Hollywood Flashback: American Cinematheque Honoree Robert Downey Junior. Makes His Mark in 'Less Than Zero'

This story first came out inside the March. 21 problem in the Hollywood Reporter. When Under Zero opened up up in November 1987, The Hollywood Reporter referred to as it a "lame adaptation" of Bret Easton Ellis' novel getting a "bogus designer plot on top from itInch and mentioned "box-office prospects look dismal." It could produce a meager $12.4 million in your area but was the breakout film for Robert Downey Junior., then 22. PHOTOS: 'The Avengers': New Photos From Marvel's Superhero Film Just before making what's converted into a cult film of ྌs teenage decadence, he'd done Saturday Evening Love a season and numerous movies, like the Pick-up Artist with Molly Ringwald. THR gushed that his cocaine-addicted Julian was "easily the most effective performance" in Zero, worth a supporting actor Oscar nomination "notwithstanding the fact Academy voters aren't most likely probably the most nimble in organizing for youth movies." (Downey wasn't nominated but later got a lead actor nom for 1992's Chaplin.) PHOTOS: Hollywood's 10 Finest-Grossing Stars He mentioned of his performance in the 1997 interview, "That's probably the first time I created a personality by yourself. Plus it actually was emotional." Producer Jon Avnet mentioned recently he understood Downey was well suited for Zero when he did a screen test with Kiefer Sutherland and Uma Thurman (they didn't finish off inside the film, but Kaira Pitt did -- just like a $38-a-day uncredited extra). "There's this kind of vulnerability to his performance," states Avnet. "You will see it within the eyes. As well as the more he tries to hide it, the higher it's there." Downey will probably be feted by American Cinematheque Friday. Up next for your actor: Warner Bros.' An Online Detective: A Game Title Title of Shadows, due 12 ,. 16. Related Subjects American Cinematheque Robert Downey Junior. Saturday Evening Live