College life: drinking. sex, drugs, messed-up college relationships. I remember some of that. And some studying too (but that is apparently edited from this screenplay.)
Compare and contrast: Animal House vs. Rules of Attraction.
I actually find it more interesting now. I hated it the first time I saw it. My college roommate was kind of obsessed with it. Anyway, watching it now, I get the subtext a little more and appreciate the personalities (and experiences). I think it's actually a pretty accurate depiction of (at least my) college experience, as ugly as it was. James Van see Beek is actually a pretty decent actor, it's too bad he isn't in much anymore.
~I wish we'd had a laugh but you're just not funny~
It's amazing that Roger Avary got this film green lit. Such a un-Hollywood film even with it's cast, feel's like a European film.
It's a lot better then 6.7 rating on IMDB, I'd have it at 7.8 or 7.9 imo. But I see this rating as it's definitely is a split opinion type film.
James Van Der Beek hasn't been better, either has Jessica Biel (shame she hasn't tried more edgy material). Shannyn Sossamon, had such star potential but never quite lived up to it. She's very good in this. Her character Lauren has two of the most awkward sex scenes in film. Kip Pardue as Victor steals the film though, in one of the most exciting and in your face ten minutes sequence you are likely to see (I hear that Avary and Pardue went on a three week bender around Europe with Pardue in character as Victor, and Avary edited into a whole film be interesting to see that). You also have cameos from Oscar winner Faye Dunaway, Eric Stoltz, Fred Savage, Paul Williams and Kate Bosworth. Early performance from Jay Baruchel.
Some stunning sequences especially the scene of Sean Bateman and Lauren meeting from the first time is along with Victor Travel sequence, the film's standout. I love that none of the characters are likeable, not even Lauren who think's she's smart but really isn't. The balls to end the film the way they did makes me love the film even more. It's definitely not a film for everyone, as it's at times a pretty messed up film and has a downbeatness to it that sticks with you throughout.
This was a very interesting film, a very close second to American Psycho for Best Bret Easton Ellis adaptation.
Avary made (but never released) another film from the 70 hours of footage that was shot for the Victor travel sequence.
https://moviechat.org/tt0390051/Glitterati
Agreed, American Psycho is still the best film from a Easton Ellis adaption. But Attraction deserves more love, it be great if some company like ARROW or even Criterion Collection, release this film along with Glitterati and the awesome extras already on DVD (some of the best commentaries ever done) and C.D Soundtrack.
shareBret Easton Ellis disagrees with you.
As of 2013, ("The Rules of Attraction) is Bret Easton Ellis' favorite adaptations of his work. "My favorite movie out of the four was The Rules of Attraction. I thought it was the only one that captured the sensibility of the novel in a cinematic way. I know I'm sounding like a film critic on that, but I'm talking about that in an emotional way - as the writer of the novel. I watched that movie and thought they got it in a way that Mary Harron [director of American Psycho] didn't and Less Than Zero didn't."
He's entitled to his opinion, maybe The Rules of Attraction adaption is closer to the book then the other adaptions, can't say as I haven't read it. As a film, not a book adaption, American Psycho is the better film as it has a way better performance and flows better for me. But The Rules of Attraction is far better then it's 6.7 on IMDB has you believe. It's a film that a studio wouldn't make today.
shareOh most definitely no studio would touch it today. Too many people would be offended by it.
shareHave you read any Bret Ellis? All his stuff is joyfully nihilistic
Wish Avery would fucking adapt Glamorama. Guess that's never happening
Wish they did Less Then Zero again, and go by the book, also do it's sequel Imperial Bedrooms. Glamorama be so Vital for todays culture of celebrity and fame. Victor Ward Character as seen in Rules of Attraction is a interesting character.
shareI agree on all counts. It would be great to see them do another LTZ, this time closer to the book. IB too.
Glamorama would be tough. It is pretty long and winding, not to mention the graphic violence.
I don't know if you could get studio's to green lit Bret Easton Ellis work today maybe on a low budget and a smart director/script and a good up and coming cast could do it. Maybe a TV series by HBO or Netflix. Less Then Zero deserves a better adaption, shame as the 80's version had a great cast with the awesome James Spader and Robert Downey Jr. Maybe someone will do it someday but it definitely won't be with a big studio.
shareI have to re-read Glamorama. I remember it being interesting but very weird and I really found the graphic descriptions of violence to be a bit much. It actually made me nauseous at times.
share