"LIKE I NEED AN ASSHOLE ON MY ELBOW" (reviewed by AX)

I’m a big fan of author Bret Easton Ellis, so naturally the first draft of this review was just a piece comparing the film version of RULES OF ATTRACTION to the novel. But then I thought, who the fuck is going to care? Do I know anyone besides me who reads his books? No.

That said, RULES OF ATTRACTION is an outstanding film, worthy of repeat viewings and dialogue recitation. It has all the style and flare of PULP FICTION, and the same sadistic and comic tone of AMERICAN PSYCHO. And, luckily, it does maintain the message of Ellis’s story. Which is: romance is dead.

So why would you wanna watch a movie about a bunch of morally confused, asshole rich kids in college? Because the real world isn’t fair, and people like this usually grow up to be successful and live very comfortably. But in Ellis’s world, the motherfuckers pay dearly for their excess. And the characters in RULES OF ATTRACTION are no exception. They do fucked up things to one another, they suffer, and we watch gleefully. And the filmmakers even managed to have it funny in many places.

Like a friend of mine always says, payback is a motherfucker. And even though the original story took place in the 80’s, it translates well within present times. Assholes are everywhere, so it’s nice to see them writhe in agony once and a while.

(10.21.02)