Bret Easton Ellis
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question about the opening paragraph in the novel
it is lauren who is narrating the first pargraph in the novel?
and what time is the first paragraph set?
she's talking about losing her virginity in her freshman year, so does that mean that its her narating after college but is talking about her first year (which was 4 or so years ago i think)?
>>By jaworski (Sunday, 10 Aug 2003 14:15)
Less than Zero is a great book, it stayed with me for a long time after I'd read it. They have everything, yet nothing at the same time. If you want something why shouldn't you have it? Who has the right to tell you you can't? Disappear here. Take some coke, take some valium. oblivion. That's what it made me think about. What does the title mean?
>>By Eimie (Thursday, 27 Nov 2003 18:32)
Less Than Zero is an Elvis Costello song, who is referenced many times in the book by way of the poster in his room.
Love the book, it's dark twisted rendition of a generation and a future nation in the turmoil of nihlism and greed, combined with the choppy and fragmented way in which Bret Easton writes, makes it as compelling as watching footage of a car crash from the outside, whilst being stuck in the wreckage!
I try to avoid being an 'avid fan' of anything or anyone, but it's difficult not to be drawn into Bret's talent and absorbing his work!
Glamorama is by far my favourite, it tells so many stories and propels the belief that nothing is real, yet everything has meaning, without being patronising or predictable. I also love fashion which helps... Since lending it to every person I know, I've come to be known as VW- a mantel that leaves me in question as to what my friends actually think of me!! lol
>>By Fantastical Mr Fox (Friday, 28 Nov 2003 10:48)
Glamorama...Gag me with a naked Barbi Doll...This Sucks.
>>By thunderbolt (Thursday, 11 Dec 2003 09:12)
Since reading American Psycho all books I have read since seem diluted!! I have read all eastons books and they are all very good. But American Psycho is a class above.
>>By ghostwasp (Thursday, 18 Mar 2004 17:37)
isnt the whole point of the "name dropping" in "Psycho" that it demonstrates not only Bateman's grasp of that world - and so puts him into his proper class context - but also demonstrates just how bored he is by all of it (look at the scene where he reels off the many types of bottled water). Point being - what's the use of having it all if you're not enjoying it? and what's the use of having everything if you have no moral compass?
I like all of Ellis' work . I think what is of ten overlooked either in the rush to lionise him for the "truth" of his work or in the attempts to criticise it is just how damn FUNNY a lot of it is. Even some of the most gruesome murder scenes in "Psycho" are shot through with a rather bleak and bitter humour, and he has got some of the vacuousness of the so-called "beautiful people" completely nailed.
I agree - long overdue for a new novel.
>>By Neddy (Monday, 29 Mar 2004 23:06)
In response to above, I think Bateman's obsessions or even compulsive obsession with everything is illustrating just how "psycho" he really is. His name dropping, his work out routine, his jealousy over business cards, the chapter where he explains why Genesis is the best band in the world (the 80's where a strange time), all of these compulsive tendency with the meticulous way he draws them out for you in the book, or perhaps journal, if one wishes to view it that way, led me to come to the conclusion by the end of the novel that Bateman was crazy, beyond crazy he was...psycho. However, I would also agree that in the casual almost cynical way that he tells about all the murders he commits, the hookers, and/or his obsessions with wardrobes, that the idea of his boredom with life, woman, everyday, is definitley evident; thus, perhaps providing a partial reason for the horrific rampages of violence that he carries out on his victims.
I would also agree that there is a definite tone to his writing that provides a reader with a sick and cynical sense of humor, to burst out in fits of laughter. It is all to dry and at times almost ridiculous, what ellis is able to do with his casual tone. Furthermore, if this kind of dark and subtle humor shapes your toe nails I would recomend Nathaniel west's "Day of the Locust", "A cool Million" , and "Miss Lonley Hearts" after all Nathaniel West had a huge influence of Ellis, so did Fitzgerald and Hemmingway, at least as far as I can tell.
P.S. we all just need to chip in and buy ellis his next bag of powder, that should get the pen scrolling.
>>By litnerd (Tuesday, 13 Apr 2004 09:34)
Every webpage i go, I see the same hoe
I mean really. From the early 90s there must be already around 30-40 online discussiongroups about Bret Easton Ellis and his literature.
Usually they are full of
1) someone´s, - who just saw ROA movie, and finished a novel after that - primitive and "yeah, cool"-like emotions
2)long, boring and pointless essay by some philosophy/modern literature student, who still wants to analyze "American Psychos" context and value as a contemporary postmodern novel
3) then opinions of people who can´t stand Glamorama, because its... too long? too many words? too "in"?
4) and 50% of comments are basically question "When his next novel is out?"
Do you think I offer any solution against that pointless chat?
Nope. Just wanted to ask from that programmer or whoever designed that "which writer is linked with who"-page here, why the fuck I can´t see Joan Didion´s name next to Ellis?
>>By Palm (Saturday, 3 Jul 2004 21:03)
sorry if this is on twice, but i couldn't see it from when i wrote it before.
Of anyone who has read Glamorama, do you know what was meant by the fact that everywhere Victor went once he got involed with the terrorists (and sometimes before, but not as often), it was very cold inside, smelled like shit, and there were flies and confetti everywhere? i was hoping that it would eventually be explained in the book, or at least an allusion given in explanation, but it never was.
>>By girlchef (Monday, 15 Nov 2004 05:17)
The discussion board is currently closed.
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