So I finally saw the whole thing and had really been looking forward to it.

 

 

I really thought it was a stinker of a flick. I never read the novel, so I don't know what sort of poetic license the filmmakers took, but there was no 'back story', there was no understanding of Downey's character before he was 'broken'. So he's totally not sympathetic at all, which is a shame. And yes, his performance would be considered excellent if he was actually acting. But that was when he was going through pretty much the same thing, so....yeah. I think he's a phenomenal actor, but this just.....wasn't acting.

 

And I love Jamie Gertz, but.....a model? A working model? They could've cast Ally Sheedy in that role and I would've been more inclined to buy that, lol. Gertz is a great comedic and character actress, but she's no beauty (no offense to her - I love her, she's just not believable as a working model, lol). She's Muffy Tepperman.

 

And then there's Andrew McCarthy.

 

And having them all coming from wealthy families? Booooooring!

 

Anyway, I would never recommend this to anyone. It didn't even make the lovely 80s 'brat pack' must see list, imo.

 

James Spader was awesome in that small role though. But he's awesome.