Less Than Zero

The thing i love most about this movie is that it captures a generation. Whether you were one of the cocaine users, or drinkers, or school students, this movie really takes a picture. I was 18 and just graduating high school when this movie came out and for me the drug life was just beginning. The thing i like about this movie also is that it doesn't trivialize or glamorize drug use. It shows both sides of it. The great heights, the stunning lows. Its honest. And most of all it is realistic with everything it shows you. I give it a 9, a nearly perfect movie.I'm not sure why you have to have ten lines in your comments but I am writing thi sending to accomplish that goal. Enjoy.

Good story, made even better by Robert Downey, Jr & I'm my view, James Spader as the villain, as he does it so convincingly. I have a thing for young Spader so that made this movie all the more enjoyable for me. Soundtrack & aesthetic are so wonderfully done. Style & substance throughout. One of my favourite 80s films!

Ignore the negativity about the comparison to the book. If you want a book review, go to Amazon. As a film it does what it does magnificently; thru and thru, from extreme to sublime via ridiculous - but as many point out, if you witnessed any clubbing in LA in the '80s, or any of 'the scene', then this movie holds an unpleasant mirror up to those views. RDJ is simply brilliant. McC & Gertz fantastic. Spader, preparatively oily. 10/10 for this one folks. Anything less is discussing the % of the cut, to be honest. *Sniff*

I'll start saying that I haven't been in LA at that time and I didn't read the novel, so my impressions are of someone just watching the movie. I was moved by Robert Downey Jr. Performance, it definitely raised this movie above what it was on its own. The very ending really bothered me though, it felt silly, unrealistic and forced. It was quite disappointing and I felt like it ruined the story. I could see what happened coming it's only that how it happens is just stupid and a bit ridiculous. Still, I enjoyed the movie, it kept me interested throughout and again, Downey's performance was heart breaking.

Clay Easton (Andrew McCarthy), Blair (Jami Gertz) and Julian Wells (Robert Downey Jr.) are best friends graduating from high school. Julian uses his daddy's money to start a record company. Blair abandons her plans for college with Clay and sleeps with Julian. Six months later, Julian returns home from college for Christmas. Blair convinces Clay to help Julian who is in trouble. Julian lost all of the money and had to borrow from drug dealing school acquaintance Rip (James Spader). This captures a certain superficial 80s L.A. decadence. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a big-time performance as a druggie mess. It is probably a bit of real life imitating art. James Spader has the perfect creepy sleaziness. McCarthy is still in the full bloom of his boyish charm. His problem is that he's a bit inferior for the part. He's not quite the leading man this role calls for. Jami Gertz does functional girlfriend acting. Downey is the key and he's great.