With the exception of a dazed Maggie Gyllenhaal in the role of Mailer / Menenhetet's mother / lover Hathfertiti, all of the big names have left the room by the time the shit really starts to hit the fan.
The exceptions hover film greatness: Rebel Without a Cause, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Dazed and Confused, The Breakfast Club, and Say Anything... Along comes young director James Ponsoldt and his adaptation of Tim Tharp's novel.