Rules of Attraction, The (2002)

Director: Roger Avary
Writers: Bret Easton Ellis (novel), Roger Avary
Cast: James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, Jessica Biel,
Shannyn Sossamon, Kip Pardue, Faye Dunaway & more
Release Date: 11 October 2002 (USA)
Awards: 1 win & 1 nomination
User Rating: 6,7/10

Review: "Roger Avery succedes brilliantly in this impressive and horrifying adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' first novel. I read the novel 4 years ago as a Freshman in college after being blown away by 'American Psycho' and wanted to make 'Rules' into a film myself thinking no one would ever try. So much for that. Anyway, Avery impressed me alot. The series of Patrick Bateman references are also quite amusing for readers/viewers familiar with 'American Psycho'
Some reviewers have tended to comment on Avery's use of visual gimmicks, but he puts them to use well. The split screen where Sean meets Lauren is perfect, showing the seperation between them. The backwards film also works, showing how relatively meaningless many of the actions are, while drawing attention to them at the same time.
One last thing. People, including here on the IMDB have been criticizing the characters for being one-dimensional. THAT IS THE POINT. Ellis' characters ARE one-dimensional. What you get is a boat-load of information about all of these people and what you are left with is an empty being, soulless, if you will. It works. YOU aren't SUPPOSED to be attached to these characters because THEY are not attached to themselves or anyone else.
Brilliant film. Very well acted. Very well done." Written by Frank (imdb.com)