DVD Review: Less Than Zero (B-)

Less Than Zero (1987)
Directed by Marek Kanievska
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Andrew McCarthy, Jamie Gertz and James Spader
MPAA: R
Grade: B-

Review by Scott Standish

I guess I should admit before I even start this review that I like Bret Easton Ellis novels. Many people find his writings complete pop culture trash with violent tendencies and a weak spot for drugs and deception. Come to think of it, so do I and that's probably why I like his books.

Less Than Zero is the movie that brought to life the controversial novel of the same name. Its been a long time since I first saw this "slice of Beverly Hills drug scene" movie and I was surprised to see that the film holds up pretty well - frankly a lot better than I expected.

The story revolves around a trio of best friends: Clay, the cool, contemplative one (played by Andrew McCarthy), his shallow but beautiful girlfriend Blair (Jami Gertz) and Julian, the wild one that everyone loves but no one really understands (Robert Downey Jr.). They separate as high school ends, with Clay going off to college. Julian seizes the opportunity to stay behind and steal Clay's girlfriend. Clay comes home for Christmas vacation with the hopes of winning Blair back.

Unfortunately he soon realizes that his biggest challenge is keeping his ex-best friend Julian alive. You see Julian has acquired a nasty freebase addiction and is in a deep spiral. Beyond the help of rehab, this guy has one foot in the grave. Robert Downey Jr. is amazing in this role, certainly one that comes off as very realistic, especially now.

Less Than Zero has been attacked over the years for its "brat pack" cast, its shallow subject matter and its over-all cheesiness. Okay, so its not Citizen Kane, but is that really what you were expecting? If you are willing to give this 80's movie a fresh chance, some bright spots really come to the forefront: Robert Downey Jr.'s acting is stellar, James Spader is quite mesmerizing as Rap (Julian's drug dealer) and Jami Gertz is well, Jami Gertz.

The shallowness of the characters is skewered throughout the film and I kept thinking that this would make a nice double bill with the incredible dark comedy that came out just two years later, Heathers. Finally, the soundtrack was put together by Rick Rubin, so it features some great classics from The Cult, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and of course who can forget the infamous credit scene featuring the Bangles' Hazy Shade of Winter. Oh, those crazy 80s!

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