The Rules of Attraction

The Rules of Attraction is a dark comedy-drama film from 2002 that explores the lives of a group of college students at an East Coast university. Directed by Roger Avary, the movie is based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis.

James Van Der Beek stars as Sean Bateman, a wealthy and charismatic student who is known for his attractiveness and sexual prowess. Sean spends most of his time partying and hooking up with women, but he is secretly in love with his friend Lauren (Shannyn Sossamon), who is dating another student named Victor (Kip Pardue).

Meanwhile, Lauren is struggling with her own feelings of unhappiness and disillusionment. She is tired of the superficiality and materialism of the people around her, and she longs for something more meaningful. She turns to drugs and alcohol to cope with her pain, and she finds herself drawn to a mysterious and enigmatic student named Paul (Ian Somerhalder).

The movie is told from multiple perspectives, with each character narrating their own story in a nonlinear fashion. This allows the audience to see each character's inner thoughts and desires, as well as the ways in which their lives intersect and overlap.

As the film progresses, the characters become increasingly entangled in a web of betrayal, heartbreak, and deceit. Sean's womanizing ways catch up to him, and he finds himself in deeper trouble than he ever imagined. Lauren and Paul's relationship becomes more intense and dangerous, as they spiral into a world of drugs and reckless behavior. Victor struggles to maintain his facade of perfection, even as his world begins to crumble around him.

Despite its dark subject matter, The Rules of Attraction is also funny and satirical, poking fun at the excesses and absurdities of college life. The movie is set against a backdrop of wild parties, designer clothes, and expensive cars, highlighting the extreme privilege and excess of the characters.

At its core, however, the film is a commentary on the disillusionment and despair that can come with growing up and finding oneself in a world that seems empty and meaningless. The characters are all searching for something that is just out of reach, whether it's love, meaning, or a sense of belonging. In the end, their struggles and failures are poignant and relatable, reminding us of the fragility and complexity of the human experience.

Overall, The Rules of Attraction is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores the darker side of college life. With its talented cast, sharp writing, and stylish direction, it is a movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll.