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Less Than Zero (1987)
Hazy Shade of a Movie
No, it isn't like the book, but how do you make a movie about a book like that? The script concentrates on a very small aspect of the book- the part that actually has a semi- sort of PLOT. So, yes, the overall spirit of the book is lost in its onscreen translation, but the screen adaptors did a great job working with what they had. I really enjoyed the movie, in particular the cinematography- the colors, the sets, the clothes, etc. The opening credit sequence with "Hazy Shade of Winter" set a good feel for the film. I particularly enjoyed Jamie Gertz, and her line, "But do I look good?" (which, along with the "Let's F--k X-Mas Together!" party invitation was one of the few things taken directly from the book.) Her character was written most loyal to the book, as opposed to Andrew McCarthy, who in the book was a self-destructive, promiscuous, bisexual drug-user. But overall, I can't complain because I don't think it could have been done any better. See it for a slice of good old nihilistic 1980's Americana.
Kill Me Later (2001)
I made it through the whole thing!
Despite being a 2001 movie, the direction is the kind of 90's art-house style that was considered "old" and out-of-date a few years ago. The cheesy cuts and effects were painful to watch. The script is decent enough, and a few scenes did kind of captivate me (like when the taxi driver brings her to the bridge at night). But the story line with the detective who's sister killed herself and how he was obsessed with suicide was just plain terrible. The performance by the actor who plays Selma Blair's married boyfriend seriously bothered me. I did sit through the whole thing, though, which is rare for the kind of random, what-is-this movie you just find on TV and decide to watch.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
A must for the Kubrick collection.
I can understand how this is not a movie for everyone. The slow pace and anti-climactic ending bother me, considering the tremendous combined talent that spend 18 months on this film. But I find it to be forgiveable, considering the many high points of this film. The attention to minor details and characters made Dr. Bill's journey more intriguing. Dr. Bill was painfully bland, sort of an everyman. I too, was drawn in by that hooker with a heart of gold. The scene where Dr. Bill is brought in to be questioned before the man in the red cloak at the orgy is chilling, no matter how many times I see it, as it is when he is getting stalked on the streets. And the movie kept my interest, especially as Dr. Bill's actions the night before eat away at him as he searches for Nick and Mandy until he finally breaks down at home with his wife. And as always, the grand director has created a surreal and fascinating world in this film. To me, that's what makes watching movies worth it. You get lost in it and in this case, it stays with you after it's over. Whether you've seen other Kubrick films or not I hope you can understand what he was trying to accomplish with this.