Robert Downey Jr’s best performance was not Oppenheimer but a film that he starred in long before he was a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Robert Downey Jr is a legend in every definition of the word. He has stood tall through the test of time, still being one of the most respected and successful people to have ever been a part of the film industry. Versatility has stayed constant throughout his professional life, making a name for himself through his work as Iron Man, but starring in all kinds of roles along with it.

Robert Downey Jr. in a still from Oppenheimer I Universal Pictures

When his fans think of his best performance, the first answer is often Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. However, he had been gaining critical acclaim long before he stood in black and white.

Downey Jr has had a lot of respectable projects long before he ended up putting on an iron helmet and nothing showcases this better than his 1987 film, Less Than Zero.

Robert Downey Jr’s Lesser Known Masterpiece

Long before he wrote American Psycho, the American author, Bret Easton Ellis wrote the book, Less Than Zero. Being his very first novel, the story follows dark themes of drugs as a young college student tries to cope with the alienation that can come with existing in a society. The book gained a reputation for being disturbing, much like most of Ellis’ works. However, there was something about it that made it intriguing enough to gain a film adaptation.

Robert Downey Jr. in Less Than Zero I 20th Century Fox

Starring Robert Downey Jr, Andrew McCarthy, and James Spader, a film adaptation was released in 1987, and directed by Marek Kanievska. The film was unable to get much traction and ended up scoring quite low among critics as well. However, what many did not know at the time was that it would turn into one of the most underrated gems in Downey Jr’s career.

Robert Downey Jr. in Less Than Zero I 20th Century Fox

Over the years, his fans have praised his performance in the film, even calling it one of the best of his entire career. Considering the themes of the film itself, and the fact that Downey Jr was going through similar issues in his life, it is not surprising that the film meant a lot to him and he gave his performance his all.

It is safe to say that his audience noticed and has continued to talk about it, even decades after the release of the film.

Nothing Less Than Perfect

In a Reddit thread, many fans were discussing some of the most underrated films of all time, when Robert Downey Jr’s Less Than Zero was brought into the equation. Many fans pointed out how the film was one of the best works of his career and still does not get the recognition it deserves. Specifically talking about Downey Jr, they mentioned how he had an Oscar-winning performance in the film and how that needs to be talked about more.

Robert Downey Jr. in Less Than Zero I 20th Century Fox

Pointing out how raw and personal his emotions felt throughout the runtime of the movie, it is not surprising that everyone who has seen it was moved in every way. Even though the movie was extremely sad and heartbreaking, it struck the same emotions in its viewers, proving itself to be an excellent adaptation.

Downey Jr wasn’t the only one who was praised for his performance, as James Spader and Andrew McCarthy’s names were also frequently brought up as excellent in the film. While there is no denying that Downey Jr has had a very full career, it is safe to say that this film is one of the strongest and most underrated contenders out of all of them.

Less Than Zero is available for streaming on Hulu.