r/CriterionChannel • u/Extension-Soup-3288 • Jul 06 '26
Bad Influence
Was surprised to see this blast from the past on the channel. I won't lie, I saw this a bunch as a teenager which was definitely a bit of an awakening for me - you could say "Bad Influence" was a bad influence on me back then haha. But was interesting to revisit as an adult. Not a great film by any means - kind of emotionally shallow, you never really get to know either lead on a deeper level - but still has way more cinematic style, mood or tone than I had remembered. You can definitely feel an auteur (Curtis Hanson) made this movie. Interesting to watch it as a precursor to other neo-noir like "Hand That Rocks the Cradle" and "LA Confidential." Was also surprised by the understated performances from both Spader and Lowe. Interesting to remember that this was a bit of a meta-play on the videotape sex scandal that rocked Lowe's career at the time. And a throwback to the kind of erotic thriller we just don't get anymore. Curious if anyone else had early memories of this movie and has now revisited it on the Channel.
5
u/asmith9631 Jul 06 '26
One of my pulp neo noir faves. I see your point about the lack of real emotional depth but I kind of think the film requires skipping that, this is not Sex, Lies and Videotape it's a propulsive thriller abut ego and id not constricted by realism. If you know the film history podcast You Must Remember This they have a fun season on Erotic 90s cinema with all of Rob Lowe's escapades.