10 quotes from 'American Psycho' that are still shocking today

25 years later, Patrick Bateman remains the king of killer one-liners.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Since its publication 25 years ago, Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho has remained one of the most graphic novels ever written. Its brutal depiction of wealthy Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman, who relentlessly butchers and tortures everyone who comes across his path, continues to shock and thrill readers.

Told in the first person, American Psycho shocked the world when it was first published in 1991, thanks in large part to its explicit dialogue. For the controversial book's 25th anniversary this month, we revisit Bateman's most spine-tingling quotes.

“I have to return some videotapes.”

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“All it comes down to is this: I feel like shit, but look great.”

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“No I’m not,” I whisper to myself. “I’m a fucking evil psychopath.”

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“I’m into, uh, well, murders and executions, mostly.”

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“The things I could do to you with a coat hanger.”

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"I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.”

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"I simply am not there.”

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"Whitney Houston is one of the warmest and most complex and altogether satisfying rhythm-and-blues records."

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“I’ve forgotten who I had lunch with earlier, and even more important, where.”

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"In fact some, if they noticed my absence, might feel an odd, indefinable sense of relief."

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