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Exploring Societal Decay through a Multi-Platform Literary Critique of American Psycho – A Self Help Book

This project sets out to contribute meaningfully to the field of literary criticism by exploring Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel American Psycho through an innovative multi-platform approach. By integrating literary analysis for the creation of a self-help book with creative mediums such as photography, social media, and a dedicated website, the initiative offers a fresh perspective on the novel’s themes and cultural impact.

At its core, the project aims to delve into the societal decay depicted in American Psycho while intentionally excluding graphic content such as depictions of crime or sexual violence. This approach reflects a conscious effort to reinterpret the novel’s commentary on materialism, superficiality, and moral disintegration.

American Psycho, first published in 1991, is a horror novel that follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and self-absorbed investment banker in Manhattan. Narrated through Bateman’s first-person perspective, the story blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, portraying his disturbing double life. Despite its controversial nature, which has led to it being sold shrink-wrapped in certain countries, the novel has also received critical acclaim. Alison Kelly of The Observer notes that the work, while “so potentially disturbing,” has been widely acknowledged for its incisive social critique.

By employing visual and digital storytelling, the project seeks to reinterpret Ellis’s work for contemporary audiences, highlighting its enduring relevance in discussions about societal values and individual identity. Since its release, Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho has left an indelible mark on literature, cinema, and popular culture. Despite its status as a cult classic today, the novel’s journey to publication and public acceptance was fraught with challenges and controversies. Initially set for release in March 1991 by Simon & Schuster, the novel was dropped by the publisher due to “aesthetic differences.” Vintage Books quickly acquired the rights, publishing American Psycho after revisions and issuing the first hardcover edition in the UK later that year. It was not until 2012 that the United States saw a limited hardcover release by Centipede Press. Scholars have since lauded the novel for its transgressive themes and postmodern elements, solidifying its place as a subject of academic study.

The reception of American Psycho can be categorized into three distinct periods: the initial release (1990–1999), a broader acceptance driven by adaptations (2000–2019), and its ongoing reinterpretation in contemporary culture (2020–2024). Its ability to provoke thought, outrage, and admiration across decades speaks to its enduring relevance as both a literary work and a cultural artifact. The novel’s adaptation into various media further reflects its cultural influence. In 2000, the film adaptation, starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, received critical acclaim and cemented the character in cinematic history. Producers David Johnson and Jesse Singer expanded its impact further with a Broadway musical, which premiered in London in 2013. These adaptations underscore the novel’s ability to transcend its original medium and connect with diverse audiences.

American Psycho’s reception, however, has been deeply polarizing. From 1990 to 1999, it ranked as the 53rd most banned and challenged book in the United States, largely due to its explicit content. The American Library Association highlighted its controversial nature, which extended globally. Between 1995 and 2000, Germany classified the novel as harmful, heavily restricting its sales and promotion. In Australia, it remains shrink-wrapped and classified as “R18,” prohibiting sales to minors. Critics and public figures also voiced strong opinions. Feminist activist Gloria Steinem condemned the novel’s portrayal of violence against women, while musician Phil Collins, whose work is referenced in the book, initially criticized it but later expressed amusement with the film adaptation. Despite—or perhaps because of—this controversy, the novel has sparked a wide-ranging cultural conversation about morality, identity, and consumerism.

Ironically, American Psycho has given rise to its own commercial industry. The 2000 film grossed $15 million in the U.S. on an $8 million budget and inspired numerous spin-offs, including soundtracks, collector’s edition DVDs, movie posters, and even action figures like the “Patrick Bateman” doll. This unexpected commodification mirrors the very themes of materialism and superficiality that the novel critiques.

The pages before you represent the culmination of a bold and ambitious undertaking—a multi-channel media campaign conceived and executed as part of an interdisciplinary project in campaign management. Guided by Prof. Dr. Volker Jansen and Prof. Dr. Nicole Lindenmann, this initiative dares to confront the moral and cultural decadence of modern society through the lens of Bret Easton Ellis’s provocative novel, American Psycho. Drawing upon the creativity and expertise of 56 students from five diverse study programs at Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart, the project unfolded across multiple platforms. A dynamic blend of media was employed to convey its themes: a meticulously crafted website, strategic social media campaigns, a visually compelling teaser, and this self-help book, which serves as both a reflection of and a response to our times.

Through this multifaceted approach, the project endeavors to spark dialogue, challenge societal norms, and shed light on the unsettling parallels between Ellis’s dystopian narrative and the world we inhabit today.