Mala Noche.

Van Sant's first "real" film, the rarely screened Mala Noche, is a gorgeous, unique experience. Based on the novel by Walt Curtis, the film tells the simplistic tale of a Portland liqour store clerk who develops a crush on a young, poor Mexican street kid who speaks very little English. Though its story is at times muddled and somewhat sluggish, the way in which Van Sant presents the tale allows it to often rise above its own low-budget standards. The performances are decent and Van Sant's visual style is unique as always.

Mala Noche also marks a turning point in the director's career, and it is the first film of his that is recognized and prasied on a semi-national level. His success with a low-budget film allowed him to make Drugstore Cowboy a few years later, a film which would win him nearly universal praise and launch his career in Hollywood (for better or for worse). A true diamond in the rough, Mala Noche is one to seek out, especially if you liked Drugstore Cowboy or My Own Private Idaho. Unfortunately, this film has never been officially released on video or dvd. Thus, bootleg copies notwithstanding, your only shot at seeing Mala Noche is the rare television or theatre screening. I'll be sure and let you know if/when it is ever distributed commercially.

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