Patrick Bateman: Did you know that Whitney Houston's debut LP, called simply Whitney Houston had 4 number one singles on it? Did you know that, Christie?

Elizabeth: [laughing] You actually listen to Whitney Houston? You own a Whitney Houston CD? More than one?

Patrick Bateman: It's hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it's not too late to better ourselves. Since, Elizabeth, it's impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It's an important message, crucial really. And it's beautifully stated on the album.

This scene reveals the moment that found its reflection in Houston's music: the Reagan years, the years that witnessed the spectacular rise of Wall Street and a new confidence in free market economics. Houston might have had a powerful voice, but it was soulless and cold. It was a like the smooth surface of neoliberal power, power without character or substance, power as power, money as money, money powering money.