Less Than Zero

Blair: Did you talk to Julian yet?
Clay: No.
Blair: Clay, I asked you to talk to him.
Clay: Okay, I'll call Betty Ford, you want me to get him a room, fine.
Blair: No, just talk to him. I mean, he's your friend, too.
Clay: It's funny. When you called me, I thought I was coming home to see you.

In Beverly Hills, you can have anything your heart desires. You just can't have it the way it used to be.

Three friends -- Clay, his girlfriend Blair, and Julian -- have just graduated from high school located in posh Beverly Hills, California.  As is the case in most post-graduation situations, their lives go in different directions and seem to stay that way because of something that happened.  Clay, now a college freshman in New Hampshire, comes home for Christmas vacation and finds that Blair is now involved with his now ex-best-friend, Julian, who is not only using a lot of drugs, but is extremely deep in debt.


Premiering November 6, 1987, "Less Than Zero" wasn't the usual campy and cheeky teen 80s movie.  It dealt with relationships and drug problems.  Having already had a long and successful run at directing episodes for TV programs, this film was only the second for mostly unknown Marek Kanievska (his first being the "Another Country" starring Rupert Everett and Colin Firth).

Very loosely based on the novel written by Bret Easton Ellis, "Less Than Zero" wasn't nominated for any awards and it only grossed a little over $12.3 million at the theaters.  The theme of the film wasn't what people wanted to go watch: People were okay with the drug and party scene, they already knew the consequences of overdoing it, and it was a part of everyday life.  Perhaps the reason it drew a certain attendance was either because of curiosity or its cast.

Andrew McCarthy (Clay) had previously been in such films as "St. Elmo's Fire," "Pretty In Pink," and "Mannequin."  Jami Gertz (Blair) had previously been in "Sixteen Candles," "Quicksilver," and "The Lost Boys."  Robert Downey, Jr. had been in "Weird Science," "Back to School," and "The Pick-Up Artist."  James Spader was in "Pretty In Pink," "Mannequin," and "Baby Boom."

"Less Than Zero" had a message to deliver in that even though friends go their separate ways, there comes a time when they should be there for each other and to help each other, regardless as to what is going on or why or even one's opinion on the matter.  Personally, it's a message I happen to support and believe in.

Here's some behind-the-scenes information regarding the film...

1.  Keanu Reeves was originally cast as Clay Easton, the role that eventually went to Andrew McCarthy.

2.  Look for a much younger Brad Pitt who was paid $38 for his uncredited appearance.

3.  This is the first film that Robert Downey, Jr. is billed as "Robert Downey, Jr.".  All films previous he was billed as simply "Robert Downey".  

4.  Both "Less Than Zero" and its reported sequel, "Imperial Bedrooms" which was expected in 2012  are aret titles named for Elvis Costello songs and album respectively. "Less Than Zero" is the first single off of "My Aim is True" (1977), and "Imperial Bedroom" is the name of Elvis' 1982 album. 

5.  This is the third film both Andrew McCarthy and James Spader were in together.  The other two were "Pretty In Pink" and "Mannequin."

6.  The soundtrack for this film includes such 80s favorites as "A Hazy Shade of Winter" by The Bangles, "Rock and Roll All Night" by Poison, and "Going Back to Cali" by LL Cool J.

7.  This was the first screenplay written by Harley Peyton.  After "Less Than Zero," he went on to write and produce over 20 episodes for the hit TV show, "Twin Peaks."

8.  Referenced in the film, "17 Again" (2009).

9.  The sequel for "Imperial Bedrooms" was reported to air or be released in 2012, but as of right now (May 2013) it is still in its development stage.

And now you know.


Like Rip (James Spader) said, "This is not recess.  Everyone is accountable."  So, if you haven't already, hold yourself accountable and watch this cult classic.


Here are some pictures from the film beginning with the key characters...

And now some pictures following the story line without giving too much away...

Julian: I was wondering if I could stay at home tonight. I'd just really like to wake up and know where the hell I am for once, it'll be a nice change of pace for me.
Benjamin Wells: I can't do that.
Julian: Well I wouldn't ask, it's just my options are really kinda limited right now.
Benjamin Wells: Julian, we've been through this a hundred times.
Julian: Yeah, a hundred and one, actually.
Benjamin Wells: You conned your way through rehab, you lied, you stole. And look what you've done to our family.
Julian: I know, but I just want you to give me a break, I need you to be my father for one goddamn day just... just help me. I mean, can't you tell when I'm telling the truth?
Benjamin Wells: No. Trust was the first thing you ruined.
Julian: [starting to cry] Yeah.  [pause]  Okay, well I'm gonna go. There's this guy I owe a large sum of money to. Yeah, big surprise but, I'm gonna try and talk to him. I'm gonna try and do something right for once. I mean it. So I just want you to wish me luck, whether you believe me or not.
Benjamin Wells: [voice breaking] Julian? Can you stay clean, for one week? For one damn week? I'll do everything I can to help you. But I need you to help me too.
Julian: [with a blank stare] I could try.

Some Kind of Wonderful

Keith: Well, I like art, I work in a gas station, my best friend is a tomboy. These things don't fly too well in the American high school.

Watts is a teenage tomboy who loves to play the drums.  She's quite good at it.  What she's not quite good at is being open about her feelings for her best friend, Keith, which run deep.  When Keith gets a date with the most popular girl in school, Watts' friendship with him begins to get shaky and runs the risk of ending.  The popular girl, Amanda, however, has a former boyfriend, Hardy, who is from the rich side of town and is unable to let her go.  Revenge is on Hardy's mind and Watts must decide what to do.

Directed by Howard Deutch who had previously directed the 80s hit, "Pretty in Pink," "Some Kind of Wonderful" made its premiere on February 27, 1987.  However, it would come shy to doing half as good at the box office having only grossed a little over $18.5 million.  

Why didn't this film do better at the box office than it did?  Was it the story?  The screenplay was written by John Hughes who had written the storylines for such successful films as "Vacation," "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," so certainly it couldn't have been that.  Was it drowned out by other competition?  Popular films that came out earlier that month were "Light of Day" starring Michael J. Fox, "Mannequin" which starred Andrew McCarthy, "Over the Top" with the action star Sylvester Stallone, and quite possibly "Sister, Sister" with Eric Stoltz (who would also be in "Some Kind of Wonderful") or "A Tiger's Tale" starring Ann Margaret and C. Thomas Howell.  "A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" opened at the box office on the same day as "Some Kind of Wonderful," so perhaps that might have been it.  People tend to be suckers for sequels, after all, and it did gross over $44.7 million.

It wasn't like "Some Kind of Wonderful" didn't have an untalented cast.  Eric Stoltz had been in "Mask" for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe award, Mary Stuart Masterson had been in seven other films and television productions, and Lea Thompson (who would win the Best Young Artist award at the Young Artist Awards ceremony for this film) starred in such mega-hits as "Jaws 3-D," "All the Right Moves," "Red Dawn" and "Back to the Future."

Perhaps the film would have been more of a success if it had a better soundtrack; "Miss Amanda Jones" by the Rolling Stones and "Catch Me Fall" by Billy Idol weren't exactly huge hits.  In fact, they were forgetable.  As far as the song "Pretty In Pink" by the Psychadelic Furs goes, well... we'd already heard it.

All that aside, here are some behind-the-scenes information you might find amusing....

1.  Martha Coolidge (who had directed "Valley Girl," "Joy of Sex," and "Real Genius") was originally signed to direct the film but left shortly before production began and was replaced by Howard Deutch.

2.  When Martha Coolidge was hired to direct, she cast 'Kim Delaney' as Amanda Jones and Kyle MacLachlan as Hardy Jenns. When Coolidge dropped out before filming was to begin and Howard Deutch replaced her, he replaced Delaney with Lea Thompson (after Eric Stoltz suggested her for the role) and replaced MacLachlan with Craig Sheffer.

3.  The role of Keith Nelson was written with Eric Stoltz in mind.

4.  Before this movie was filmed, Eric Stoltz had been the original choice to play Marty McFly in "Back to the Future," and he had even shot five weeks' worth of footage as Marty before he was replaced by Michael J. Fox.  Lea Thompson, who plays one of Stoltz's love interests in "Some Kind of Wonderful," played Michael's would-be character's mother in "Back to the Future."

5.  Molly Ringwald was offered the role of Watts but refused it, ending her successful relationship with John Hughes.

6.  Lea Thompson originally turned down the lead when she was approached by Howard Deutch. She then accepted the role after "Howard the Duck" flopped, and Howard Deutch again asked her to play the role of Amanda Jones.

7.  This film marks the feature film debut of Candace Cameron Bure (she played the role of Cindy Nelson and would continue being in various television movies and program series up to this present day).

8.  The three main characters have names relating to The Rolling Stones: Amanda Jones, named after a song of the same name (which is played in the film); a drummer called Watts (Charlie Watts) and a character called Keith (Keith Richards).

9.  The car that Watts drives in the movie is a very dilapidated mini cooper modified for driving in America. Between 1960 and 1967 only 10,000 were sold in the U.S. and then discontinued. Although they are very popular now, they were quite alien and unknown to most of the American public in 1987.

10.  Most of the extras in the film that play the "bad kids" in the detention scene and around campus weren't thugs at all. They were football players from the various high schools in the area. They were chosen mostly because they could tower over the actors and look menacing.

11.  In an earlier version of the script, Keith proposes to Susan (Watts' first name) at the end (August 1986 script).

12.  Howard Deutch and Lea Thompson fell in love while filming this film and they are now married (they've been married since 1989 and have two children).

And now you know.


In my opinion, what kept the film alive is that it had a decent story, viewers could relate to the character wardrobe and style, and the soundtrack, though less than stellar, was okay throughout.  Mary Stuart Masterson, on the other hand... I'm guessing people really enjoyed seeing her rock out whilst playing the drums.  With the exception of the Go-Go's music videos on MTV, we hadn't really seen that before.

Take a look at some pictures from this film of which is still considered a cult-classic to this day.  First, the key characters...

Now some picture stills from the film...

Watts: Because I'm driving you crazy and you're driving me crazy and I'd rather not see you and have you think good things about me than have you see me and hate me. 'Cause I can't afford to have you hate me, Keith. The only things I care about in this goddamn life are me and my drums and you.

Spaceballs

Dark Helmet: Before you die there is something you should know about us, Lone Star.
Lone Starr: What?
Dark Helmet: I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate.
Lone Starr: What's that make us?
Dark Helmet: Absolutely nothing! Which is what you are about to become.

Planet Spaceball is running out of air!  Its ruler, President Skroob, sends the powerful Lord Dark Helmet to steal the abundant air supply from Planet Druidia during the wedding of King Roland's daughter, Princess Vespa, to Prince Valium.  What, oh, what can be done?!?  Easy!  One must send noneother than space rogue, Lone Starr, and his sidekick Barf to the rescue!


"Spaceballs" made its premiere on June 24, 1987 to movie audiences all over America and ended up being a sensational comedic hit for director, Mel Brooks.  Did it win any awards?  No.  Was it even nominated?  Of course not.  But so what?  It was Mel Brooks!  This man gave the world hilarious and entertaining hits such as "The Producers" (for which he won an Oscar), "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein.," and "Silent Movie."  When Hollywood knew Mel was directing a film or writing a script for one or both, they knew they were in for something that was of comedic genius or of a silly story that only a fan could enjoy.  "Spaceballs," one of only three films Mel did in the 80s, was definitely a 96-minute thrill ride of nothing but laughs.

It's not just the script that makes "Spaceballs" a funny hit that millions have watched over and over again, but it's the costumes and the names of the characters as well.  This film starred a plethora of talent including (of course) Mel Brooks (playing both President Skroob and Yogurt), Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet), Bill Pullman (Lone Starr), John Candy (Barf), Daphne Zuniga (Princess Vespa), and Joan Rivers (Dot Matrix; voice only).  Co-stars included Dick Van Patten (King Roland), Jim J. Bullock (Prince Valium), and a cameos by John Hurt (himself), Dom DeLuise (Pizza the Hut; voice only), and Michael York (Ape #1; uncredited).

Grossing over $38 million in just the U.S. alone, here are some other bits of behind-the-scenes info coming at ya at ludricous speed...

1.  It took Mel Brooks six months to write the script.  Brooks came up with the idea for this film when he discovered he had yet to spoof space movies, since he already destroyed the western films with "Blazing Saddles," made fun of the horror genre with "Young Frankenstein," and gave silent movies the ax with "Silent Movie."

2.  Mel Brooks sent the script to George Lucas and was concerned that he would be offended, but Lucas called Brooks and gave him his trust after seeing "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein."

3.  President Skroob's name is an anagram of Mel Brooks who plays him.

4.  The castle on Druidia is King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. It has been modified by matte painting with additional ramps. Neuschwanstein Castle has been featured in many motion pictures, and is the original inspiration for the castle at Disneyland.

5.  John Candy ad-libbed the line, "Oh, that's gonna leave a mark," after standing up without undoing his seat belt. 

6.  The Barf costume was operated by three people. John Candy operated Barf's tail using a hidden control in his paw, while two assistants each controlled an ear. Candy's costume was powered by a 30-pound battery that he wore on his back.  A full face mask resembling a wrinkled bulldog was originally constructed for the character of Barf, but Mel Brooks quipped that 'if they were going to hide John Candy behind a mask, he might as well hire someone else for half the price'. A nose and upper lip piece was tried next, which Candy approved but again Brooks did not. They finally settled on animatronic ears connected to a hairpiece, a small nose application and a patch over one eye just like the dog from the 'Our Gang' shorts.

7.  Princess Vespa's name is a joke in-and-of itself: Vespa is the Italian word for a wasp. In North American slang, the term WASP can connote a white vainglorious person of high breeding.

8.  The name Dot Matrix was taken from a type of computer printer which was very popular with personal computers in the 70s and 80s prior to the invention of Ink-Jet and Laser printers.    

9.  Six complete Dot Matrix suits were built for Lorene Yarnell Jansson to wear and all of them were used up due to breakage on set. For the interior scenes, the feet were outfitted with roller skates, but for the desert exteriors she was given flat-bottomed shoes. Dot's face was somewhat inspired by Joan Rivers who had already been contracted to provide the voice.

10.  Every time Dark Helmet has his face covered, his voice is lower and more basal, similar to James Earl Jones when he played Darth Vader. In the DVD commentary, Mel Brooks says that the idea of Dark Helmet's voice changing whenever his face was covered was actually Rick Moranis's idea.

11.  In the DVD Commentary, Mel Brooks talks about the various Jewish-related jokes (i.e. "Druish Princess", etc.) and how he felt ashamed for putting those jokes in the movie in the first place, but also felt proud for leaving them in the movie.

12.  During his scene, Michael Winslow did all the sound effects. In the commentary for the movie Mel Brooks jokes that they saved around a $1000 by letting him do this.

13.  In the scene where Dark Helmet is dressed in safari clothes searching for Lone Starr and the others with binoculars, he is on top of a floating vehicle. In reality, the vehicle isn't floating or suspended on wires of any kind, but on top of a platform that was surrounded by mirrors that reflected the sand around it to give it the appearance of floating.    

14.  The scene in which Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) is playing with his dolls was not in the script. Mel Brooks came up with the idea on the set one day, and told it to Moranis, who then improvised the entire scene, including the dialogue.    

15.  In one scene, Lone Starr says he was born "somewhere in the Ford Galaxy." This is a joke-reference to a model of car produced by the Ford company (the Ford Galaxie 500), as well as to Harrison Ford of "Star Wars."

16.  "Spaceballs" merchandise shown in the movie include: bed sheet, flame thrower, lunch box, cornflakes, towels, Yogurt figure, toilet paper, shaving cream, place mat, action figures. As part of the fair-use agreement between Mel Brooks and George Lucas, no legitimate Spaceballs merchandise ever existed in the real world. The lunch box and coloring book are simply The Transformers products with a "Spaceballs" logo stuck on them.    

17.  In the DVD commentary, Mel Brooks talks about how difficult it was playing the Yogurt character. The gold-colored makeup gave him a terrible rash on his face and neck (necessitating the shooting of all of Yogurt's scenes out of sequence), also his knees were hurting constantly since he had to walk around on his knees even though he was wearing kneepads. Brooks also goes on to say that in spite of the difficulties, he enjoyed playing the role as Yogurt tremendously and that it was all worth it.    

18.  During the self-destruct sequence, when the "Cancel Self Destruct" door is opened, the "Authorized By" line at the bottom has the name ALBIEZ. Peter Albiez was one of the special effects staff.

19.  The voice of the Self-Destruct Countdown is that of the film's script supervisor, Julie Pitkanen.

20.  The blasters used by the Spaceball stormtroopers are actually Calico M100 carbines with a scope attached.

21.  WILHELM SCREAM: When Barf holds up the curved tubes, deflecting the shots of four of the bad guys back at them, the fourth one screams what is called a "Wilhelm" as he is shot in the rear.    

22.  After King Roland gives the combination to the air shield of planet Druidia, and the light goes out and on again, the doctor is seen making out with the nurse. Dark Helmet then tells him to go the golf course and "work on his putts". This is a pun, as "putz" in Hebrew/Yiddish is slang for penis.

23.  The scene where the Megamaid sucks the atmosphere off the Druidian mountain is a parody of the Paramount Studios logo.

24.  One of the Dinks is played by Tony Cox, who also played an Ewok in "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi." The ape at the end (who says "There goes the planet!") is voiced by Michael York, who is the stepfather of Rick McCallum, producer of the "Star Wars" prequels.

25.  George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic constructed the puppet of the chest-burster for the film. The main effects unit for the film was Apogee, Inc. This was the company headed by John Dykstra that split off from ILM in 1978 when Lucasfilm moved to Marin County. Thus, Spaceballs marked the first time since "Star Wars" that the two units shared work on a single project.

26.  According to Mel Brooks, this is one of the most expensive movies he has ever made: $25 million, with "Dracula: Dead and Loving It" a close second at $22 million. By contrast, "The Producers" cost less than $1 million to produce.

27.  Of all the many jokes in this film, Mel Brooks says that the two he is most proud of are the running gag about merchandising ("Spaceballs: the Breakfast Cereal", "Spaceballs: The Tee-Shirt", etc.) and Col. Sandurz's renting "Spaceballs" before it was finished.

And now you know.


Feel the Schwartz and take a gander at these picture still from the film beginning with the key characters...

Now some picture stills following the story line of the film without giving too much away...

 Yogurt: And may the Schwartz be with youuuyoyoy - oh, what a world, what a world!