Bateman, obsessed with appearances, meticulously curates his image through designer clothes, trendy restaurants, and superficial conversations. Yet, beneath this carefully constructed facade lies a void of genuine emotion and self-awareness. He is virtually indistinguishable from his colleagues, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of materialism and social climbing in a society that values conformity over individuality.

The novel portrays a world where violence and consumerism are inextricably intertwined. Bateman's gruesome acts, often described in disturbingly graphic detail, can be interpreted as an extreme manifestation of the cutthroat ambition and emotional detachment that permeate his environment. His victims, often women, become interchangeable objects, reflecting a society where human connection is superficial and disposable.

Throughout the novel, Ellis blurs the lines between reality and Bateman's warped perception. The reader is left questioning the veracity of his accounts, unsure what is real and what is a product of his increasingly disturbed mind. This ambiguity forces us to confront the possibility that the true horror lies not only in Bateman's actions but also in our own complicity as a society that allows such darkness to fester.