"Mala Noche/Bad Night" is immediately recognizable as a Gus Van Sant film, with it's precisely cool and artistic style. From the opening shots in the box car, as the two Mexican friends sneak across the border, shadows play upon their faces, emphasizing the fear and excitement that these guys must feel. It is surprising to hear this called a "low budget" film; "Mala Noche" has the look of a polished and professional film. Blockbusters such as "Sin City" with their huge budgets, attempted to achieve the look of this one, and failed. The story is simple, and takes a back seat to the imagery. A normal-looking guy in his 20's develops a "crush" on one of the young Mexican immigrants who spends his days hanging around the Portland streets near the "gringo's" shop. Walt professes his "love" to 18 year old Johnny. However the fact that they don't speak the same language and have nothing in common, make this more a case of sexual "lust." Johnny, who has no interest in men, lets Walt into his life, if only for the benefits of some free food, cash, and rides around the city. It is quite sad and tragic to witness the Mexican boy treating Walt so cruelly, but Walt's behavior is not much better, treating the boy like a piece of meat by offering him $15 for sex. After being rejected and abandoned by Johnny, Walt finds himself in a shaky relationship with Johnny's best friend Roberto. When Roberto enters the picture, the film gets even better. It is interesting to witness how these two outcasts relate, as they struggle to understand each others worlds. Roberto, played by Ray Monge is more likable than the hardened Johnny, and possesses this quality that makes you want to take care of him. When he becomes sick, Walt does just that, and this is the most unforgettable thing about "Mala Noche."
This is one of the very few gay-themed films that is actually "cool," and not embarrassing to watch. Van Sant made the surprising and wise decision to make Walt a totally normal, straight-acting, straight-looking guy. Most films present gays in the typical stereotype, feminine looking and acting men appearing foolish and camp. Of course, the best thing about Van Sant's debut film is it's style, and the phenomenal way he uses black and white to portray mood. Each frame could be cut out and hung on the wall, it is that beautiful. This is the true definition of "cult cinema." Finally available after years of obscurity, this is now available on a high quality DVD, featuring razor-sharp picture quality and good sound. For fans of Van Sants earlier work, "Mala Noche" is a must-see film. Also those who remember Portland in the 80's will get a kick out of all the street scenes, featuring locals who, mostly seem to like drinking "Night Train." "Mala Noche" is a classic..
This is one of the very few gay-themed films that is actually "cool," and not embarrassing to watch. Van Sant made the surprising and wise decision to make Walt a totally normal, straight-acting, straight-looking guy. Most films present gays in the typical stereotype, feminine looking and acting men appearing foolish and camp. Of course, the best thing about Van Sant's debut film is it's style, and the phenomenal way he uses black and white to portray mood. Each frame could be cut out and hung on the wall, it is that beautiful. This is the true definition of "cult cinema." Finally available after years of obscurity, this is now available on a high quality DVD, featuring razor-sharp picture quality and good sound. For fans of Van Sants earlier work, "Mala Noche" is a must-see film. Also those who remember Portland in the 80's will get a kick out of all the street scenes, featuring locals who, mostly seem to like drinking "Night Train." "Mala Noche" is a classic..