Less Than Zero (1987)

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.

Director:

Marek Kanievska

Writers:

Bret Easton Ellis (novel), Harley Peyton (screenplay)

Stars:

Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, Robert Downey Jr.

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

Clay, an eighteen-year-old freshman, comes back from his first term at Princeton to spend his Christmas vacation with his broken-up wealthy family in Los Angeles. His former girlfriend, Blair, is now involved with his ex-best-friend, Julian. She warns Clay that Julian needs help: he is using a lot of cocaine and has huge debts. What follows is a look at the youth culture of wealthy post adolescents in Beverly Hills with a strong anti-drug message. Apart from the setting and the names, the film has very little to do with Bret Easton Ellis's book by the same title on which it was based.

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | drug addict | self destructiveness | twenty something | loyalty | 

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Taglines:

It only looks like the good life.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Brad Pitt was paid US $38 for his uncredited cameo appearance.

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Goofs

When Rip, Bill, Clay and Blair meet in a club, Rip says the words "Why don't you ask Julian," but his lips are clearly saying, "Why don't you ask Blair." He even points directly at Blair when saying it.

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Quotes

Clay: Just leave with me! There's no reason for you to stay. Not here, not in LA.
Julian: Jesus! Do I look like I'm ready for homework?

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Robert Downey Jr/Fiona Apple (1996)

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Soundtracks

How to Love Again
Performed by Oran 'Juice' Jones and Alyson Williams (as Allyson Williams)
Written by Vinnie Bell and Frederick Gordon
Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings/Columbia Records

User Reviews

Hip, Slick and Dead

I lived in L.A. in the Eighties and remember the club scene with a chill. From Eddie Nash's joint on Hollywood Blvd[The Seven Seas] to Club Lingerie to the small venues in Long Beach and Orange County, this movie catches the ennui like a manic firefly in a jar. From the 'powder' in the ladies' room to casual sex, it shows it as it was--callow and shallow and a line/hit away from degradation and death.

It's heart-breaking to watch Robert Downey Jr.'s character surrender his dignity to a free base pipe. Other posts complain about the James Spader's performance, but he was dead on. Pushers are not nice people. This is an early cinematic example of truth about the nature of drug addiction. Are you frightened? NOT FRIGHTENED ENOUGH!

Scare yourself straight tonight. Watch 'Drugstore Cowboy', 'Less than Zero', and 'Rush'.

Here's hoping that Robert Downey Jr.'s talent will not be eclipsed by his addiction. He's an amazing actor. ['Chaplin' & 'Restoration' alone earned him a place in cinematic history.]

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

6 November 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Less Than Zero

Filming Locations:

2138 Micheltorena St, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,008,987, 8 November 1987

Gross USA:

$12,396,383

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,396,383

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox, Amercent Films, American Entertainment Partners L.P.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color Black and White (flashbacks)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1