American Psycho

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Legend83

Original Poster:

10,164 posts

229 months

Monday 15th July 2013
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Just finished this and wanted to get people's thoughts.

I found it to be utterly compelling reading but can imagine it is not for everyone (the easily disturbed would be recommended to avoid it!).

So, did he actually commit any of these murders? Did Bateman even exist?

prand

6,026 posts

203 months

Monday 15th July 2013
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I think it's Mr Bateman having a bit of a fantasist daydream as a reaction to the shallow meaningless life he's leading as a yuppie. He maybe even be having a breakdown and going properly mad, but I don't think he's killing people.

Some great lines, and one of the few films I enjoyed as much as the book.

Slink

2,947 posts

179 months

Wednesday 17th July 2013
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from what I gathered, its him having a break down and imagining it all when he see's the guys fancy business card.

eightseventhree

2,208 posts

211 months

Wednesday 17th July 2013
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Is that bone?......

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

203 months

Wednesday 17th July 2013
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Crap book, crap film

Beati Dogu

9,194 posts

146 months

Wednesday 17th July 2013
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I've not read the book, but the film is a bit of classic I think.

AC43

11,985 posts

215 months

Thursday 18th July 2013
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One of the few books of labels I didn't (couldn't?) finish. All I can remember is reading a long list of labels followed by some awful violence followed by a long list of labels, etc.

I wss disappointed as thought Less Than Zero the Rules of Attraction were two of the best novels I'd read at the time.

It reminded me a bit of JG Ballard's Crash. I did manage to make it all the way through that but walked out of the film as I found it just too graphic.

There's not much I don't finish but this was one.

g3org3y

21,114 posts

198 months

Friday 19th July 2013
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LaurasOtherHalf said:
Crap book, crap film
Disagree with both.

budgie smuggler

5,541 posts

166 months

Friday 19th July 2013
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Some bits were a bit much, e.g. the acid, tube, rat etc. Enjoyable read nonetheless. Thought the film captured the feel of the book pretty well.

AndyT77

1,755 posts

169 months

Thursday 25th July 2013
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budgie smuggler said:
Some bits were a bit much, e.g. the acid, tube, rat etc. Enjoyable read nonetheless. Thought the film captured the feel of the book pretty well.
And walking around naked with a decapitated head on his boner....

BevR

733 posts

150 months

Wednesday 21st August 2013
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AC43 said:
One of the few books of labels I didn't (couldn't?) finish. All I can remember is reading a long list of labels followed by some awful violence followed by a long list of labels, etc.

I wss disappointed as thought Less Than Zero the Rules of Attraction were two of the best novels I'd read at the time.

It reminded me a bit of JG Ballard's Crash. I did manage to make it all the way through that but walked out of the film as I found it just too graphic.

There's not much I don't finish but this was one.
I agree with you completely, I understand why we got a running commentry on what everyone was wearing/ where it was from et... everytime we met them, but by god it was dull.

Karl911

205 posts

159 months

Wednesday 21st August 2013
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This was my book of choice on my recent holiday. Found myself skipping the detailed sections of what he and his colleagues were wearing, also the highly descriptive music chapters.
On the whole I liked it, still slightly confused if it was actually all a fantasy. Was expecting a better ending, was hoping his world would crumble around him and he would be accountable but it just carried on.
My only thought is that it was written in a time when the rich New York boys did run things and it sort of shows how powerful and class driven they were.
The bit with the tramp and dog wasn't nice and lets not even start on the rat chapter.
I've ordered his first book (Less Than Zero) out of interest to see if he's as disturbed as I think an author must be to write this book.

marcosgt

11,094 posts

183 months

Thursday 22nd August 2013
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Always read like a book a 15 year old would write to shock his parents.

And as for the 'insight' into 80's yuppy culture? Hamfisted in the extreme.

Not seen the film.

M.

RDR 838

94 posts

143 months

Wednesday 28th August 2013
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I loved American Psycho but I am an Ellis fan in general. Didn't think much of Imperial Bedrooms though.

Ilikebeaver

3,085 posts

188 months

Wednesday 28th August 2013
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I love the film, and have bought the book but not read it yet ( bout it about 10 years ago)