Drugstore Cowboy

Drugstore Cowboy is a 1989 American black comedy film directed by Gus Van Sant. Written by Van Sant and Daniel Yost and based on an autobiographical novel by James Fogle, the film stars Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James LeGros, and Heather Graham. It features supporting performances from James Remar, Max Perlich, Grace Zabriskie, and William S. Burroughs. Based on the then-unpublished novel of the same name by James Fogle, it follows a group of nomadic drug addicts in 1971 Portland, Oregon. It was Van Sant's second film as director, following his 1988 debut Mala Noche.

Principal photography of Drugstore Cowboy took place in Portland in the fall of 1988. The film was theatrically released in the United States on October 6, 1989. It received significant acclaim from film critics, with praise for its performances, realistic portrayal of drug addiction, and its dark humor. It received numerous accolades from film critic associations, including three nominations and four wins at the Independent Spirit Awards. In the years since its original release, the film has developed a cult following.