American Psycho Cover

American Psycho Review

Reading 'American Psycho' felt like stepping into a 1980s nightmare with a psychopathic twist. Bret Easton Ellis paints Wall Street's greed with a bloody brush, mixing horror and satire in an intense and unforgettable rollercoaster. Caution: not for everyone.
  • Plot
  • Characters
  • Writing Style
  • Social Critique
4/5Overall Score

'American Psycho' crafts a darkly humorous tale of wealth and identity with its intense plot and satirical critique.

Specs
  • Year released: 1991
  • Author: Bret Easton Ellis
  • Genre: Fiction, Horror
  • Pages: 399
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Setting: 1980s New York City
  • Main Character: Patrick Bateman
  • Theme: Consumerism, Identity, Violence
Pros
  • Dark humor brilliance
  • Social commentary depth
  • Unique writing style
  • Unforgettable characters
Cons
  • Disturbing violent content
  • Unlikable protagonist
  • Graphic language
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Welcome to my review of American Psycho! This book, penned by Bret Easton Ellis, is like a roller coaster—thrilling, disturbing, and not for the faint-hearted. I remember reading it for the first time and being torn between fascination and horror, kind of like watching a horror movie through your fingers. But let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this edgy, satirical look at 1980s consumerism, narcissism, and, of course, a touch of psychopathy.

In a nutshell

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is a gripping mix of horror and satire. This psychological thriller, set in the materialistic 1980s, follows Patrick Bateman, a young and handsome Wall Street banker. By day, he indulges in luxury and hedonism. But by night, he reveals a darker, more sinister side. Themes of consumerism, identity, and psychological decay run deep throughout the narrative. Ellis crafts a chilling exploration of a society obsessed with wealth and appearance. The book captures attention with its biting critique and intense storytelling.

Unraveling the Plot and Characters of ‘American Psycho’

Ah, ‘American Psycho’. A perfect book to chat about over dinner—if you want to lose friends faster than a sloth on roller skates! I remember reading it on a flight and being so engrossed that I almost missed the flight attendant’s third reminder about my seat belt. The book’s plot is a rollercoaster of finance, fashion, and—you guessed it—bloodshed. Patrick Bateman, the protagonist, is your typical Wall Street guy, if that typical included having a penchant for murder and obsession with Huey Lewis and the News.

The plot is a winding river—sometimes calm, other times a raging torrent of chaos and existential dread. Bateman’s routine is meticulous to the point of madness. He juggles being a high-flying investment banker with committing horrific acts. It leaves you questioning reality, your taste in music, and possibly your life choices.

Let’s talk characters. Bateman is as 80s as shoulder pads, cocaine, and mixed tapes. He’s surrounded by a cast that mirrors the shallow, materialistic world he thrives in or rather survives. The other characters, like Evelyn and Paul Allen, are vapid and self-obsessed, adding layers to the tragedy and comedy of Bateman’s insanity. It’s like watching a train wreck—it’s madness, but you can’t look away.

It’s not all roses—or, in this case, blood-splattered suits—because the pacing sometimes drags, and not everyone will enjoy the grim satire. But hey, isn’t that part of its bizarre charm?

Now, let’s put the scalpel aside. Next up, we’ll explore the gritty social and cultural commentary embedded within ‘American Psycho’—a topic even darker than Bateman’s wardrobe choices!

Exploring Social and Cultural Commentary in American Psycho

Ever found yourself wondering what a world driven by consumerism and narcissism would look like? Well, American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis paints a pretty satirical picture of just that. Now, let’s chat about the social and cultural commentary this shocker of a book dishes out.

In the 1980s, everyone seemed obsessed with designer suits, Rolex watches, and trying to outdo one another. Patrick Bateman, the main character, is the embodiment of this era’s shallow excess. This might remind you of that one friend who spends too much time perfecting their Instagram feed. But, alas, Bateman takes things to an extreme that even filters can’t hide.

When it comes to social commentary, Ellis doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the yuppie culture. He dives deep into the absurdity of it all. The characters discuss the latest restaurants and who’s who in Wall Street with the seriousness of a United Nations debate. It’s like watching a reality show where everyone is obsessed with themselves—reality turned up to eleven.

American Psycho also raises questions about identity and humanity. Bateman’s life is a reflection of the hollow chase for material wealth and status. Have you ever been to a party where everyone is trying too hard? That’s the vibe here but with a chilling undertone. Despite the gruesome acts, it’s the lack of connection and empathy that’s truly scary. He’s a monster, yes, but influenced by the monster that is the superficial society around him.

So, the next time you pick up American Psycho, look beyond the gore and see the social critique hidden beneath. Now, brace yourself as we wade into the waters of Ellis’s unique writing style next!

Exploring the Writing Style of Bret Easton Ellis in ‘American Psycho’

Bret Easton Ellis writes like a man who’s seen too much caffeine and maybe a bit too much late-night TV. It’s edgy, jarring, and boy, does it pack a punch! In ‘American Psycho’, Ellis creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking down a dark alley in bright daylight, unsure of what might jump out at you. He does this by blending vivid descriptions with a detached narrative voice, which reflects the protagonist’s unsettling psyche. I swear, at some point, I had to put the book down and check if my heart rate was still normal, because the suspense was that real.

Ellis uses repetition like a magician uses card tricks. The brand names, dinner orders, and elaborate routines aren’t just mind-numbing details; they’re part of the story’s rhythm, capturing the obsessive and shallow world of the character Patrick Bateman. The irony is that by focusing on these mundane particulars, Ellis paints an intense picture of a society obsessed with image and status.

His writing style is something like a roller coaster: thrilling and at times overwhelming. The dialogue is sharp, often funny in a dark sort of way, and it moves as if it’s part of a rapid-fire game of ping-pong. I couldn’t help but chuckle at inappropriate moments, and I think that’s exactly what Ellis intended.

But hey, even a gripping style like this isn’t without its pros and cons. Ellis’s attention to detail can sometimes feel like reading a shopping list, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Ready to tackle the next part? Hang on tight as we dive into the swirl of controversy and public reaction surrounding ‘American Psycho’!

Controversy and Public Reaction to ‘American Psycho’

When Bret Easton Ellis unleashed ‘American Psycho’ onto the world, the public didn’t exactly roll out a red carpet. The book sparked enough controversy to make a Kardashian scandal look like a minor issue. With its graphic violence and morally bankrupt protagonist, people either clutched their pearls or couldn’t put it down fast enough.

The book’s release was like watching a horror movie with a blindfold—gory and shocking, but you couldn’t help but peek. Many readers, including myself, struggled to find the line between satire and outright grotesque content. I distinctly remember my friend, Julia, tossing her copy in the trash halfway through. ‘No thanks,’ she said, ‘I’ll stick to rom-coms, please.’

The backlash wasn’t just limited to the general public. Media outlets and critics couldn’t agree whether Ellis was a genius or had gone off his rocker. Some bookstores refused to stock it, and others wrapped it like it was a dirty magazine. With all the fuss, you might expect Ellis to hide under a rock, but instead, he basked in the notoriety, solidifying his fame.

In the years since its release, ‘American Psycho’ gained a cult following, with some readers praising its brutal honesty and others using it as a litmus test for friendship. I mean, if you can stomach Patrick Bateman’s antics and still laugh, you’re someone I’d want at my dinner table. But should you read it? If your stomach’s as strong as your curiosity, I say go for it. Just maybe keep a rom-com handy for when you need a palate cleanser.

Conclusion

Reviewing ‘American Psycho’ has been a wild ride. I found myself both appalled and fascinated. The plot kept me hooked like a fish on a line. The characters are as complex as a three-layer cake. The book doesn’t shy away from controversy, hitting hard on societal norms. Ellis’s style might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like dark humor and social commentary, give it a shot. Just be ready for a bit of a bumpy journey. This concludes my review. Happy reading, if you dare!

4/5Overall Score
Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!