Ellis, Bret Easton: *1964
Less Than Zero, 1985 - Background
1980s Los Angeles and wealth culture (An interviw with Ellis): "Explains the era’s emphasis on wealth, consumerism, image, youth, and entertainment."- Consumerism in the 1980s: "Helps explain why the characters live the way they do—with money, luxury, drugs, parties, status, fashion, and constant consumption."
- High Times Greats- Reagan Era America: "The early 1980s were associated with conservative politics, increasing emphasis on free-market capitalism and individual wealth, and a highly visible consumer culture."
- Young Novelist Pens a Scathing Indictment of California Life Style: "Hollywood, Beverly Hills, MTV, rock music, expensive restaurants, cars, parties, and celebrity culture are important to the atmosphere."
- Zeroing In on Bret Easton Ellis: "The emotionally flat narration reflect the fast-moving media culture of the 1980s. Contemporary critics explicitly associated its style with MTV and called it a portrait of the dark side of MTV."