Bret Easton Ellis - Speaker

Bret Easton Ellis is a well-known American novelist, satirist, screenwriter, and podcaster. His work has greatly influenced modern culture and the entertainment industry, often sparking both controversy and praise. Ellis attended the Buckley School in Los Angeles, where he started writing novels. After graduating, he studied at Bennington College in Vermont, initially focusing on music before switching to writing. There, he took courses with notable authors and formed friendships with fellow writers. His literary career began with the publication of his first novel, Less Than Zero, in 1985, which looks at the lives of wealthy teenagers in Los Angeles. This book established him as a significant voice of his generation. His later novels, including The Rules of Attraction, American Psycho, Glamorama, Lunar Park, and Imperial Bedrooms, further enhanced his reputation for dark satire. American Psycho is especially known for its graphic violence and critique of America's elite. Ellis has also worked in film, writing screenplays for The Canyons and The Curse of Downers Grove, and directing the television series The Deleted. In recent years, he has become a cultural provocateur on social media and through his podcast. His outspoken views have led to controversy, including being barred from the GLAAD Media Awards for his comments on casting in Fifty Shades of Grey. With 2.5 million copies sold in North America and translations into 32 languages, Ellis's works have been adapted into films and a Broadway musical. Despite the controversies, he continues to address societal issues, challenging the obsession with popularity and the suppression of differing opinions. Ellis remains a significant and polarizing figure in contemporary literature and culture.