Shot for less than $20,000 on the rainy streets of Portland, Oregon, Gus Van Sant’s lush debut Mala Noche remains a landmark for both American indie and queer cinema worldwide. Based on poet’s Walt Curtis autobiographical work, this tale of amour fou follows lonely shopkeep “Walt” as he pursues the affections of an aloof Mexican migrant worker, Johnny. These two seekers can barely connect – they don’t even speak the same language, and Walt’s fondness blinds him to the trouble Johnny brings with him. Photographed in sumptuous black-and-white, this first in a series of iconic films for Van Sant is the ultimate film for every slacker who’s ever let a crush get out of hand.
“Gritty, dirty, lyrical, altogether sensual.” – Rob Humanick, Slant Magazine
“Of all Van Sant’s movies, Mala Noche is the rawest, most personal, and least freighted. It’s the one fans should see for the simplest inkling into Van Sant’s complex artistic roots.” – Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
“A very well-made movie, terse and to the point, nicely photographed by John Campbell and written and directed by Mr. Van Sant with sardonic humor.” – Vincent Canby, The New York Times
