Drugstore Cowboy is a 1989 American crime drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and based on an autobiographical novel by James Fogle. The film centers around Bob Hughes (played by Matt Dillon) and his group of drug-addicted criminals, including his wife Dianne (Kelly Lynch) and their close friends Rick (James Le Gros) and Nadine (Heather Graham).
The film follows the group as they travel from town-to-town in the Pacific Northwest region, robbing drug stores to support their heroin addiction. They are constantly on the run from the law and other criminals, with their lives and relationships being jeopardized by their constant drug use and criminal activity.
Along the way, they encounter various colorful characters, including a retired pharmacist (William S. Burroughs) who becomes Bob's intellectual mentor and a detective (James Remar) who is hot on their trail.
As their addiction spirals out of control and their luck starts to run out, Bob must confront his own mortality and the destructive nature of his addiction, ultimately making the decision to try and go straight.
The film is known for its gritty realism and powerful performances, particularly from Matt Dillon as Bob. It was a critical and commercial success and has since become a cult classic in the genre of drug-related films.