The filming of Bret Easton Ellis’ bestseller novel American Psycho caused a major scandal after its publication in 2000 (Lee Brien). It covers the story of the serial killer Patrick Bateman, who enjoys a good reputation everywhere in Manhattan. Bateman is a young, athletic, handsome, successful, and stereotypical 1980s yuppie, who you are able to see in magazines, journals, advertising for Calvin Klein or Hugo Boss, and on Wall Street. On the other hand, he murders, rapes, tortures, mutilates, and cannibalizes his victims, but his cruel acts remain undetected. At first sight, Patrick’s behavior seems very irritating because he neither provides the audience with any reasons for his murders, nor with any psychological insight into his character to justify his actions. Taking a closer look, his behavior and violence are an expression of the materialistic, superficial nature of the American society to which Bateman wants to belong “and into which his sickness and inhumanity do actually ‘fit’” (Horsley 222).
Although a lot of Bateman’s brutal actions are shown, at the end of the movie the audience comes to question if all these murders really happened because some inconsistencies in his story become apparent e.g. Bateman outlines the murder of a man, who at this point was not even in town. Therefore, the question is raised as to whether the murders are real or just a product of Bateman’s imagination, and if they are real, is the society so over the top that not even the crime matters and he is able to escape unpunished?
In this paper, this question and especially what the murders are about to express either way will be analyzed in view of social criticism. Therefore, first of all, American society in the 1980s will be outlined to help the reader better understand the contemporary historical background to which the movie refers. Subsequently, the amoral materialism in American consumer society pictured in American Psycho will be described to clarify the social circumstances Bateman lives in. Accordingly, Bateman’s cruel actions will be analyzed and its truth content will be discussed to later on conclude that this kind of society is not able to fulfill his life and by the help of violence Bateman wants to escape the conformity of America’s superficial society.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The American Society in the 1980s
- 3. American Nightmare. Meaning of Bateman's Murders
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, exploring the portrayal of 1980s American society and its connection to the actions of Patrick Bateman, the film's protagonist. The analysis investigates whether Bateman's murders are real or imagined and what they represent within the context of social criticism.
- The materialistic and superficial nature of 1980s American society
- The implications of consumerism and the "yuppie" culture
- The lack of moral values and the prevalence of amorality
- The connection between Bateman's actions and the societal context
- The ambiguity surrounding the reality of Bateman's murders
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the film American Psycho and its controversial nature. It sets the stage for the analysis by highlighting the paradoxical nature of Patrick Bateman: a successful yuppie who commits horrific murders. The chapter raises the central question of whether Bateman's actions are real or a product of his imagination and how they reflect on the societal context of the 1980s. The introduction establishes the film's relevance to social criticism and outlines the approach taken in the paper, beginning with an overview of 1980s American society before examining Bateman's actions and their ambiguous reality. The introduction effectively lays the groundwork for the subsequent chapters.
2. The American Society in the 1980s: This chapter provides a contextual background for understanding the film. It contrasts the social activism of the 1960s with the shift toward consumerism and self-interest in the 1980s. The rise of the "yuppie" culture, characterized by an obsession with wealth and status, is discussed, as well as the economic prosperity and technological advancements of the era. The chapter also touches on the political climate under President Reagan and its impact on social inequality, widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor. This chapter is crucial because it establishes the societal backdrop against which Bateman's actions are understood. The shift from social activism to rampant consumerism helps explain the moral vacuum in which Bateman operates.
3. American Nightmare: This chapter delves into the film's depiction of the amoral materialism and superficiality of American consumer culture. It analyzes how Bateman's obsession with appearances, status symbols, and brand names reflects the societal emphasis on image over substance. The chapter explores the lack of traditional moral values, demonstrated through Bateman's conversations with his friends and their dismissive attitude towards social issues. The chapter also highlights the film's suggestion that this consumerist society is inherently miserable, as symbolized by the juxtaposition of Bateman's face with the title "Les Misérables." This chapter directly connects Bateman's actions to the societal context, portraying him as a product of a system that values superficiality over humanity. His lack of genuine emotion, reduced to "greed and disgust," is presented as a direct consequence of this culture.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American Psycho, 1980s American society, consumerism, yuppie culture, materialism, amorality, social criticism, Patrick Bateman, serial killer, ambiguity, social commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions: American Psycho Analysis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of an academic analysis of Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the portrayal of 1980s American society and its connection to the protagonist, Patrick Bateman, and the ambiguity surrounding his actions.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of American Psycho?
The analysis explores several key themes, including the materialistic and superficial nature of 1980s American society, the implications of consumerism and "yuppie" culture, the lack of moral values and prevalence of amorality, the connection between Bateman's actions and the societal context, and the ambiguity surrounding the reality of his murders.
What is the focus of each chapter summary?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Introduces American Psycho and its controversial nature, highlighting the paradoxical nature of Patrick Bateman and raising the central question of the reality of his actions and their reflection on 1980s society. Chapter 2 (The American Society in the 1980s): Provides a contextual background, contrasting the social activism of the 1960s with the consumerism and self-interest of the 1980s, focusing on the rise of "yuppie" culture and its impact on social inequality. Chapter 3 (American Nightmare): Analyzes the film's depiction of amoral materialism and superficiality, exploring Bateman's obsession with appearances and the lack of traditional moral values within the context of the consumerist culture.
What is the central argument or question of the analysis?
The central question revolves around the interpretation of Patrick Bateman's actions: are they real or imagined? And more importantly, how do these actions, regardless of their reality, reflect upon and critique the social and cultural landscape of 1980s America. The analysis investigates whether Bateman is a product of, and a commentary on, this specific societal context.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
The keywords include: American Psycho, 1980s American society, consumerism, yuppie culture, materialism, amorality, social criticism, Patrick Bateman, serial killer, ambiguity, and social commentary.
What is the overall approach of this academic paper?
The analysis uses a structured and professional approach, analyzing the themes of American Psycho to explore the social commentary within the film and how it reflects the societal values and issues of 1980s America. The paper aims to interpret Bateman’s actions within the specific socio-economic and cultural climate of the era.
- Quote paper
- Lena Groß (Author), 2013, American Psycho and Social Criticism. Illusion or Reality?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/269057
