Less Than Zero (1987)
Average Rating: 5.2/10
Reviews Counted: 24
Fresh: 13 | Rotten: 11
A couple of standout performances -- notably Robert Downey, Jr. and James Spader -- and a killer soundtrack can't quite elevate a somewhat superficial adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' story of drugged-out LA rich kids.
Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 2
A couple of standout performances -- notably Robert Downey, Jr. and James Spader -- and a killer soundtrack can't quite elevate a somewhat superficial adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' story of drugged-out LA rich kids.
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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 11,739
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Movie Info
This drama about affluent Los Angeles teens is taken from the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Clay (Andrew McCarthy) is a college freshman who returns home during Christmas break. Clay's old flame Blair (Jamie Gertz) is now more interested in her new beau Julian (Robert Downey, Jr.), the fun-loving party boy with a penchant for drugs. While Clay tries to rekindle a thing with Blair, Julian becomes addicted to cocaine and starts freebasing. Julian's friends try halfheartedly to intervene, with no
Nov 6, 1987 Wide
Mar 5, 2002
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Cast
-
Andrew McCarthy
Clay Easton -
Jami Gertz
Blair -
Robert Downey Jr.
Julian Wells -
James Spader
Rip -
Michael Bowen
Hop -
Nicholas Pryor
Benjamin Wells -
Tony Bill
Bradford Easton -
Sarah Buxton
Markie -
Lisanne Falk
Patti -
Flea
Musician #1 -
Brittain Frye
Teenager #2 -
Michael Greene
Robert Wells -
Neith Hunter
Alana -
Donna Mitchell
Elaine Easton -
Jayne Modean
Cindy -
Jude Mussetter
Alice -
Jessica Puscas
Little Girl -
Afton Smith
Kim -
Eric Walker
Seth Wells -
Brian Wimmer
Trent -
Kelly Wolf
Lile -
Afrika Islam
D.J -
Scott Warner
Teenager #1 -
Jeannette Kerner
Margery Easton
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All Critics (26) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (12) | DVD (12)
Ed Lachman's cinematography is letter perfect as always in its handling of light and color (assisted here by Barbara Ling's flashy production design), but it's a pity to see it wasted on such claptrap.
Top CriticPerhaps this wasn't the best subject matter for British director Marek Kanievska (Another Country) to make his American debut. The feel for this distinctly Southern California story escapes him.
Loosely based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Less Than Zero refuses to take the risks necessary to capture the keen social observation of the book.
The only saving grace of this exercise in futility is the suitably louche performance by Spader as drug-dealer Rip.
Jami Gertz was, is, and ever shall be one of the most egregious actresses in the history of film.
a bit of a mess
The anti-teen film that really kicks ass
Meant to be a statement against the amoral lifestyle of super-rich youth, it misses the mark by a mile.
Has style to spare, but none of the novel's shock value
Bret Easton Ellis's novel is fairly faithfully into a portrait of strung out teenage yuppies in LA during the late 80s.
A startling tale of alienation and self-destruction. Put Downey on the map, at least for a while.
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