“American Psycho” is a satirical, horror, black comedy novel written by Bret Easton Ellis and published in 1991. The story is told in the first person point-of-view of Patrick Bateman, a successful investment banker living in 1980s Manhattan. As the novel progresses, Bateman is also revealed to supposedly lead a double-life as a serial killer. Upon its release, the book garnered immense controversy and continues to spark both debate and discussion on the dark side of yuppie culture to this day. Recently, it has even experienced somewhat of a revival in the media and Internet culture. There are several key factors that contributed to the controversy surrounding “American Psycho,” ranging from its explicit violence to its critique of consumerism and the culture of excess.
One of the primary reasons “American Psycho” generated controversy is its graphic and unflinching portrayal of violence. Ellis does not shy away from describing the brutal acts committed by Patrick Bateman, providing meticulous and disturbing details. The book contains scenes of torture, rape and murder, all presented with a detached and clinical tone that amplifies the discomfort experienced by readers. The violence depicted in “American Psycho” is not only excessive but also highly stylized, as Bateman often focuses on the aesthetics of his acts, describing the perfect texture of flesh or the artistic arrangement of severed body parts. This unapologetic portrayal of violence shocked and disturbed many readers, who found it gratuitous and exploitative.
Furthermore, the controversial nature of “American Psycho” is heightened by its exploration of the main character’s psyche. Patrick Bateman is portrayed as a highly materialistic, narcissistic and psychopathic individual. He is obsessed with his appearance, clothing and acquiring material possessions, all of which serve as symbols of status and success in the world of finance and consumerism. Bateman’s inner monologue reflects a shallow and empty existence, as he fixates on the trivialities of his life and struggles with a lack of identity and purpose. By delving into Bateman’s mind, Ellis confronts readers with uncomfortable truths about the dark underbelly of modern society and the toxic effects of an obsession with wealth, appearance and social status.
The critique of consumerism and the culture of excess is a central theme in “American Psycho,” adding another layer of controversy to the novel. Ellis presents a world in which individuals are consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and the constant need for validation and recognition. The characters in the book are preoccupied with the latest fashion trends, the most exclusive restaurants and the hippest clubs, all while neglecting any genuine human connection or meaningful engagement with the world around them. This scathing critique of a society driven by superficiality and consumption struck a nerve with many readers, as it exposed the hollowness and emptiness of their own lives and the society in which they lived.
Moreover, the portrayal of misogyny and the objectification of women in “American Psycho” has been a significant source of controversy. The novel depicts women as mere objects of desire, devoid of any agency or complexity. Bateman engages in sadistic sexual acts, often targeting prostitutes, and views women as disposable commodities for his gratification. This misogynistic portrayal sparked outrage and accusations of promoting violence against women. Critics argued that Ellis was not critiquing the objectification of women but rather endorsing it through the novel’s explicit content and Bateman’s character. The inclusion of such graphic and degrading scenes reinforced the perception that “American Psycho” glorified violence and perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes.
The controversy surrounding “American Psycho” extended beyond its content and delved into questions about the nature of art and its societal responsibility. Critics argued that the book had no redeeming value and accused Ellis of exploiting violence and misogyny for shock value and commercial success. After the publication of “American Psycho,” Ellis himself wrote that people made assumptions that the novel would effectively end his career. The critics questioned the intentions behind the explicit descriptions and argued that the novel lacked any meaningful exploration of the themes it purported to address. On the other hand, defenders of the book asserted that “American Psycho” was a work of satirical fiction that pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. They argued that the graphic violence and misogynistic portrayals were intentional artistic choices that aimed to provoke and elicit a reaction, encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the society they lived in.
The controversy around “American Psycho” was not limited to its publication as a novel but extended to its adaptation into a satirical horror film in 2000, starring Christian Bale as the Wall Street yuppie and psychotic killer Patrick Bateman. Directed by Mary Harron, the movie faced significant backlash even before its release due to concerns over its violence and the potential harm it could cause. Protests and calls for the film’s boycott emerged, highlighting the ongoing debate about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of creators. Despite the controversy, the film was eventually released, but it faced censorship to bring the film down from an NC-17 rating to an R-rating and was heavily criticized for its graphic content.
Even today, “American Psycho” remains a highly controversial novel and film due to several key factors. Its explicit and stylized insanity of violence, exploration of the protagonist’s psychopathy and materialistic nature, critique of consumerism and the culture of excess and portrayal of misogyny and objectification of women have all contributed to its contentious reputation. Nonetheless, its postmodern and transgressive qualities have caused many to regard this important novel as a modern classic. The deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis challenges readers and viewers by presenting a dark and disturbing view of society, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world they inhabit. The controversy surrounding “American Psycho” extends beyond its content and delves into questions about the nature of art and its societal responsibility, igniting debates about artistic freedom, censorship and the boundaries of acceptable content in literature and film.