Midnight Cowboy

The film opens with Joe Buck, a young Texan dishwasher, determined to change his life. Dressed in brand-new cowboy attire, he packs his belongings and sets off for New York City, pursuing his dream of becoming a male prostitute catering to women.

Upon arriving in New York City, Joe's ambitions are swiftly met with disappointment. Although he spends the night with a wealthy middle-aged woman, played by Sylvia Miles, the experience ends with him surprisingly giving her money instead.

While wandering the streets, Joe encounters Ratso Rizzo, a cunning street hustler. Ratso tricks Joe into giving him $20 under the pretense of introducing him to a well-known pimp, marking the beginning of their tumultuous partnership.

After being misled by Ratso, Joe attends an uncomfortable meeting with a Bible-thumping figure. Sensing danger, he bolts from the encounter, realizing the harsh reality of his surroundings and the people he has trusted.

Joe finds himself locked out of his hotel room, faced with the distress of losing most of his belongings. This episode serves as a stark reminder of his precarious situation in the big city.

In desperation, Joe tries to make some cash by exploiting a young man in a movie theater. However, when it turns out the kid has no money, Joe's frustration leads him to threaten the young man, ultimately allowing him to leave unharmed.

After a heated confrontation, Joe reluctantly agrees to share an apartment with Ratso in a run-down building. This decision cements their relationship as they navigate the grim realities of hustling in New York City together.

As Joe and Ratso's bond strengthens, they share stories of their troubled pasts. Joe reveals his neglectful upbringing, while Ratso recounts the hardships faced by his immigrant family, highlighting their struggles for a better life.

An unexpected invitation to a party from an eccentric couple leads Joe into a wild night. The vibrant atmosphere and surreal interactions mirror the legendary Warhol scene, introducing Joe to new experiences.

After taking an unknown pill at the party, Joe begins to hallucinate. He leaves the party with a socialite who offers him money for the night, but when the moment arrives, he struggles to perform despite engaging in a game that reveals his lack of intellect.

Upon returning home, Joe discovers Ratso fever-ridden and in dire need of help. Ratso refuses medical assistance, pleading with Joe to secure bus tickets for their escape to Florida as his condition deteriorates.

In a moment of desperation, Joe resorts to robbing a man at an amusement arcade. When the man offers a religious medallion instead of cash, Joe's frustration drives him to theft to secure funds for their escape.

With the stolen money, Joe buys two bus tickets for him and Ratso to Florida. However, their journey quickly turns tragic as Ratso's health continues to decline, overshadowing their hopes for a better life.

As they approach Miami, Joe's optimism shatters when he realizes Ratso has passed away. The realization strikes him hard, as he grapples with the loneliness and despair that accompany the death of his friend.

The bus driver informs Joe that they must continue to Miami despite his loss. Alone and terrified, Joe sits with his arm around Ratso's lifeless body, epitomizing their unfulfilled dreams and the harsh realities of life in the big city.