Bret Easton Ellis is an American author known for his satirical and often controversial novels. He gained fame in the 1980s with his debut work, Less Than Zero, which explores the lives of disaffected youth in Los Angeles. His writing often delves into themes of consumerism, identity, and the darker aspects of modern society. Ellis is also recognized for his novel American Psycho, which tells the story of a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. This book sparked significant debate due to its graphic content and social commentary. Over the years, he has published several other works and remains a prominent figure in contemporary literature.