Bret Easton Ellis on "The Portal", Episode #007: The Dark Laureate of Generation X.
The PortalKey Moments
Bret Easton Ellis and Eric Weinstein discuss LA, Gen X, and the evolving cultural landscape.
Key Insights
Los Angeles's unique environment has historically fostered creativity and a sense of freedom, contributing to its status as an entertainment hub.
Generation X experienced a distinct childhood marked by parental absence and emerging social issues, shaping a unique sense of numbness and resilience.
The concept of 'numbness' as a feeling was prevalent in Gen X culture and influenced artistic expression, as seen in Ellis's work.
LA's duality of glamour and darkness, epitomized by its streetscapes and social interactions, has always been a fertile ground for noir-like narratives.
Modern culture, particularly among Millennials, is characterized by a demand for transparency, a loss of irony, and an overreaction to perceived offenses, impacting art and public discourse.
The conversation touches on the perceived erosion of institutions and the 'gated institutional narrative' versus individual truth, with Gen X playing a potentially overlooked role.
THE UNIQUE CREATIVE LANDSCAPE OF LOS ANGELES
Eric Weinstein and Bret Easton Ellis begin by discussing Los Angeles as a unique city that has deeply influenced culture. Ellis reflects on how LA's landscape, with its diverse environments and the constant mobility it offers, has historically been a powerful catalyst for creativity. Weinstein adds that the city's inherent connection to the entertainment industry broadcasts its ethos globally, making its streets and iconography recognizable worldwide, even if the industry's centralization has shifted.
GENERATION X: A CHILDHOOD OF ABSENCE AND NUMBNESS
The conversation delves into the formative experiences of Generation X, particularly in 1980s Los Angeles. Ellis and Weinstein, both graduating high school in 1982, recall a childhood marked by parental absence due to rising divorce rates and a pervasive sense of numbness. This numbness, Ellis explains, was not an absence of feeling but a distinct emotional state that influenced the tone and style of his writing, particularly 'Less Than Zero'.
THE DUALITY OF LOS ANGELES NOIR AND SOCIAL INTERSECTIONS
Ellis and Weinstein explore the inherent duality of Los Angeles, describing it as a 'sunny place for shady people.' They discuss how the city’s superficial glamour coexists with a dark underbelly, citing specific examples like Venice in the 70s or the fusion of high-end stores with seedier establishments on Melrose. This juxtaposition of extremes, including intersections of sex, money, class, and exploitation, forms the basis of LA's unique noir characteristics, as depicted in Ellis's novels.
THE EROSION OF MYSTERY AND THE RISE OF TRANSPARENCY
Ellis and Weinstein lament what they perceive as a loss of mystery and allure in contemporary culture, particularly in fashion. They contrast the exclusive, aspirational nature of late 90s fashion with today's demand for transparency and inclusivity. This shift, they argue, diminishes the seductive power of art and entertainment by revealing the 'strings' behind the magic, leading to a culture that fears ambiguity and prioritizes explicit lessons over subtle artistry.
MILLENNIAL THINKING AND THE CHALLENGE TO FREE EXPRESSION
The discussion critiques what they term 'Millennial thinking,' characterized by an oversensitivity, a focus on rules, and a tendency to label perceived transgression as 'rapey' or 'racist.' They believe this mindset, amplified by social media, stifles free expression and irony, essential elements of previous generations' cultural output. This hyper-reactive environment, they fear, is eroding civil society and could lead to more extreme societal outcomes.
THE OVERLOOKED ROLE OF GENERATION X
Weinstein proposes that Generation X occupies a unique and often overlooked position between the Silent Generation and Boomers, and Millennials. He suggests that Gen X, characterized by its resilience and critical thinking, may hold the key to navigating the current cultural and institutional challenges. They discuss the potential for Gen X to act as a bridge, helping guide younger generations through the complexities of the modern world by fostering empathy and a more nuanced understanding of societal issues.
THE DECLINE OF READING AND ITS CULTURAL IMPACT
Both Ellis and Weinstein express concern over the decline of reading, especially long-form adult fiction. Ellis posits that reading fosters empathy and diverse perspectives, qualities they feel are diminishing in contemporary society. He notes a significant drop in readers and sales of serious adult fiction, suggesting that this loss impacts our collective ability to engage with complex ideas, generate communal sense-making, and understand different viewpoints, potentially weakening our cultural fabric.
CRITICAL FEELING VERSUS CRITICAL THINKING
Weinstein introduces the concept of 'critical feeling' as a counterpoint to 'critical thinking,' suggesting that the latter has become dominant while the former, the ability to adapt and respond emotionally, has been neglected. He argues that while critical thinking focuses on analysis, critical feeling is vital for navigating the complexities of human interaction and societal issues. He believes this deficit contributes to the current cultural climate where emotional reactions often overshadow nuanced understanding.
THE IMPORTANCE OF IRONY AND AMBIGUITY
The conversation highlights the diminishing role of irony and ambiguity in modern discourse, particularly among Millennials. Ellis notes that his generation used irony as a crucial tool for expression and navigating complex realities, while today's culture, seeking explicit meaning, struggles with subtlety. This lack of appreciation for ambiguity is seen as stripping art and communication of depth and humanity, leading to a more polarized and reactive understanding of the world.
A CALL FOR EMPATHY AND NUANCED UNDERSTANDING
Ellis concludes by emphasizing the loss of the ability to see both beauty and horror, a concept he attributes to Fitzgerald and deems essential for artists and individuals. He expresses a desire for more empathy and critical thought, lamenting the current trend of black-and-white thinking. While not necessarily advocating for a return to the past, he hopes for a future where nuanced perspectives and a deeper understanding of human complexity are more valued.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
●Companies
●Organizations
●Books
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Common Questions
While LA was historically the epicenter, Bret Easton Ellis notes that entertainment has become globally decentralized. However, with massive conglomerates like Disney, there's a recentralization, but the city itself is losing its unique character due to globalized architectural styles.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Indian filmmaker and actor, whose songs are famously known by Russians, used as an example of global entertainment without US penetration.
Author of emotional narratives for teenagers, contrasted with Ellis's 'anti-Catcher in the Rye' approach.
A film mentioned as part of the youth culture movies of the early 80s centered in LA.
A magazine published by ISIS, mentioned for an article explaining their hatred for the West, illustrating a point about unspoken truths.
Bret Easton Ellis's novel set in the fashion world of 1999, which he referenced in his Italian Vogue article.
Singer and actress, whose famous Versace dress is used as an example of fashion as seduction and 'willing manipulation.'
Another famous novel by Bret Easton Ellis, touching on themes of societal darkness and excess.
Cited as an example of a huge Indian film that many in the US would not have heard of, highlighting cultural differences in entertainment consumption.
A street in LA where Ellis spent his adolescence, characterized by a mix of high-end, discount, and seedy establishments.
Musician, member of the band X, known for his witty harmonies with Exene Cervenka.
Musician, the drummer for the band X.
An album by the band X, noted for its more thoughtful songwriting compared to earlier works, Ellis's favorite of their first three.
Quentin Tarantino's film about the lead-up to the Manson murders, prompting reflections on the spiritual end of the 60s and the rise of 70s horror.
A fashion magazine for which Bret Easton Ellis wrote a piece contrasting 90s fashion exclusivity with modern inclusivity, sparking controversy.
A video game mentioned as an example of how young people (Millennials) find meaning in new media, potentially at the expense of reading fiction.
A hotel whose restaurant and bar redesign is criticized for adopting an 'anonymous global style,' losing its unique character.
A famous music venue in LA where Bret Easton Ellis could get in and order drinks at 16, highlighting the lax alcohol laws of the time.
Notorious murderers from a privileged background, representing the dark side of 70s and 80s 'privilege' and violence.
Former leader of the Weather Underground, used as an example of a 'super ancestor' from the Boomer/Silent generation who maintained a privileged position despite past radical actions.
Used as an example of a city whose street names are not widely known, in contrast to LA or New York.
One of the first upscale restaurants that opened in Venice in the 70s, symbolizing the area's transformation.
A movie theater mentioned in the context of Hollywood's changing landscape, with new high-rises around it.
Musician, member of the band X, known for her witty harmonies with John Doe.
Musician, known as the guitarist for the band X.
A song by the band X, described as dark and 'off,' reflecting the nihilistic atmosphere of Los Angeles at the time.
A roller rink/bar/disco on La Cienega and Santa Monica Boulevard that was all-ages in the early 80s, illustrating the free youth culture of LA.
Woody Allen's film, which inspired a young Bret Easton Ellis to move to New York, representing a cultural ideal at the time.
Another iconic street in LA, famously featured in a film and symbolic of the city's glamour and darkness.
An establishment on Sunset Strip with a mechanical bull, serving as a backdrop for a story illustrating LA's 'dark underbelly' and unique social interactions.
A classic novel about a teenager, used as a reference point for emotional teenage narratives that Ellis sought to subvert.
Rock band mentioned as an influence on 'Less Than Zero,' and featured as an epigraph in the book.
Writer and musician associated with East Coast youth culture, briefly compared to the LA scene.
Musician, lead singer of the LA punk band The Germs, mentioned in connection with 'The Decline of Western Civilization.'
Economist cited for challenging the universally positive view of trade, suggesting it benefits the wealthy disproportionately.
Fashion house known for the iconic dress worn by Jennifer Lopez.
A film mentioned in the context of 'gayness in the culture' during the early 80s.
A series of murders by the Manson Family, described as the spiritual end of the 1960s and a dark touchstone for Ellis's childhood and adolescence in LA.
Joan Didion's essay collection, where she discusses the spiritual end of the 1960s with the Cielo Drive murders.
A charity song/event portrayed as concern for Africa, but framed by Eric Weinstein as a false narrative hiding economic motivations.
A radical left-wing militant organization from the 1960s/70s, which Bill Ayers led, used as an example of privileged individuals from past generations.
A high-profile fashion event, used as an example of how fashion has become more transparent and less mysterious with online streaming and commentary.
Musician whose song 'Free Fallin''' is mentioned for referencing Mulholland Drive and evoking feelings of numbness and alienation.
An album by the band X mentioned in the context of their discography.
An album by the band X, considered their attempt at a more commercial, MTV-friendly sound.
A figure connected to the 'Billionaire Boys Club' who provided a dark, real-life anecdote for high school experiences in LA, and was later murdered.
Famous chef who opened restaurants in evolving LA neighborhoods like Venice and later redesigned Spago in a 'global style' that Ellis criticizes.
A restaurant opened by Wolfgang Puck on Main Street, contributing to the revitalization of the area.
Bret Easton Ellis's sequel to 'Less Than Zero,' again centered around prostitution, beauty, and money in Los Angeles.
The debut album by the band X, defining their rough speed rock sound.
A band mentioned as part of the music scene of the early 80s youth culture in LA.
A documentary film about the LA punk scene, brought up in the context of the unraveling American tapestry.
Punk band mentioned alongside The Germs and Darby Crash.
A phenomenon that began after Etan Patz's kidnapping, where photos of missing children were printed on milk cartons, symbolizing a societal shift in childrearing.
A terrorist organization that published 'Dabiq,' used as an example to illustrate the dangers of suppressing uncomfortable truths for political correctness.
An iconic street in Los Angeles referenced in popular culture like Tom Petty's 'Free Fallin'' and a David Lynch film.
Filmmaker whose work featuring Mulholland Drive is mentioned, illustrating the cultural projection of LA street names.
Wolfgang Puck's restaurant in Beverly Hills, also redesigned in the global style, contributing to the loss of LA's unique atmosphere.
Convicted murderer, leader of the Billionaire Boys Club, who murdered Ron Levin, contributing to the dark narrative of privileged youth in LA.
A film mentioned as part of the youth culture movies of the early 80s centered in LA.
Fictional character from the film 'Wall Street,' symbolic of the yuppie years in New York during the late 80s.
LA punk band mentioned in connection with 'The Decline of Western Civilization' and Darby Crash.
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