

Bret Easton Ellis | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 61
Jul 28, 2019
Bret Easton Ellis, best-selling author of 'American Psycho' and 'Less Than Zero,' dives into the cultural and political landscape. He discusses being 'anti-anti-Trump' and critiques the media's role in shaping perceptions. Ellis explores Hollywood's tension between artistry and political correctness, particularly in the Oscars discussions. He reflects on the challenges critics face in today's charged environment and shares his creative journey, touching on generational divides and the impact of social media on artistic expression.
01:01:23
Ellis's Trump Interest
- Bret Easton Ellis's interest in Trump began with his 2015 presidential campaign.
- He was intrigued by the disconnect between Trump's actions and media portrayal.
Trump's Aesthetics
- Trump's aesthetics, not just policies, trigger strong reactions, especially among elites.
- Ellis, though not a supporter, found the hysteria surrounding Trump puzzling.
Trump's Persona
- Trump's boorish persona and aesthetics are key to both his appeal and the repulsion he evokes.
- His transparency, even when lying, and everyman image are factors.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Perceptions and Politics: The Trump Paradox
03:49 • 12min
Cinematic Critique: Navigating Politics and Aesthetics in Hollywood
16:07 • 6min
Oscars and Ideology: A Cultural Divide
21:41 • 10min
Navigating Criticism in a Culturally Charged Landscape
31:27 • 6min
From Novels to Tweets: A Creative Journey
37:21 • 18min
Navigating Political Divides and Cultural Puritanism
55:38 • 6min

American Psycho
Bret Easton Ellis
American Psycho is a black comedy horror novel that critiques the superficiality and materialism of 1980s Wall Street culture through the character of Patrick Bateman, a charismatic but sociopathic investment banker. The novel explores themes of identity, consumerism, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. It is known for its graphic violence and dark humor, offering a commentary on the excesses of capitalist society.

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Sir Michael Howard

Less Than Zero
The Case for a Falling Price Level in a Growing Economy
George Selgin
In this book, George Selgin challenges the conventional wisdom that monetary policy should aim for price stability. He argues that a falling price level, driven by increases in productivity, is more beneficial for economic growth. Selgin uses historical evidence and theoretical analysis to support his argument, known as the 'productivity norm.' He contends that this approach would provide more honest price signals, reduce monetary distortions, and lead to better economic outcomes. The book has been praised for its originality and remains relevant in discussions on monetary policy[3][4][5].

Black Klansman
Ron Stallworth
Black Klansman is the extraordinary true story of Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the history of the Colorado Springs Police Department. In 1978, Stallworth responded to a classified ad for the Ku Klux Klan, posing as a white man, and launched an audacious undercover investigation. With the help of his partner Chuck, who played the 'white' Ron Stallworth, Stallworth conducted phone conversations and even befriended David Duke, the Grand Wizard of the KKK. The book details his months-long investigation, during which he sabotaged cross burnings, exposed white supremacists in the military, and provided a searing portrait of a divided America and the heroes who fight against racism.

Land
Kazumi Yamashita

Get out
Sean McKittrick
Jordan Peele
Hamm, Edward H. Jr
Jason Blum

The Shining
Stephen King
In 'The Shining,' Stephen King tells the story of the Torrance family—Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny—who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Jack, a recovering alcoholic and aspiring writer, takes the job as the hotel's winter caretaker to overcome his personal demons and reconnect with his family. However, the hotel, with its dark and violent history, exerts a malevolent influence on Jack, exploiting his weaknesses and threatening his family. Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as 'the shining,' is particularly vulnerable to the hotel's supernatural forces. As the winter isolates them, the family faces terrifying events that culminate in a tragic confrontation with the hotel's evil presence[2][3][5].

Us
Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship
Terrence Real
Bruce Springsteen
In this transformative book, Terrence Real addresses the impact of toxic individualism on intimate relationships. He provides a science-backed skillset to help couples overcome repetitive fights and distant relationships by fostering a culture of compassion, collaboration, and closeness. Real shares stories of couples whose relationships have been saved through these skills and discusses the broader cultural context that reinforces relationship dysfunction. The book is praised for its insightful and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for those seeking true intimacy.

If Beale Street Could Talk
James Baldwin
The novel tells the story of Tish, a 19-year-old Black woman, and her lover Fonny, a young sculptor who is falsely accused of rape. The narrative explores the struggles of their families as they work to clear Fonny's name, highlighting the pervasive racism and injustice faced by Black Americans in the 1970s. Through Tish's perspective, the book delves into themes of love, family, community, and the systemic injustices that shape their lives. Baldwin's writing vividly portrays the emotional and social complexities of the characters, making the story both poignant and powerful[2][3][5].

Black Panther
Christopher J. Priest
Keine Beschreibung verfügbar.

Lunar Park
Bret Easton Ellis
In 'Lunar Park', Bret Easton Ellis crafts a metafictional narrative that begins with a satirical account of his early fame and then delves into a fictional life in the suburbs. The story intertwines themes of family, identity, and the blurring of reality and fiction, as Ellis confronts his past and the characters from his previous works. The novel is a blend of horror, satire, and introspection, exploring the complexities of suburban life and the author's own legacy.
White
White
Kenya Haram

The Birth of a Nation
Nat Turner and the Making of a Movement
Nate Parker
This book is an official tie-in to the 2016 film 'The Birth of a Nation', exploring the history and legacy of Nat Turner, who led one of the most significant slave rebellions in American history. It includes essays by Nate Parker and contributions from historians and the film's cast and crew, providing historical context and insights into Turner's transformation into an anti-slavery leader.
Moonlight
Moonlight
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Barry Jenkins
Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" is a coming-of-age drama that follows Chiron, a young black man growing up in a challenging environment. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the search for belonging. Jenkins' masterful direction and his ability to create a deeply moving and emotionally resonant experience are evident throughout the film. The film's exploration of complex themes and its sensitive portrayal of its characters have made it a critical and commercial success. "Moonlight" is a significant work in contemporary cinema, pushing boundaries and challenging audiences with its complex narrative and its exploration of universal themes. Its success is a testament to Jenkins' skill in crafting a deeply moving and unforgettable story.

The green book
Mu'ammar al-Qadhdha fi

The Late Shift
Bill Carter
The Late Shift chronicles the intense corporate struggle surrounding late-night talk shows in the early 1990s, particularly the power struggle between David Letterman and Jay Leno to succeed Johnny Carson as host of NBC's The Tonight Show. The book provides a detailed look at the business side of television and the personalities involved in this pivotal moment in late-night television history.

The Informers
Bret Easton Ellis
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, 'The Informers' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that captures the essence of a generation consumed by excess and moral decay. The book consists of thirteen loosely interconnected stories, each told from a different character's perspective, highlighting the emptiness and disillusionment of privileged youth. Through its narrative, Ellis critiques the superficiality and materialism of the era, using elements like vampires as metaphors for the characters' inner emptiness.

Atlanta
Donald Glover
Hiro Murai
Alex Orr
The title 'Atlanta' refers to a television series created by Donald Glover, not a book. The series explores themes of identity, culture, and existentialism through a surreal lens.
Bret Easton Ellis — best-selling author, screenwriter, and podcast host whose works include "American Psycho," "Less Than Zero," and his latest hit, "White" — joins Ben to discuss being "anti-anti-Trump," the Hollywood bubble, Twitter speech enforcement, the state of movies, "Generation Wuss" millennials, and much more. Date: 07-28-2019
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