Bret Easton Ellis Literary Influences: In a recent candid discussion about his literary influences and preferences, the critically acclaimed author, Bret Easton Ellis, delves deep into his reading habits, tracing memories from his earliest readings to the present day. A standout revelation in this introspective journey is his profound connection with filmmakers and novelists alike, particularly highlighting Quentin Tarantino and Stephen King.
Bret Easton Ellis On Quentin Tarantino and Stephen King
Ellis expresses an intimate connection with Tarantino’s recent book, “Cinema Speculation.” Having grown up in the same era, Ellis confesses, “I have never connected more intimately with a book about movies.” Their parallel childhood moviegoing experiences appear to have struck a chord with the writer, offering readers a glimpse into the kind of narratives that resonate with Ellis.
The admiration doesn’t end there. Looking back at his formative years, Ellis recalls the spellbinding impact of Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot”. The novel’s uncanny ability to place vampires in an eerily realistic world left an indelible mark on a young Ellis. He mentions how the fusion of horror in such a recognizable context was “singularly terrifying”, pushing him to revisit the spine-chilling narrative repeatedly.
Beyond these compelling connections, Ellis reflects on a plethora of other significant books and writers. From finding inspiration in Joan Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” to revisiting F Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” every decade, his diverse literary appetite paints a vivid picture of his evolution as a reader and writer.
Interestingly, amidst the wide array of literary gems Ellis talks about, there’s an evident pattern of him connecting deeply with authors and critics who blur the boundaries between pop culture and sophisticated art, like Pauline Kael, who taught him to appreciate the vitality of pop culture.
In closing, the insights offered by Bret Easton Ellis not only serve as a testament to his varied literary tastes but also provide readers and aspiring writers with a roadmap of influential narratives that have shaped the contemporary literary landscape.
Also, Read: Judging a Book by its Cover: Why is Book Cover Art as Precious as a Writer’s Words?
The original article was published on The Guardian.
