Podcast Summary: Overdue – Ep 708: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (w/ Too Scary, Didn't Watch!)
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Duration: Approximately 95 minutes
Hosts: Andrew and Craig
Guests: Emily and Sammy from Too Scary, Didn't Watch! podcast
Introduction and Guest Welcome [02:16 – 04:08]
The episode begins with Andrew and Craig welcoming their guests, Emily and Sammy, from the Too Scary, Didn't Watch! podcast. They set the stage for a deep dive into Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, highlighting its controversial nature and graphic content.
Craig: “It's a depraved work of fiction and I hope so. And it involves some cussing and discussion of various depraved acts.” [02:33]
Background on American Psycho and Bret Easton Ellis [04:08 – 17:55]
Craig provides an overview of Bret Easton Ellis’s background, detailing his early life, education, and literary beginnings. He touches upon Ellis’s initial works like Less Than Zero and how they establish themes of decadence among the modern affluent youth.
Craig: “Every one of my books is an exercise in voice and character, an exploration through a male narrator who is always the same age I am at the time of the pain I'm dealing with in my life.” [16:18]
Andrew adds insights into Ellis's portrayal of Patrick Bateman and the continuity of characters across his novels, creating a quasi-cinematic universe.
Andrew: “Less Than Zero is about, you know, people coming of age. And in a very jaded, rich version of LA, it is adapted into a very, very modestly successful movie.” [15:18]
Controversies Surrounding American Psycho [17:55 – 26:30]
The discussion shifts to the book’s publication history, including its initial rejection by Simon and Schuster due to its graphic content. Craig recounts the backlash led by Tammy Bruce from the National Organization for Women, who deemed the book misogynistic and called for its boycott.
Craig: “Ellis could have gone on writing until he choked on his own vomit if Vintage had not agreed to publish this misogynistic garbage.” [26:02]
Andrew and Sammy debate whether the book serves as effective satire or simply glorifies violence, ultimately expressing discomfort and disapproval.
Andrew: “If you’re gonna make your book be that long, you gotta have, you gotta give me something.” [87:03]
In-Depth Analysis of the Book’s Content and Themes [26:30 – 75:55]
Emily openly shares her experience with the book, admitting she did not finish it due to its overwhelming and distressing content.
Emily: “I felt Sammy and I both fell asleep for the whole movie.” [02:24]
The hosts and guests dissect key scenes, such as Bateman’s morning routine, his superficial obsession with status symbols, and his increasingly gruesome violent acts. They highlight how Ellis blurs the lines between mundane details and horrific violence, creating a relentless portrayal of Bateman’s depravity.
Craig: “He is like, I don't. It was weird. This is close.” [86:11]
Sammy discusses the repetitive nature of Bateman’s actions and the lack of character development or meaningful plot progression, making the reading experience torturous.
Sammy: “This book is as, or like maybe more relevant today than in the ’90s. Like, it's just very, very upsetting.” [30:30]
Audiobook and Narrative Style [75:55 – 86:57]
Craig shares his experience with the audiobook version, noting how Pablo Schreiber’s performance helped navigate the book’s darkest moments. They discuss the effectiveness of externalizing Bateman’s character through narration.
Craig: “Having that even... having that even a minimal level of performance did a lot.” [62:27]
Comparisons to Film Adaptation and Other Literature [86:57 – 95:13]
Andrew and Craig express eagerness to discuss the film adaptation of American Psycho in their upcoming crossover with Too Scary, Didn't Watch!. They compare the book's unrelenting violence to the movie's satirical tone, suggesting that the film handles the material with more finesse.
Andrew: “The movie is a lot better on that front than the book is, partly because it is, you know, a less than two-hour experience instead of an eight-hour experience.” [22:58]
They also touch upon similarities and differences with other satirical and violent works like Fight Club, noting how American Psycho falls short in character development and thematic depth.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts [95:13 – End]
The episode wraps up with reflections on the limitations of American Psycho as a satirical work and its impact on readers. Emily and Sammy emphasize the book's ability to induce discomfort, leading them to question the power and responsibility of fiction in portraying extreme violence.
Emily: “I really did not know.” [83:28]
Andrew and Craig encourage listeners to explore other literary works that balance horror and satire more effectively, suggesting future episodes will continue to critique and analyze American Psycho through different lenses.
Craig: “It’s a deep dive into an unbearable book, but we can’t wait to discuss the movie with you guys.” [93:54]
Notable Quotes
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Craig: “You might be planning beach trips or BBQs or three-day weekends, but your wireless bill should be the last thing holding you back.” [00:09]
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Andrew: “What doesn't belong in my epic summer plans? Getting burned by your old wireless bill. Can't be friends with them.” [00:11 – 00:47]
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Emily: “This book should maybe be required reading for a subset of the population, but I think everybody else should never, ever look at it.” [29:06]
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Sammy: “I didn't know it could get this bad. I honestly, as to... Things that no horror movies can do. It kept me up for hours.” [40:26 – 40:07]
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Andrew: “If you're gonna make your book be that long, you gotta have, you gotta give me something.” [87:03]
Key Topics Discussed
- Bret Easton Ellis’s Literary Career: Exploration of his early works and recurring themes.
- Controversial Content: Graphic violence and misogyny accusations.
- Satire vs. Glorification: Debating the book’s intent and effectiveness as satire.
- Character Analysis: Deep dive into Patrick Bateman’s persona and actions.
- Narrative Style: The impact of the book's droning prose and lack of character development.
- Audiobook Experience: How narration affects the perception of the book.
- Comparative Literature: Comparing American Psycho with other satirical and violent works.
- Cultural Impact: The book’s relevance and reception over time.
- Future Discussions: Upcoming crossover episodes focusing on the film adaptation.
Final Thoughts
Overdue Episode 708 provides an unflinching discussion on American Psycho, dissecting its literary merits and moral shortcomings. With candid reflections from both hosts and their guests, the episode offers a comprehensive critique that balances analytical depth with personal reactions, making it a valuable listen for students of literature and fans of intense, thought-provoking discourse.