Less Than Zero (1987)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Marek Kanievska

Writers:

Bret Easton Ellis (based on the novel by)
Harley Peyton (screenplay)

Release Date:

6 November 1987 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

It only looks like the good life.

Plot:

A college freshman returns to L.A. for the holidays at his ex-girlfriend's request, but discovers that his former best friend has an out-of-control drug habit.

Plot Keywords:

Wealthy | Christmas | Friend | Drugs | Nightclub

Cast

Andrew McCarthy	...	Clay
Jami Gertz	...	Blair
Robert Downey Jr.	...	Julian
James Spader	...	Rip
Tony Bill	...	Bradford Easton
Nicholas Pryor	...	Benjamin Wells
Donna Mitchell	...	Elaine Easton
Michael Bowen	...	Hop
Sarah Buxton	...	Markie
Lisanne Falk	...	Patti
Michael Greene	...	Robert Wells
Neith Hunter	...	Alana
Afton Smith	...	Kim
Brian Wimmer	...	Trent
Kelly Wolf	...	Lile

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Black and White | Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Iceland:14 | Iceland:16 (video rating) | Belgium:16 (video rating) | Canada:18A (Canadian Home Video rating) | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | France:-12 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R (No. 28819) | West Germany:16 | South Korea:18

Filming Locations:

Beverly Hills High School - 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Both "Less Than Zero" and it's reported sequel expected in 2010, titled "Imperial Bedrooms" are named for Elvis Costello song and album respectively. "Less Than Zero" is the first single off of "My Aim is True" (1977), and "Imperial Bedroom" is the name of Elvis' 1982 album.

Goofs:

Continuity: Red Corvette is missing radio antenna in some scenes.

Quotes:

Julian: I mean, come on. Can't you tell when I'm telling the truth?
Benjamin Wells: No. Trust was the first thing you ruined.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in 17 Again (2009)

Soundtrack:

Rock And Roll All Nite

Loved It

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 !