HOLLYWOOD & AIDS

I found it disturbing that 20th Century Fox has made “Less Than Zero” a “much more moralistic story.” To change such a vehicle to reflect the world as it should be is an unfortunate mistake.

The shock value in “Less Than Zero” is derived from the realization that its scenes have a chilling ring of truth. Gender confusion, promiscuity and hustling are as much realities in Los Angeles today as is rampant drug use. Pretended ignorance will not serve us in facing these issues.

In an interview in the Los Angeles Times Magazine some months ago, Bret Easton Ellis expressed his fears that Hollywood would weaken and trivialize his novel. His concerns were obviously well-founded.

JOHN ZANIER

Los Angeles