Materialism/Consumption, Identity/Isolation, Monotony/Desensitization, Vice/Violence. Is what Bateman talking about true or unrealistic and is he genuinely a murderer or dos he just have psychological problems?
An enigmatic character who is a serial killer secretly and a successful businessman in the meantime. His killings are never uncovered and it's unknown as to whether he has mental problems or if he's killing people. His taste in good clothes, food, music and lifestyle goes beyond the edge with him committing violent killings.
The setting of the novel is 1980's New York City. Issues like mob violence, serial killers, the Cold War and third world problems are mentioned. Much of the story takes place in Manhattan where Bateman's apartment is and his work. Some areas of the city are middle class or poor.