Monday, October 23, 2006

Ellis as a Hero

I love Bret Easton Ellis.
Look at the name alone. Who has a name like that? Nobody basically. One of the wonders of Ellis is that his books come across wonderfully on film. One will always alter from the other - however, the films are nearly as enjoyable as the books, regardless of the proximity to the original story line. In laymans terms. I like them both equally.
When I am done with school I am going to re-read all his novels.

But I really decided to blog about him today because of all the people who hate on "Lunar Park" his last full novel (2005). Why do so many people dislike it? It's absolutely ridiculous for one thing. The imagery, the concepts, the topics. At this time I should also point out how ridiculous the "Wizard of Oz" is. And please, don't get me started on The Hobbit or whatever nightmare started the Lord of The Rings melee.

The reason I love the book so much is quite simple. It's obvious he is making fun of what he did in the past with American Psycho, Less than Zero, Rules of Attraction, etc. The fact of the matter is his novels are disturbing to a fault (for the squeamish), and if believable or not, highlight the most depraved acts of a human being. It is more than sex, drugs and money. Ellis unveils the most disgusting thoughts and actions of a Rich Young White America. He also manages to reference the most uber of pop culture refrences. Imagine the best tabloid article you have ever read - and it's 300 pages long. If Paris Hilton could read, I would suggest she picks up "Glamorama". I can tell Lohan has read all his books. At least, I am fairly certain.

It is also obvious he is admitting some regret and responsibility for the influence of his subject matter - namely "American Psycho". Or at the very least some guilt he won't admit. And shouldn't admit outside of a novel where the point is made, subtle enough to not destroy his image of a person who embraces the darker side of life.

Long story short. You wont enjoy "Lunar Park" as much as you would if you read and enjoyed all his other novels. I think the negative comments come from people who very much liked maybe one of his books. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, I just don't feel this book should take the beating it has. Yes it is filled with unbelievable concepts that are a bit hard to follow but doing so is worth the reward. It is an obvious autobiographical placed in a surrealist setting. He worked in a Furby. A FURBY! YOU IDIOTS! Brilliant!

Now,please, go and read "less than zero".

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