Based upon the autobiographical novel by Walt Curtis, Gus Van Sant's 1985 debut depicts in rawly beautiful black and white the experience of intense infatuation and urban ennui. Walt (Tim Streeter) is a pensive, privileged drifter in search of the titular bad night. He finds his outlet in a near-masochistic crush on inarticulate Mexican immigrant Johnny (Doug Cooeyate). Fans will be fascinated to discern the origins of Van Sant's singular style: the off-centre, sharp-edged romanticism, the narcoleptic pacing, and the aching sympathy for lost and vulnerable characters. Film history in the making, and American low-budget at its best.