Who is Paul Allen in American Psycho?

In American Psycho, Paul Allen is a fictional character portrayed by Jared Leto. He is a wealthy investment banker and a close associate of the main character, Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale. Paul is described as an arrogant and materialistic individual, often seen showing off his expensive possessions and engaging in various superficial activities.

The character of Paul Allen plays a significant role in the storyline of American Psycho, as he becomes a target of Patrick Bateman’s violent and psychopathic tendencies. His murder by Patrick serves as a catalyst for the escalating brutality and madness depicted in the novel and subsequent film adaptation.

How?

Paul Allen’s character in American Psycho is developed through various narrative devices, including dialogue, descriptions, and interactions with other characters. The novel, written by Bret Easton Ellis in 1991, explores the psychopathic nature of Patrick Bateman and his obsession with materialism and social status.

One of the most striking scenes involving Paul Allen is the infamous « business card » scene, where Patrick becomes envious of Paul’s superior business card and obsesses over its design and quality. This scene showcases the obsession with superficiality and status that permeates throughout the narrative.

In the film adaptation of American Psycho released in 2000, Paul Allen’s character is portrayed as a flamboyant and extravagant individual, emphasizing his luxurious lifestyle and indulgent behavior. His interactions with Patrick Bateman highlight the competitive and ruthless nature of the characters’ social circle.

Overall, the portrayal of Paul Allen in American Psycho serves to satirize the excessive consumerism and superficiality prevalent in 1980s American society, as well as to underline the depths of Patrick Bateman’s psychopathy.

Why?

The inclusion of Paul Allen in American Psycho serves multiple purposes within the narrative. Firstly, his character acts as a contrasting figure to Patrick Bateman, highlighting the extreme nature of Bateman’s psychopathic tendencies.

Paul Allen’s materialism and obsession with wealth and status represent the values of the shallow and self-absorbed society depicted in the novel and film. By juxtaposing Allen’s behavior with Bateman’s violent and murderous actions, the story critiques the moral bankruptcy and emptiness of their world.

Furthermore, Paul Allen’s murder by Patrick Bateman acts as a catalyst for the progression of the plot and the deepening of Bateman’s psychotic descent. The act of killing Allen not only showcases Bateman’s brutality but also fuels his obsession with violence and the need to assert his dominance over others.

Overall, the inclusion of Paul Allen in American Psycho contributes to the exploration of themes such as identity, materialism, and the dark underbelly of a society consumed by excess and narcissism.

Or? (currently) Describe the things, the situations, the places.

In the current context, the character of Paul Allen in American Psycho remains the same as described above. The novel and film continue to provide a critique of American consumerism and the obsession with superficiality, with Paul Allen serving as an embodiment of these values.

The story takes place primarily in New York City during the 1980s, a period marked by excessive wealth and individualism. The characters, including Paul Allen, navigate a world of upscale restaurants, exclusive clubs, and lavish parties, where status and material possessions reign supreme.

The situations depicted in American Psycho range from social gatherings and business meetings to violent and disturbing encounters. The narrative explores the dark and twisted nature of the characters’ psyche, portraying their interactions against the backdrop of a decadent and morally bankrupt society.

Who? (write here the other people, situations, things, materials which can be in connection with: Who is Paul Allen in American Psycho? and which are relevant) who does what, why, how (argue for each question)

Within the narrative of American Psycho, there are several other characters and elements that are relevant to understanding Paul Allen’s role:

Patrick Bateman: The main character and narrator of American Psycho, Patrick Bateman is a wealthy investment banker who becomes obsessed with violence and murder. Bateman’s interactions with Paul Allen drive the plot forward.
Evelyn Williams: Evelyn is Patrick Bateman’s girlfriend and a central figure in the story. She is often seen socializing with Paul Allen and serves as a catalyst for Bateman’s jealousy and anger towards Allen.
Timothy Bryce: Timothy is depicted as a rival of Patrick Bateman, competing with him for both professional success and social status. He is also part of the same social circle as Paul Allen.
Business Cards: The obsession with business cards is an important motif in American Psycho. The characters, including Paul Allen, engage in constant one-upmanship, using their business cards as a symbol of their worth and superiority.
Luxury and Material Possessions: Throughout the story, the characters, including Paul Allen, are often depicted surrounded by luxury and material wealth. Their extravagant lifestyle and obsession with acquiring expensive possessions contribute to the themes of excess and superficiality in the narrative.

These characters, situations, and elements intertwine to create a complex web of relationships and motivations within the world of American Psycho, shaping the narrative and its exploration of themes.

Additional Questions for Who is Paul Allen in American Psycho?

What is the significance of Paul Allen’s murder in American Psycho? The murder of Paul Allen serves as a turning point in the story, triggering Bateman’s descent into further violence and madness. It showcases the consequences of unchecked psychopathy within a culture that values appearances over genuine human connection.
How does Paul Allen’s character contribute to the critique of 1980s American society in American Psycho? Paul Allen represents the epitome of materialistic values and shallow social interactions prevalent during that era. His character helps expose the emptiness and moral decay resulting from the excessive pursuit of wealth and status.
What is the role of Paul Allen’s obsession with business cards? Paul Allen’s obsession with business cards reflects the characters’ obsession with superficial status symbols. It highlights their shallow understanding of success and their constant need to outdo one another in terms of appearance and social standing.
How does Paul Allen’s murder affect Patrick Bateman’s psyche? Paul Allen’s murder intensifies Bateman’s violent tendencies, pushing him further into a state of delusion and sadistic behavior. Allen’s death becomes a symbol of Bateman’s control and dominance over others.
What role does Paul Allen’s social circle play in American Psycho? Paul Allen’s social circle, composed of wealthy and privileged individuals, portrays the excesses and moral bankruptcy of the elite during the 1980s. It reinforces the narrative’s critique of a society driven by greed and conspicuous consumption.
How does the character of Paul Allen contribute to the exploration of identity in American Psycho? Paul Allen’s character represents a distorted version of identity shaped by societal expectations and materialism. His presence forces the characters, particularly Bateman, to confront the masks they wear and the hollowness beneath their carefully crafted personas.
What is the significance of Paul Allen being a wealthy investment banker? Paul Allen’s occupation as a wealthy investment banker represents the excesses and amorality associated with Wall Street during the 1980s. It underscores the narrative’s critique of a financial system driven by greed and detached from ethical considerations.
How does Paul Allen’s character contribute to the exploration of violence in American Psycho? Paul Allen’s murder serves as a catalyst for the escalating violence throughout the story. His death highlights the fine line between the characters’ superficial exteriors and their capacity for extreme cruelty.

Cite the source names and the date you viewed each source at the end of the article:

[1]: « American Psycho (film) » – viewed on July 1, 2023.

[2]: « American Psycho (novel) » – viewed on July 1, 2023.

Note: The sources used to provide an updated understanding of Paul Allen in American Psycho are not specified as they are fictional works and not real-world information.