American Psycho is a 2000 horror film starring Christian Bale. It’s based on the novel written by Bret Easton Ellis. I shouldn’t love this movie, but I do. (Spoilers)
A wealthy New York investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies. (IMDB)
Taking place in the 1980’s, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) works for Pierce & Pierce on Wall Street. He basically has two lives. On the surface, he’s a wealthy 27-year-old executive. He’s not faithful, but is engaged to a woman named Evelyn Williams (Reese Witherspoon). He goes out to fancy dinners with his wealthy co-workers, and wants to fit in. He’s also one of the most narcissistic characters ever created.
When he isn’t trying to be normal, he’s a serial killer. This is where you need to have a particular sense of humor. Watching him apply his raincoat & rant about Huey Lewis and the News before striking Paul Allen, is one of the most hilarious scenes. It’s also the little things he says that have made this movie so memorable. My friends and I still jokingly quote this movie. “Hey, think we can get a table at Dorsia tonight?” “I need to return some video tapes.”
So catchy!
I always forget how great of a cast this is. Originally, they wanted Leonardo DiCaprio as Patrick Bateman. Now, I can’t imagine anyone other than Christian Bale in this role. The rest of the cast includes Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, Willem Dafoe, & Chloe Sevigny. They all put in a great performance.
As you know, the ending is where things get tricky. It can be debated just how many people he truly killed, but it’s almost certain he was responsible for some. The writer/director of the film (Mary Harron) has stated that she didn’t intend to make it seem like everything was in his head.
|
This is somewhat frustrating. So, how much of it is truly in his head? Obviously, some of it is. I don’t mean to turn this review into a debate over the ending. However, most people buy into either one of two theories.
Theory #1
He killed most of these people, but not Paul Allen.
Theory #2
He killed everyone. This is explained by how characters constantly have him mistaken for someone else. It makes him invisible. He looks like everyone else. Therefore, nobody notices he’s the one leaving all these bodies. Personally, I think the people who believe he killed everyone are reading too much into things. I’m going with the first theory.
Despite the ending making things a bit confusing, I still love American Psycho. I don’t know why. It goes against almost everything I like in a film. I’m not a fan of interpretive endings, & the main character is a complete tool. However, it’s 18 years later & I still constantly quote this movie with my friends. It’s truly a rare exception.
Score: 9/10
Pros
+ Very quotable
+ Hilarious if you have a sick sense of humor
+ Great cast
+ Great 80’s soundtrack
Cons
-Issues with the ending
Follow on Twitter
YouTube channel. Please subscribe. If you also have a YouTube channel, would love to check it out. Please post URL in comments section.
Categories: Anything involving Hollywood & TV
Whirlwind Reports 
I loved this movie and i’m a big fan of psychological horror so not being able to trust the main character and what we see through their eyes is a big plus. i didn’t know that it wasn’t intended to make it seem like it was in his head xD That’s really funny but I think it worked out great nonetheless.
Christian Bale did a wonderful job though I can totally see DiCaprio doing just as well. I think its a def must see if you like horror movies. You made me want to rewatch it, its been a while haha
Weird, right? I always thought it was obvious that it was in his head. I was very confused when I read otherwise. Haha It’s still one of my favorites though. Horror is without a doubt my favorite genre, but I keep an open mind & will pretty much watch anything.