the author of the book, who has now revealed his proud ukrainian roots, and mentions it in every interview, is a fag. he wrote the book to mock the masculinity culture. it was dark comedy satire. the movie was well-done by a director at the peak of his game (he now sucks), so that's why it caught on and was popular (despite flopping at the box office). it has a cult fanbase because it's one of those rare movies that feel like it has a message directed at you, instead of just a bunch of meaningless shitty lines, quips and CG action. it has excellent pacing, and once again a message that can be read any way you want.

same happened with the movie wall street. it was supposed to be a critique of 80s financebro greed, but financebros love that movie and agree with gordon gecko