Less Than Zero (1987)

This is my second time to see this movie, the first being when it was released in 1987. I liked it the first time, but now have even more of an appreciation for it. This movie was very well done as compared to some other movies of it's time period. The story was captivating and I thought Robert Downey Jr.s acting was excellent even if hard to watch at times. It's obvious to me that the director went to great lengths to make sure every shot was done right. The lighting was excellent, using color and giving feeling to a lot of the night shots and especially all the scenes in the convertible. I read an earlier comment from someone who thought the music didn't fit, however I disagree. I thought it added significantly to the mood and the feel in many of the scenes. Andrew McCarthey and Jamie Gertz were also very good in their roles and I thought James Spader played a great bad guy/drug dealer. I give it 9 out of 10.

Fmovies: I first viewed this movie in 1988 not long after it's release. Less Than Zero encapsulates the nations obsession with the runaway "greed is good", "voodoo economics" era of the 1980's. The move is highly stylized, and slick. It's Maimi Vice meets "The Breakfast Club". I state this because it has elements of the now (unfortuneatly) defunct "Brat Pack" However, the depiction of Julian (played by Robert Downey Jr.)seems to be the embodiment of the age as it relates to cocaine, and crack-cocaine use, and the effect it had and in many cases still has on the lives of families friends, and love ones. For this reason as a baby boomer who lived through that era. I find the movie disturbing for its sheer view into the reality of lifestyle crashing into reality. I always try not to watch this movie. Sadly, I'm drawn into it like a moth to a flame. I think its a "scared straight" movie for the rich; or really any one that thinks that drugs are cool, glamorous, and harmless. From a directing, and acting standpoint its excellent. Marek Kaniveska did an excellent job setting the scene and style of Los Angeles high-life. Cars, money and clothes was what it was all about. Within that vein Kaniveska has put that portion of L.A. 80's lifestyle in the history books in this writers opinion Its really too bad the main characters are not as exposed as they once were in the industry. I think that anyone that sees this movie will enjoy it.

As a graduate of 1987, this brings back memories of the younger years.

Care free days of youth. Though the movie is a tragic Drama. It captures the fall of Wells very good. His friends trying to help and not realizing he is on borrowed time.

Andrew McCarthy as the one has seen his partying days go by and now concentrates on college and Robert Downey Jr. still stuck in his high school memories and addictions.

Jami Gertz as the one who loves McCarthy as a soul mate and Downey Jr. as a brother.

Very dramatic and moving. Very Tragic ending, but does have a little light before the closing credits.

Fabulous soundtrack and even better acting. Jami Gertz is Brilliant. I would highly recommend this movie.

Less Than Zero fmovies. "Less Than Zero" was one of my favorite novels of all time, combining a "Catcher in the Rye" for the excessive L.A. in the '80's sorta mentality. Unfortunately this film was in production during the very height of the "just say no to drugs" Nancy Reagan campaign. I remember reading in the L.A. Times how the producers were stating that they changed the character Clay to an avid anti-drug crusading hero instead of the bisexual, morally confused coked-out protagonist Ellis' novel made him out to be.

What a waste. This movie is ridiculous, containing absolutely none of the ambience of the novel. Instead we get stupid visuals (a party with 20 TVs all stacked up on one another, an idiotic fight at a party in Palm Springs with beautiful coked-out people looking on), that lend little to promote the plot. Essential characters from the novel (like Trent) that could have helped explain the relationships are missing. It's almost as if the screenwriters intentionally tried to make this movie as illogical as possible.

I met Ellis' sister once. She told me that Bret was so embarrassed by what they did to his film that he refused to go to the premiere. Can anyone blame him?

This movie should be considered a "Cult" classic. The movie captures the plight of a young teen's soul while in the drug world and the loyalty of friendship. The riveting performance of Robert Downey, Jr, who coincidentally won an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin, was convincing as a spoiled rich kid gone bad.. why does that sound familiar ?!? James Spader was almost as intriguing as the pimp/drug dealer who was as cold as dry ice ! Andrew McCarthy however, seemed to be drowned by his supporting cast but has proved to be a beloved actor in his roles in "Pretty in Pink & St. Elmo's Fire ! Overall, I think that this movie started fans to really look at these fine actors as serious player's in the 1990's. I highly recommend having this in your collection !

Ignore the negativity about the comparison to the book. If you want a book review, go to Amazon.

As a film it does what it does magnificently; thru and thru, from extreme to sublime via ridiculous - but as many point out, if you witnessed any clubbing in LA in the '80s, or any of 'the scene', then this movie holds an unpleasant mirror up to those views.

RDJ is simply brilliant. McC & Gertz fantastic. Spader, preparatively oily.

10/10 for this one folks. Anything less is discussing the % of the cut, to be honest.

*Sniff*