Book:
American Psycho
By Brett Easton Ellis

Film:
American Psycho (2003)

A novel by Bret Easton Ellis, published in 1991. The story is told in the first person by Patrick Bateman, a serial killer and Manhattan investment banker. Alison Kelly of The Observer notes that while "some countries [deem it] so potentially disturbing that it can only be sold shrink-wrapped", "critics rave about it" and "academics revel in its transgressive and postmodern qualities" The book would epitomise the 80’s in every sense of the word and would be one of the most controversial during that time.

The film was directed by Mary Harron and starting Christian Bale, the film would give a satirical look at the novel.

Set in the 1980s, the film focuses on the actions of Patrick Bateman, the self-proclaimed "American psycho" of the title. While at first glance Bateman is a yuppie New York City investment banker, he is gradually revealed to be living a gruesome second life as a serial killer preying on prostitutes, work colleagues, and finally random members of the public.

Producer Edward R. Pressman purchased the film rights to the novel in 1992. After discussions with David Cronenberg fell through, Harron was brought on to direct and cast Bale in the lead role. Lionsgate acquired worldwide distribution in 1997 and temporarily replaced Harron and Bale with Oliver Stone as director and Leonardo DiCaprio portraying Patrick Bateman. DiCaprio left in favor of The Beach and Harron and Bale were brought back.

We are joined by Matthew Brockmeyer, writer and novelist and Steven Templeman, film aficionado.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.39); Forming the Plot (14.39); Plot Synopsis (15.50); Book Thoughts (20.25); Rating a Book (1:07.44); Introducing a Film (1:17.20); Film Trailer (1:19.14); Lights, Camera, Action (1:21.19); Epilogue (2:19.54); End Credits (2:34.24); Closing Credits (2:36.27)

Opening Credits– Classical Jingle by Dan Hughes

Closing Credits – That’s Just What You Are – Aimee Mann. Taken from the album I’m With Stupid. Copyright 1994 Geffen Records

Original Music copyrighted 2020 Dan Hughes Music and the Literary License Podcast.

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