The Rules of Attraction

The Rules of Attraction is a 2002 dark comedy-drama film directed by Roger Avary and based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name. The movie features a star-studded cast of young Hollywood, including James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, and Shannyn Sossamon. This film received mixed reviews upon release but has since gained a cult following due to its unique narrative structure, its dark yet humorous take on college life, and the strong performances of its cast.

The movie takes place at the fictitious Camden College in New England, an elite liberal arts institute crowded with wealthy students whose emotional malaise and excesses create a toxic atmosphere. The storytelling uniquely weaves together multiple narrative threads and employs several experimental film techniques - such as reverse sequences and split screens - to paint a vivid picture of the narrative's complexity.

At the heart of the story are three main characters: Sean Bateman (James Van Der Beek), Lauren Hynde (Shannyn Sossamon), and Paul Denton (Ian Somerhalder). Without serving up any spoilers, their intertwined stories, starkly differing perspectives, and captivating journey form the main crux of the movie.

James Van Der Beek, known for his previous role in Dawson's Creek, sheds his clean-cut image to play Sean Bateman, the drug-dealing womanizer with a repelling charm. Sean is an emotionally disconnected student struggling to find meaning in his existence. His character portrayal has the depth of a Shakespearean protagonist, full of paradoxes and hidden layers that reveal themselves as the plot thickens.

Shannyn Sossamon's character, Lauren, is a seemingly innocent art student who's saving herself for her absent boyfriend, Victor. However, as the film progresses, we get to see a transformation in her character. Sossamon beautifully captures Lauren's innocence, yet shows a knack for making poor decisions when it comes to relationships.

Ian Somerhalder, better known for his role in The Vampire Diaries, plays Paul Denton, a bisexual student who finds himself attracted to Sean. Somerhalder adds depth to his character, providing a more rounded perspective on his character's sexuality and emotional struggles.

These characters personify different forms of excess - hedonism, narcissism, and nihilism, to name a few, immersed in their warped perception of reality. The movie adeptly portrays their struggles with identity, love, and peer pressure while trying to navigate the chaotic world of college.

Avary's deliberate use of nonlinear narrative complements the movie's scattered, fragmented quality, fully immersing us in the characters' chaotic lives. This technique presents a compelling look into the characters' minds, weaving together a rich tapestry of teenage angst, broken relationships, and the pursuit of gratification.

Pertaining to the title, The Rules of Attraction touches on themes of love, lust, and romantic relationships. The film delves into the characters' cynicism about love and challenges stereotypical views about college romances. It's a fascinating exploration of how these young adults grapple with their emotions, unable to distinguish between real and superficial attractions.

However, despite its focus on heavy themes, The Rules of Attraction also provides a comedic element to balance out the narrative. The clever use of satirical humor highlights the paradoxes, hypocrisies, and absurdities of college life while keeping the audience entertained.

The screenplay is laced with engaging dialogues, while the polished cinematography creates a visually compelling narrative. It also boasts a remarkable soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of music that perfectly captures the film's chaos and excess, underlining the overall mood of the narrative.

The Rules of Attraction is not a conventional college drama. Edgy and raw, it presents a chaotic yet realistic picture of the pressures of youth, the complexities of relationships, and the bleakness of life in privileged society. Highly stylized and artistically bold, the film effectively depicts the turbulent world of young adults, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in unconventional narratives.