Less Than Zero

Less Than Zero is the 1987 film based loosely on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. Ellis wasn’t initially a fan of the film and felt that most of the characters had been miscast, although he did have positive things to say about Robert Downey Jr and James Spader’s performances.

Andrew McCarthy is Clay, a young man in his first year at college who recently found out his girlfriend has been cheating on him with drug addict and close friend Julian, played by Robert Downey Jr. When Clay comes home for Christmas his girlfriend Blair, Jami Gertz’s character, tries to act like nothing has happened. As the film progresses, Julian’s drug problem becomes worse the plot revolves around his life and how it’s spiralling out of control.

The film version was very different from the book mainly because of the strong anti drugs message that it demonstrates and also the fact that Clay’s character is quite different and a lot of the decisions he makes aren’t the same.

A sequel to Less Than Zero has been written by Ellis called Imperial Bedrooms. A film is currently being talked about and is due to be released at some point in 2012.

Movies sometimes portray things like drug addiction and addictions treatment in a way that differs from what they really are like in real life.

Less Than Zero Rating

A bit dark in parts but some excellent acting from a great cast and anyway, the Bangles’ brilliant version of Hazy Shade of Winter means it was always going to get a good review from me! Less Than Zero gets a Brat Pack rating of 8/10.

Less Than Zero Characters

Clay – Played by Andrew McCarthy
Blair – Played by Jami Gertz
Julian – Played by Robert Downey Jr
Rip – Played by James Spader

Less Than Zero Trivia

$38 was the fee Brad Pitt got paid for his uncredited appearance.

Less Than Zero was the first movie where Robert Downey was credited as Robert Downey Jr.

Clay Easton was originally going to be played by Keanu Reeves.

Less Than Zero Links

Less Than Zero at 80s Movies Rewind

Less Than Zero Review from 1987 by Roger Ebert