Bret Easton Ellis on Money, Family, and the Cost of Success
In a 1995 Vogue essay, Bret Easton Ellis reflects on his fraught relationship with money, shaped by his father and grandfather's wealth and abuse. He recounts his decision to attend Bennington College over business school, funded by his grandfather to spite his father. His debut novel, written for a class, became a bestseller, leading to sudden wealth and reconciliation with his father. Ellis describes the pitfalls of early financial success: lavish spending, false assumptions of perpetual income, and the pressure to maintain appearances. He notes that taxes, agents, and lifestyle eroded his fortune, leaving him relieved when the pressure lifted. His father died bankrupt, leaving him only two watches, a lesson in carelessness. The essay explores how money distorts personality and relationships, especially for young artists.
Key facts
- Bret Easton Ellis wrote the essay 'Unfortunate Son' for Vogue's April 1995 issue.
- His grandfather owned casinos in Nevada; his father made money in real estate during the Reagan years.
- Ellis chose Bennington College over USC business school, causing a rift with his father.
- His grandfather paid tuition to upset his father.
- Ellis wrote his first novel for a writing tutorial in winter/spring 1983.
- The novel was published by Simon & Schuster in late spring 1985, became a bestseller, and was adapted into a film.
- Ellis made a large amount of money and his father began speaking to him again.
- He spent most of the money on dinners, parties, an apartment, and taxes, eventually running out.
- His father left him nothing except two watches; the estate went to the IRS due to back taxes.
- Ellis felt relieved when he could no longer afford an extravagant lifestyle.
Entities
Artists
- Bret Easton Ellis
Institutions
- Vogue
- Simon & Schuster
- Bennington College
- University of Southern California
- Carlyle Hotel
- Petrossian
- Nell's
Locations
- Nevada
- Los Angeles
- Maine
- Vermont
- New York City
- Manhattan
- California
- Connecticut