The Boost 1988
"Imagine having all the power, passion and pleasure money can buy. Now imagine losing them."
Dive into the gripping drama *The Boost (1988)*, directed by Harold Becker, where ambition and desperation collide in a haunting tale of rise and ruin.
Director: Harold Becker
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Boost (1988) about?
*The Boost* follows Lenny Brown, a hopeful investor who loses his fortune when tax laws change, pushing him toward cocaine and an addictive spiral. His desperate search for a financial and personal "boost" becomes a harrowing journey into addiction and self-destruction.
Who directed The Boost?
The Boost was directed by Harold Becker, known for his work in intense dramas like *Malice* and *The Onion Field*.
Who stars in The Boost?
The film features standout performances from James Woods as Lenny Brown, Sean Young as his wife, and John Kapelos as his cynical friend Joel.
Is The Boost (1988) worth watching?
*The Boost* is a tense, character-driven drama that delivers sharp social commentary on greed and addiction. While not widely celebrated, Woods' performance and Becker's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of gritty 80s dramas.
How long is The Boost?
The Boost has a runtime of 95 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
The Boost (1988) — When Success Comes at the Cost of Your Soul
Dive into the gripping drama *The Boost (1988)*, directed by Harold Becker, where ambition and desperation collide in a haunting tale of rise and ruin. James Woods stars as Lenny Brown, a driven investor who bets everything on California's tax-sheltered fortunes—only to lose it all when government policy changes overnight. Left drowning in $700,000 debt and professional ruin, Lenny's life spirals as his friend Joel introduces him to cocaine, promising a temporary "boost" to reclaim his success. What follows is a raw, unflinching descent into addiction and psychological unraveling, set against the shimmering but unforgiving backdrop of 1980s excess.
This drama-thriller weaves themes of obsession, financial ruin, and the illusion of control, all while exploring the fragility of the American Dream. With a taut runtime of 95 minutes, Becker crafts a tense, atmospheric narrative that lingers long after the credits roll—perfect for fans of intense character studies and cautionary tales about wealth and its shadows.