American Psycho - Thug Notes Book Summary & Analysis

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From plot debriefs to key interpretations, Thug Notes’ American Psycho Summary & Analysis has you covered with themes, symbols, important quotes, and more.
American Psycho (1991)
by Bret Easton Ellis
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[@fullonfriends]

I read all of my books in your voice now, I can't turn it off.

[@therealjlil]

Awsome

[@saskueify]

XD Hahahah

[@SlamifiedBuddafied]

Re-reading the Dark Tower series. It's a bit more comedic in his voice now. Not that the Dark Tower was comedic in any way possible beforehand.

[@plumlogan]

Worse - I read bedtime stories to my daughter in his voice now

[@Brokenscam]

+plumlogan Which ones do you read to your daughter?

[@chillhomie7]

"you have to captivate your audience before you can preach to them" Exactly what this channel is about

[@takima504]

Could say, thats wisecracks....philosophy?🧐🧐

[@iamknife7]

I couldn't finish American Psycho because I felt like I was in the main character's head and it wasn't really someplace I wanted to be.

[@geezburgers]

iamknife7 I'm so glad I'm not the only one who felt that way.

[@godslaya4563]

Me too man. Also that constant brand name dropping tired me out real quick

[@porkfrog2785]

I think the author wrote a boring, annoying, gory book that is deliberately so to get attention and make money. The book is full of repetitive fat and no interesting metaphors, descriptions or style. The writing itself is on par with Twilight stylistically, the message of loss of self and consumerism and viewing everything by its surface as a commodity[including yourself, hence losing 'the inner you' and identity] is hamfistedly delivered...only a masochist or a fan of 'True Detective] stuff--maybe I should take that back-IT IS TOO BORING TO BE GOOD EXPLOITATION-would finish this boring slop. I gave Twilight 4 hours before bailing, this worthless book 6. [audio] WE GET IT, HE'S SHALLOW AND A BRAND WHORE AND IS AN ENTITLED DOUCHE WITH A SCREW LOOSE...if you need scene after scene after scene to explain banality with banality...it's just bad writing. I couldn't care less about the sadism or animal murders....seeing 'MEAT' over prostitutes? It's insulting to anyone who's ever read more than a couple books

[@echox000]

Holographic Marlon Brando lol

[@kingt0295]

@Hrtr Pms lmfao we arent all literal psychopaths

[@Dinosaur_Senior]

I miss this series so much, honestly these vids were so informative as well as entertaining. I miss old wisecrack so much.

[@thrillcutz2162]

You could arguably say that Wisecrack fell off the moment that they dropped this series and Greg Edwards as part of their entertainers. I miss this era of Wisecrack so much as well, it'll hardly be the same after this

[@patrickbateman4272]

This book totally sucks. I think someone should make a movie about it.

[@Jared_Wignall]

+Patrick Bateman Perhaps the British dude who was Batman could be in it.

[@Urdarbrunn]

The book is about a serial killer, which is bad, but at least he's not from New Jersey.

[@JewTube001]

a musical would be even better

[@tripodpayne173]

Shouldn't you be returning some videotapes ?

[@patrickbateman4272]

+Omar Eldahrawy That's tomorrow. I have a reservation with Cliff Huxtable at Bacardia--I mean Dorsia--at 4:30.

[@IAmNumber4000]

“Murders and executions” -> “Mergers and acquisitions” LOL! Genius!

[@bloodfalconfantastic4445]

"Criming While White" LOL

[@sweetbabyboo5]

Nolan Pratt 😂😂😂

[@diamondkyle812]

Pepperidge Farm savage lol

[@noodlery7034]

What does this mean?

[@muppetmittstheOG]

American Horror Story seems to pull that same shit a lot of the time.

[@bonkisay1331]

@@noodlery7034 He's racist

[@AngryForeigner]

I've never read the book, only seen the movie. But the ending is similar, and this is my take on it: By the end you don't know whether or not Bateman has done the things you've been shown. But neither does he. We're just as confused as he is, and that's the entire point. That's what it's like to be a psychotic psychopath. The lack of firm substance in your existence with no real self to hold on to. Imagination becomes just as real as anything else, because whatever.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

+Angry Foreigner what are yooooooou doing here!?! =O I didn't know you like wisecrack? Good taste =). Thats my take on it as well, he finds his life mundane, well, what he perceives as mundane so he makes this narrative of being a serial killer that inexplicably gets away with it, its essentially a power fantasy.

[@GenJotsu]

I think that, therefore I am.

[@ShietEverywhere]

he actually did them

[@josesanchez3611]

Hurting brain ..

[@davidreyna6859]

OH MY GOD.

[@Fulgrim2]

"Criming while white"....that's bloody brilliant.

[@scottanos9981]

That's racist...

[@apoorvam5385]

@@scottanos9981 boi

[@kcfamilam5109]

I like the extra commentary at the end on how you personally felt about the book.

[@FiercelyGold]

Yeah I'm glad he said how he didn't like it. It's a painful read especially for those of us that have to look up the brands he is obsessed with to try to see the point of it all. I eventually didn't care and would skim his descriptions of what people were wearing looking for what could be relevant to the plot or characters beyond capitalist swine will be capitalist swine

[@llamaplaying3503]

Now let's see Paul Allen's take on the American Psycho book.

[@TDenterpriser]

Paul Owen*

[@KravenErgeist]

I like the added editorial commentary at the end. I always felt like just a summary and analysis left me unsatisfied, but capping it off with an editorial from Sparky Sweets himself makes this review feel like a more complete piece!

[@TMMx]

My favourite part of the book that wasn't in the movie is when he goes to the U2 concert.

[@Konuvis]

I went to a U2 concert and it was very underwhelming. Muse opened and was ten times better :(

[@shessomethingelse1639]

Nice.. U2's music is pretty good, but I have to admit: They are a bit overrated.

[@CAnnino054]

TMM lol he was trippin hard at that concert

[@treg.2189]

that part where Bono and Patrick share a moment together brought a tear to my eye

[@arjansahota4911]

Tre G. I AM THE DEVIL, AND I M J U S T L I K E Y O U

[@bryanirz]

It even has a watermark..

[@scottiiiii]

what does

[@JoJo-lj6kk]

Bryan Ramos don't just look at it. Eat it

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

Best quote.

[@sedeanimugamez5418]

- HADOUKEN- bend over so you are looking at her ass......... Phil Colins was a masterful artist

[@legoinsomniac]

I'm liking the personal criticism at the end of these now.

[@sweetlilly4425]

Well Sparky you know what they say "It's hip to be square."

[@Fafnerluver922]

Haven't read this book, but it kinda sounds like a GTA plot line to me xD

[@17-MASY]

I was thinking the same

[@jonathanathor117]

This sound like something from liberty city

[@JuniorSkeptic]

It's a hard but rewarding read. Sometimes it's ten pages of Patrick listing every little detail about what everyone in the room is wearing, eating, drinking, their taste in business cards and then other times it's half a sentence of gruesome horror. These two elements contrast each other and are used as juxtaposition to hold a light up to hedonistic, superficial parts of a consumer culture.

[@Pikminiman]

I'm always impressed with how well you cover the argument in favor of books that you don't like.

[@wilhelmcooning]

Great vid as always, but I love this book. There's no plot, sure, but it's dripping with a nauseating atmosphere I've not found in any other novel. It's exhausting to read, but it provides a unique emotional high that Ellis never managed to replicate.

[@truthisrelative4815]

I really like killing things, especially people. But this book is awful

[@Mosixman]

+Truth Is Relative Let's team up we can be Los Diablos Hermanos

[@briciolaa]

man, pls

[@LuciusHogglefart]

Will X You should try his novel rules of attraction perhaps you will feel the same about it

[@a.j8307]

The book is like a horrible car accident. It's disturbing to look at, but you cannot look away from it. I loved the book, but if there is one thing I would say that could be removed it's the animal cruelty.

[@firebaby7]

#crimingwhilewhite oh shit, son

[@elizahodgson1022]

👌

[@KanyeWestLyricalGenius]

XD

[@MoaxLycan]

+slendy9600 I agree carrying bloody sheets is cray, but look at RoosterTeeth's Social Disorder, they carry a body bag in mid day, getting civillian's help to get it to the river. Note, the body bag has a person in it.

[@CERTAIND00M]

+firebaby7 I don't wanna brag, but it's honestly pretty fun. Me and my boys like to go joyriding on boosted Segways while blasting Weezer and discussing our favorite "How I Met Your Mother" episodes. I'd invite you, but then the cops might have to put on a show and pretend like they actually care what we do.

[@androofren]

+Joe Swamson Just well-dressed and white even

[@apugalypse_now]

No mention of the opening lines? The most ingenious aspect of the book is how naturally, how fluently, Patrick demonstrates his shallowness, and in so few words; he names the ritzy apartment he lives in, and only _then_ do we learn his name! That was goddamn genius right there, Wisecrack.

[@alicekliewer]

Bateman sounds a lot like Humbert Humbert from Lolita, from being an unreliable narrator to changing from first person to third person in the same sentence.

[@tesspulido]

"When your swag and your status is all you are, then you can't really be a legit individual."

[@HattiesaurusRex]

We read this book in my college senior seminar class. I think my favourite theory that we came up with was that Bateman imagined it all, even his own lifestyle. He's actually a shoe salesman (based off something a hooker says when Bateman mentions where he works) who's obsessed with the high life. He spends all this time talking about material things (both in narrative and in conversation) because that's what he thinks people of that class do.

[@Baron_Alexander_Renfield]

The rat scene, the urinal puck scene and the interaction with Tom Cruise are the greatest things that should have made the movie

[@DT-by1oe]

Your commentary is superb you’ve gained a subscriber fam much respect ✊🏾

[@geling101]

I love how you shared what you thought of this book as well. Shaking up that review/analysis motif.

[@Gootothesecond]

"Crimin' While White."Ha! This is the earliest I've gotten to see one of these videos. I love this, good work.

[@emilytaithe]

This book nearly made me throw up. It's the best book that I have ever hated

[@lmalone3601]

please elaborate.

[@bigdaddychemster1201]

The dog scene will stick with me to my final day.

[@westy229]

"You like Huey Lewis and the News?"

[@marmiteghost]

that's why i love the movie. hits all the beats it needs to, the subtle themes and messages are in there, keeps everything important from the books, all while actually delivering on the humour and engrossing visuals

[@KoolMutualAids]

Flowers For Algernon anyone?

[@lericanemrag2455]

Definitely!

[@KoolMutualAids]

***** it's actually a full novel, it was first published as a short story and then expanded on.

[@KoolMutualAids]

***** Definitely, it goes into much more depth than the short story by far. It's an excellent read, one of my personal favorites.

[@deathhzrd]

This^

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

+Ara Marson Love the book and actually re bought it the other day, mostly cause I can relate to it a lot.

[@jacobhackman8861]

Please do Flowers For Algrenon

[@tynoguchi7450]

Best book from the second grade

[@sexybunnyxox]

Yes, this!

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

+Jacob Hackman Beautiful book, I related to it a lot.

[@jacobhackman8861]

Ty Noguchi lmao you read that in second grade??? 😂😨

[@tynoguchi7450]

Yeah, it was fucked up..

[@RobToob]

Pure Genius! Sparky Sweets, PHD is at the top of his game and the animated cutouts perfectly matches his commentary!

[@floragosling84]

Great video, think this is your best yet

[@Carlos310123]

I think that the fact that Patrick Bateman gets called different names throughout the book is a reference that Patrick Bateman is or could be anybody. The crazy man is the narrator, trying to reflect himself in the reader.

[@skaterdude7277]

Meaningless objects to fill the gaps between meaningless violence with meaningless friends and coworkers. Is the character actually Patrick and everyone else just gets his name wrong because he's a one in a million personality less banker?

[@Kaya_Chamanara64]

This was amazing, thanks man - keep it up!! :D

[@theozlander4629]

I have no idea how this wound up on my feed but DAYUM am I glad it did 😁 you just give out such a happy, chill vibe, I love it 👌

[@Kenshar1984]

Love it! Starship Troopers (the novel) please!!

[@Elleraiser]

+Kenshar1984 oh gosh yes

[@SpychoPete]

this

[@Adrian-Abu]

Cannibal Teddy you realize that book is a parody of fascism right

[@maxstirner8717]

'Do you like Huey Lewis and the News?'

[@joymarcruz4417]

hey, paul!

[@maxstirner8717]

Joymar Cruz YAAAHH!

[@joymarcruz4417]

+Max Stirner great book and awesome movie

[@nicanornunez9787]

Nailed it. Great work. One of the best youtube channels.

[@montezuma0000]

Hey I actually dig these Sparky Reviews, thanks for being honest about how you felt!

[@Tychoxi]

FEED ME A STRAY CAT

[@therealquade]

+Tychoxi Why are there copies of the style section all over the floor...?

[@jonharper5700]

u guys never,I MEAN NEVER disappoint.

[@bipsmaster]

These are my favorite wisecrack videos. Do more if possible! Cheers

[@titusbramble7403]

My favourite scene in the book is when he has a panic attack over there being “too many fucking movies to choose from” and when he rents Body Double for the thirty seventh time

[@DrumWild]

I was bummed when I noticed they left the Godiva urinal cake scene out of the movie.

[@georgemontana990]

Do the bell jar by Sylvia plath

[@Keepcalmandlaughofte]

Yes!!!

[@krimson6605]

yess

[@cartoonhanks1708]

The book is so freaking stupid I cannot explain how much I laughed at it! Now I'm no woman, but I always thought the fear of getting pregnant was stupid. And really just an excuse for most things, and also the fear of consequences and the pressures of getting married ect. We aren't old, we aren't stupid. Even in the 1960's women could not be married, it was fine. Sex happened, it's not as though they would be burning down your house, and it's not as though you would be shamed for having private sex with someone. So really it's her emotional insecurities, so! What would be the answer to this? Find some way of coping, desensitization, and over all understanding, there's nothing wrong with wanting kids, and there's nothing wrong with being a mother because overall, you are a woman, and that is your nature. So I find the whole Pseudo-feminism-esk vibe to the book to be annoying. And pointless, the whole point of the book is to simple give you what the perspective of a woman was, if they don't want to get married, which ultimately proved false anyway because it sends the message that women do want to get married. And that it's okay to admit you don't! BUT YOU ABSOLUTELY DO. Which is ridiculous, and coupled with the fact that it mentions how she can't find a career she wants, a trait of a person who wants a simple life. She basically just admitted she wanted to be a mother, and a wife. Basically saying that women over all, want child. And really that's the main reason for their existence because other wise she would be devoted to whatever she was good at and wanted to do, like many MALE poet's and many male musicians who remained single through out their lives. Where as women cannot. BASICALLY sending the exact opposite of the message the book intended. Saying that WOMEN WILL BE WOMEN, AND MEN WILL BE MEN. Which is a god-awful message for a book that's intended to express the life of a woman in a typical males world trying to express the inequalities or the difficulties they have, even if they are smart and successful. And how they aren't motivated to make any lasting relationships because those are only relevant to the job she's doing that she doesn't care about it. BLAH BLAH BLAH. It's freaking terrible. And I only read the entire plot synopsis, and if the entire plot is that! No matter how you write it, it's terrible. And even if it discussions the themes of depression I am sure many other books discusses depression caused by indecisive choices on what you should be in life and not having the answers and the fear of a possibility going wrong, or the fear of having children for a woman, and "scandalous" behavior in women from that time. It's really just boring, useless, and stupid. And look you may say "You can't dismiss a book you haven't read" And you may want to make the assumption, and generally that is the case, but when it comes to plot, if a plot involves time travel. Automatic problems unless there's established rules for it!. If a plot has a theme that is meant to prove a point and or explore things which let's be honest means "Prove my point aka 'explore things'" was basically pointless. Of course maybe I'm wrong, but if it spoiled the entire plot. Well is their anyone that can say that it say's anything different? Other then exploring themes...I can't really say it has any value. If I can write that much in a comment discussing the book...I think it would be a little hard making a video on it. And you may say "IT'S WRITTEN SO WELL THOUGH YOU SHOULD REALLY READ IT" Well I read the entire plot, and I don't want to buy a book I won't ever read.

[@cartoonhanks1708]

Out of all books to explore, and the events that take hold. It seems as if this book would be the least interesting to review, that is of course if you don't know philosophy, or don't like to think about things. In other words, these themes will seem fresh new, well be SMART MODERN, AND SO CREATIVE THEY WILL DROP YOUR BALLS. Of course you ask any, or look any women who are millionaires, they have kids, and if you look up sex problems like marriage, and children, and inequalities and the psyche of women and men and just observe the air so to speak. It really would just be...useless. And it is...useless.

[@krimson6605]

+Sam whyd u have to make us upset we just want a thugnotes review of the book?? also there r more ppl who like the book compared 2 u (i think) so majority wins. also i found this book very relatable i & inspiring to read. hate to use this argument but u aint a woman so i dont think u'd understand what shes talking about. (not saying that all women are as messed up as her tho, it's just that not all men are as sympathetic as women are i guess).

[@rustyhook69]

Different strokes for different folks, indeed. I loved every word of it. Great video.

[@billsales3235]

excellent! great work!

[@magnet8185]

dam, this was actually really good. You EARNED a subs.

[@Jack_The_Ladd]

This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen .

[@christianmaloney969]

Do you like Huey Lewis and The News?

[@Jack_The_Ladd]

Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste, but when Sports came out in '83 I think they really came into their own.

[@BenMTeaches]

Love the concluding critique, not every book is great, but the insight is.

[@tellchoat8337]

Hey man, this is my favorite show on KZbin. Keep it real!

[@samvente1261]

Preach it bro, lot of people sort of excuse bad storytelling if there's a certain name on a book of because of the metaphors/ message etc. Like you said "you godda captivate before you preach"

[@ryklatortuga4146]

Yeah Yeah, But do you like Phil Collins?

[@theresaivy7274]

If he says no I'm threw with him!😎

[@jasperweinberger2439]

do you like Huey lewis and the news

[@williams.5952]

Congrats on 1,000,000 subs!!

[@luis5d6b]

Your reviews are the best! :)

[@tbppuglia]

holy shit, this channel is awesome!

[@freebee8221]

Not to mention how obsessed he is with 80s music. Love it

[@mysticladyrachel]

I adore your videos.

[@glassanddiaphane]

Awsome video!

[@HakimSpokenLewis]

This is honestly my favorite way of learning about new books and classic novels

[@spentont]

I think Patrick's being called different names is symbolic of his being not tied down to one identity. It is symbolic of the psychopath that lives in us all

[@jacobmorales323]

Wisecrack you guys are amazing please never stop

[@SeanMohundro]

I'm pretty glad you left out so many of the details.... Reading that book was jarring to my psyche.

[@Blink69e]

Next to Crime and Punishment, this is my favorite novel I've ever read. Great, superb book.

[@carolfromhr9900]

I’m sensing a pattern with your book tastes lol.

[@Ares_gaming_117]

"I take a bite of sorbet" Never thought Id hear a thug say that lol

[@msdecleir6389]

Loved this. Excellently written. Read it twice.

[@kimberleysnagg4215]

Great stuff.

[@soukkhanhsila134]

this dude is really entertaining to listen too.

[@wondering141]

One of the better thug notes. The objectivity and criticism is welcomed.

[@MrRay31]

found a good channel for book analysis! THANK YOU! I was confused AF as to what I read.

[@bijibadness]

this is the FIRST time i've actually gotten a review out of Thug Notes. i'd love more in the future.

[@TheLeastOfficialOfBros]

You should do "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret" by Judy Blume

[@jackietyler5304]

+Sweetie Bot Summary: Bitch, got her period. De end. Analysis: Almost every girl will eventually get her period, and have to face the harsh bullshit realities of adulthood.

[@ethanmatthews5837]

Cask of Amontillado! That's my favorite short story! Can't wait for your take on it!

[@Baron_Alexander_Renfield]

Poor Fortunato

[@ethanmatthews5837]

Im pace requiasat (Lol I can't latin)

[@wd4036]

patrick do be tryna pull some montressor shit

[@vmwindustries]

One of the best reviews ever!!!!!!!!!

[@TechnicJunglist]

"Who does he think he is? Denzel Washington?!" 🤣 This is not an exit.

[@Elfos64]

I kind of want to see you do Atlas Shrugged.

[@ZombryaTheDark]

I LOVE the book. It helps seeing the movie first. All I imagine while reading the book is the movie characters acting out the book

[@user-lw6wx6om4p]

Wisecrack is the only channel i'm willing to sit through a 30 second commercial for.

[@camotophat]

I hope you keep giving your personal opinion on the books you analyze man. That was good.

[@TheGreatFozzie]

Thank you mai nigga! You just scored me a B in Language Arts.

[@Vank4o]

Could you make an analysis on Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind?

[@superflysquirrel]

excellent!

[@fredastaire6156]

that was a good one!

[@leviscott8162]

Would you maybe consider doing a Thug Notes on Hannibal or Silence of the Lambs? I would be so thrilled!

[@pavelradev1990]

"Criming while white" 😂😂😂💀💀💀 I'm dead

[@jacoblin3035]

I personally have never read it, but I respect your opinion. Mad props man. Love your analysis as usual!

[@clevername333]

Love you!

[@cyancat5451]

you should do either "a doll house" or "a public enemy" by Henrik Ibsen

[@maurygoldman4494]

please do Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

[@daniiiba2633]

+Mauricio Ibarra Or Rant. Fucking love Chuck Palahnuik, even if I can't pronounce his last name

[@maurygoldman4494]

Danii Iba Right?!?

[@Baron_Alexander_Renfield]

Pygmy or survivor would be my choices

[@Baron_Alexander_Renfield]

Pygmy or survivor would be my choices

[@maurygoldman4494]

AmericanXero As long as its Chuck Palahniuk! I'm reading Survivor right now.

[@milop.5493]

Best review EVER!!!!!...

[@rosegoldbb]

Awesome 👏 breakdown 👌😂

[@jayb1797]

Do Gone With The Wind

[@Cyber_Noot]

I'd love to see you do Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

[@whiplashfilms]

I think a key thing about this book that I love, among other things (it did work for me I guess but I like how it's rambling and goes on for pages, stream of consciousness style), is the class distinctions. It really paints NYC at the time, but it also feels like how it is now and has been for a long time. His descriptions of homeless people in the streets and his interactions with them are striking and add a lot to the book (I think it can be argued pretty simply if nothing else he does kill the homeless guy).

[@FatrickAteman]

i love this way more then i thought i would!