his dysfunctional clan and go straight.

Gus Van Sant established himself as an outstanding voice in contemporary indie cinema with this electrifying second feature. Starring Matt Dillon in one of the best roles of his career, Drugstore Cowboy is an empathetic portrait of addiction that, while harrowing, is pervaded by cynical humor.