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American Psycho was eventually turned into a movie, and in February of 2023, the film is available to watch on Max, Hulu with Max, Amazon Prime Video France and a few other streaming services. This being said, if the film is accessible, why limit literature?

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In 2011, the 20th Anniversary Edition of this book is released; reigniting discussions about its content and artistic merit.

2012-2015: Reevaluations
Scholars, literary critics, and readers engage in renewed discussions about the novel's themes, social commentary, and its place in American literature.

2016: Cultural Shift
A shift in public opinion and a broader acceptance of challenging and controversial literature leads to reconsideration of bans in several locations.

2017-2019: Bans Lifted
In some cities and countries, bans on "American Psycho" are lifted or relaxed, as authorities reevaluate their censorship policies in light of changing cultural attitudes.

2020-2023: Increased Availability
The novel becomes increasingly available in previously restricted areas as bans are lifted or modified. It remains a topic of debate and discussion but is now widely recognized as a work of literature rather than solely as a source of controversy.

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What did the author have to say in response to all of the criticism? 

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What did the author have to say in response to all of the criticism? 

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Not long after publication, Bret Easton Ellis wrote a response to all the criticism of the book in the New York Times:

"I had no idea the novel would provoke the reception it’s gotten, and I still don’t quite get it . . . But then I was not trying to add members to my fan club. You do not write a novel for praise, or thinking of your audience. You write for yourself; you work out between you and your pen the things that intrigue you. During the years I worked on the book, I did not know how violent it would become. But it seemed clear to me that Bateman would describe these acts of brutality in the same numbing, excessive detail and flat tone that he recounts everything else—his clothing, his meals, his workouts at the gym. It seemed to me that he would not avoid telling the reader what he does when he murders people. For me, it was an aesthetic choice that made sense.

(Bret Easton Ellis Answers Critics of American Psycho’, New York Times, 6 March 1991)

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Who defended this book in the United States? WHY?

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Who defended this book in the United States? WHY?

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In the US, some reviewers looked upon it very favorably: ‘Bret Easton Ellis is a very, very good writer. He gets us to a T. And we can’t stand it. It’s our problem, not his. American Psycho is a beautifully controlled, careful, important novel which revolves about its own nasty bits.’ (Fay Weldon, Guardian, 25 April 1991)

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Otto Friedrich (American Author + Historian)

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In a letter to the New York Times in 1991, Otto Friedrich wrote: ‘I think that this repulsive novel will contribute to the violence that afflicts our society, and that it will disgrace everyone who tries to profit from it.’

He was not alone in his repulsion. Australian national censorship legislation still classifies American Psycho as ‘R18’, meaning it can be sold only to over-18s, and must be shrink-wrapped.

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What key points do people make for the argument that this book should be banned?

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What key points do people make for the argument that this book should be banned?

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American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is a controversial novel that has faced censorship and banning in some places due to several reasons:

1. Graphic Violence: The book contains extremely graphic and detailed descriptions of violence, including brutal murders and torture scenes. These depictions of violence have been seen as disturbing and offensive by some readers and authorities.

2. Explicit Sexual Content: The novel features explicit sexual content and discussions of sexual violence, including rape and sadomasochism. This content has been deemed offensive and inappropriate by many.

3. Disturbing Themes: American Psycho explores themes of materialism, consumerism, narcissism, and the dehumanization of modern society. It critiques the excesses and shallowness of the 1980s yuppie culture, which can be uncomfortable for some readers.

4. Psychopathic Protagonist: The novel is narrated by Patrick Bateman, a psychopathic serial killer who engages in heinous acts without remorse. Some readers find the book's portrayal of a protagonist without any redeeming qualities to be deeply unsettling.

5. Social Commentary: While the novel is often interpreted as a satirical critique of American culture, some argue that its dark humor and satire can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, leading to controversy.

6. Misogyny: Critics have accused the book of misogyny, as it includes misogynistic language and depictions of violence against women. This has sparked discussions about whether the novel glorifies or condemns such behavior.

7. Depiction of Drug Use: The characters in the book frequently use drugs, and the novel does not shy away from depicting the consequences of drug abuse. Some find this portrayal objectionable or glamorizing.

8. Challenging Narrative Style: The novel's narrative style can be disorienting, with frequent shifts in perspective and unreliable narration. Some readers may find it difficult to follow or disturbing.

9. Legal Issues: American Psycho has faced legal challenges in various countries due to its content, with attempts to ban or restrict its publication and distribution.