Clay (Andrew McCarthy) comes home to Los Angeles after his first semester of college according to his ex-girlfriend's request, only to discover that his former best friend has an out-of-control drug habit.
Loosely based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Less Than Zero refuses to take the risks necessary to capture the keen social observation of the book.
A startling tale of alienation and self-destruction. Put Downey on the map, at least for a while.
Moviehole
March 31, 2005
The anti-teen film that really kicks ass
Variety
February 27, 2008
Perhaps this wasn't the best subject matter for British director Marek Kanievska (Another Country) to make his American debut. The feel for this distinctly Southern California story escapes him.
Meant to be a statement against the amoral lifestyle of super-rich youth, it misses the mark by a mile.
Chicago Reader
February 27, 2008
Ed Lachman's cinematography is letter perfect as always in its handling of light and color (assisted here by Barbara Ling's flashy production design), but it's a pity to see it wasted on such claptrap.