Bad Influence

Bad Influence

Year: 1990

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Curtis Hanson

DramaThriller

In this gripping drama-thriller, a timid young executive, Michael, finds himself caught in a web of danger when a charismatic stranger, Alex, inserts himself into his life. As their bond deepens, Michael is oblivious to the sinister forces driving Alex, unaware that he's being manipulated by a sociopathic mastermind who will stop at nothing to wreak havoc on his world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Bad Influence (1990)
Trace every key event in Bad Influence (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Michael Discovers Data Theft

Michael Boll, a shy and reserved character, discovers that crucial work data has mysteriously vanished. He suspects his duplicitous colleague, Patterson, is responsible for the grave injustice. This discovery sends Michael into a spiral of frustration and confusion.

Office
2

Encounter with Ruth

Michael retreats to the sanctuary of his office, only to find Ruth, his fiancée, chatting excitedly about their upcoming wedding. Her incessant chatter only heightens his anxiety regarding the recent turmoil in his life and the situation with Patterson.

Michael's Office
3

Bar Incident

Seeking an escape, Michael wanders into a seaside bar and inadvertently buys a drink for a woman who misplaced her wallet. When her aggressive boyfriend appears, a brutal assault ensues, but Michael is unexpectedly saved by an enigmatic figure from earlier, who defends him ferociously.

Seaside Bar
4

Confrontation with Pismo

Returning home after the bar incident, Michael finds his older brother Pismo, a chronic borrower, sapping his savings once again. This uncomfortable encounter is a stark reminder of Pismo's struggles with drug addiction and adds to Michael's burdens.

Michael's Home
5

Meeting Alex

In an attempt to clear his mind, Michael goes for a late-night jog and unexpectedly encounters the mysterious figure from the bar, who introduces himself as Alex. The two share drinks, with Alex proposing an intriguing plan to help Michael exact revenge on Patterson.

Late Night Street
6

Descent into Chaos

Days pass in a blur as Alex draws Michael into a whirlwind of hedonism and reckless behavior. Together, they pull off audacious heists and indulge in drug-fueled escapades, all while plotting an assault on Patterson, leading to Michael's mental decline.

Various Locations
7

Ruth's Betrayal

As Michael becomes more entangled in his chaotic lifestyle, Alex manipulates Ruth by revealing an incriminating video of Michael with Claire. This revelation leads to the unraveling of Michael's engagement, leaving him isolated and guilty.

8

The Murder of Claire

Michael's world shatters when Claire's lifeless body is found in his apartment, with his golf club serving as the chilling murder weapon. This gruesome act is part of Alex's twisted game, leaving Michael to grapple with shocking consequences.

Michael's Apartment
9

Seeking Pismo's Help

Desperate and confused, Michael turns to Pismo for assistance in disposing of Claire's body. The two brothers navigate their troubled relationship while trying to find a way out of the chaos that Alex has orchestrated.

Various Locations
10

Pismo's Discovery

Pismo embarks on a dangerous mission to find Alex, infiltrating an underground party. He manages to obtain critical evidence against Alex, including a beer bottle and his girlfriend’s driver's license, further entangling the web of deceit.

Underground Party
11

Michael's Confrontation with Alex

After saving Pismo from an ambush by Alex, Michael faces off against his manipulative friend with a gun he obtained from a security guard. With emotions running high, this confrontation is pivotal as Michael prepares to end Alex's reign of chaos.

Alex's Hideout
12

The Final Struggle

In an intense confrontation, Michael and Alex engage in a fierce struggle over the truth behind Alex's schemes. Michael's determination culminates in a moment where he gains the upper hand, ultimately sending Alex plunging into the depths of the pier.

Pier
13

Michael's Reckoning

With Alex defeated, Michael confronts the evidence of his own vulnerability and the darkest secrets Alex had exploited. He acknowledges the consequences of his actions, including Claire's murder and the turmoil it has caused in his life.

Pier
14

Arrival of Law Enforcement

As law enforcement arrives on the scene, Pismo supports Michael by providing crucial evidence against Alex. Michael begins to feel the weight of his past lift as the authorities step in, marking a pivotal turning point in his life.

After the Confrontation Pier
15

A New Chapter

With the burden of his chaotic past behind him, Michael strides towards the authorities, signaling the start of a new chapter in his life. This transformation symbolizes a move from darkness into the possibility of redemption.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:54

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