American Psycho

Overview

Directed by Mary Harron, American Psycho is a dark psychological thriller released in 2000. Its a film that has gained a cult following, and its all thanks to Harrons masterful direction.

But how did a female director take on this controversial male-centric subject matter?

Harron chose to portray the films protagonist, Patrick Bateman, through a feminist lens, focusing on the characters inner-conflict, rather than his violent acts. This approach, combined with her visual style, created an unsettling atmosphere that left audiences mesmerized.

Without Harrons unique vision, American Psycho would be a very different film. Her contributions to the movie, then, are undeniable.

Starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman

Starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, American Psycho (2000) is one of the most iconic performances of the actors career. But what does it take to play such a complicated and disturbed character? What was it like for Bale to slip into the skin of Bateman? After all, Bateman is a psychotic yuppie whose moral compass is askew, and Bales portrayal of him was nothing short of remarkable.

It was Bales ability to bring out the complexity of Batemans character that made him stand out in the role. He seamlessly blended the mild-mannered businessman with the maniacal murderer, creating a performance that was both chilling and captivating. It was Bales performance that made American Psycho the cult classic it is today.

Based on the novel written by Bret Easton Ellis

Bret Easton Ellis iconic novel American Psycho has come to the big screen in the form of a movie starring Christian Bale. But what was it about Ellis novel that made it so popular?

The novel is set in the 1980s world of Wall Street and features a protagonist who is a wealthy and successful businessman. Yet, despite his success and material wealth, he is deeply troubled. He is a psychopathic killer, who often indulges in violent acts of murder and torture.

The novel is both a satire of and critique of the materialistic and shallow life of the 1980s business world. Its a dark and shocking story that has become a classic and is now seen as one of the defining novels of its era. Its no wonder that it has been adapted into a movie that has become just as iconic.

Released in 2000

Released in 2000, American Psycho was a controversial movie for its time. It was met with both critical acclaim and backlash due to its graphic violence and dark themes. But one thing is for sure, it was one of the most influential films to be released in 2000. Its impact on society and the film industry is still felt today, with the movie being hailed as a modern classic. Its release was a defining moment in cinema history, and its still talked about over 20 years later.

Plot

How do you reconcile the two sides of Patrick Bateman? By day, hes a wealthy Wall Street banker; by night, a serial killer?

Its a bizarre dichotomy, but one thats at the center of the movie American Psycho. Patrick Bateman has a luxurious lifestyle and an enviable job, but his secret life as a serial killer reveals a much darker side of his personality.

The film follows Patrick as he navigates his two lives, offering a unique insight into the mind of a man who is struggling to keep his inner demons at bay. Its an unsettlingly thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

When a colleague at work begins to threaten his status, Bateman’s murderous tendencies become increasingly more intense

When a colleague at work begins to threaten his status, Patrick Batemans murderous tendencies become increasingly more intense. But what does this say about Bateman? How does he react to this seemingly innocent threat?

The answer is quite clear. Bateman is willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain his status. His jealousy and insecurity reach a boiling point and he is ready to commit unspeakable acts to preserve his sense of superiority.

Its a frightening reminder of what lies beneath the surface of an outwardly successful, yet deeply troubled man. The duality of human nature is on full display, and its a sobering thought indeed.

As his life spirals out of control, he eventually finds himself in a dangerous situation

As his life spirals out of control, Patrick Bateman finds himself in an increasingly dangerous situation. From lying to his colleagues and friends, to killing innocent people, its clear that his descent has no end in sight. But will it be his own dark nature that brings him down, or will an external force such as the police finally catch up with him? Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Patrick Bateman is heading towards a deadly end.

Patrick Bateman: the protagonist of the film, a wealthy banker with a dark side

What is Patrick Bateman, the protagonist of the film American Psycho, really like? On the surface he appears to be a wealthy Wall Street banker, but beneath that veneer of success lies a much darker side. Is he a calculated serial killer? A product of a capitalist system gone mad? Or something else entirely? We can only really guess, as Patrick himself is often contradictory and confusing in his behaviour, leaving us to draw our own conclusions.

Detective Donald Kimball: a police officer trying to uncover Bateman’s secrets

Detective Donald Kimball is the archetypal tenacious police officer, determined to uncover the secrets of Patrick Batemans double life. He has a sixth sense for clues, and is never satisfied with the surface-level answers that Bateman gives him.

His interrogation of Bateman is relentless, as he tries to find out the truth behind the facade of the seemingly successful Wall Street banker. He knows there must be something more sinister lurking beneath the surface and is determined to find it.

Kimball is relentless in his pursuit, and his presence throughout the movie serves as a reminder that no matter how carefully Bateman attempts to cover his tracks, there is always the potential for the truth to be uncovered.

Paul Allen: Bateman’s colleague who begins to threaten his status

Paul Allen: Batemans colleague who begins to threaten his status is a key part of the movie. Hes a young, successful banker, who has everything that Bateman desires. Hes smart, handsome, and he even seems to have the same taste in women.

But as the movie progresses, we begin to see Batemans jealousy towards Allen grow. He starts to become more and more envious of Allens success, which leads to some very dangerous behavior.

By the end of the movie, we can see that this rivalry between Bateman and Allen has reached its boiling point. Batemans envy has begun to threaten his very existence, and Allen is the one who is in control.

Jean: Bateman’s girlfriend who is unaware of his double life

Jean is the long-term girlfriend of Patrick Bateman, and throughout the movie she remains completely unaware of his double life. She is a symbol of innocence in this dark and twisted tale, a reminder of the world outside of Batemans murderous rampage. One of the most poignant scenes in the movie is when Jean and Bateman have lunch together, and Jean expresses her confusion at his strange behavior. She asks him What are you thinking Patrick?, to which he responds Nothing, nothing at all. Its a powerful moment that conveys the vast gulf between the two characters, as Jean is blissfully unaware of the truth of Batemans secret identity.

Critical Reception

Have you ever wondered how American Psycho (2000) was received by critics?

Well, the movie was generally well-received by critics, who praised its intelligent script, stylish visuals, and biting satire. The performances of Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, and Reese Witherspoon were all singled out for praise, and the film earned a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ultimately, American Psycho is a movie that has earned its place in modern film history. It is an intelligent and gripping exploration of the dark side of the American dream, and its success with critics is a testament to its quality.

Praised for its dark humor and the performance of Christian Bale

American Psycho (2000) has been praised for its dark humor and the performance of Christian Bale as the protagonist, Patrick Bateman. But what, exactly, makes it so captivating?

The dark humor of the film is something that cant be denied. From the satirical take on consumerism and the me culture of the 80s to the brutal and unpredictable murders, this movie is both unsettling and hilarious.

And then theres Christian Bale. His portrayal of the disturbed and shallow antihero is a masterclass in acting. Even in the most absurd scenes, Bale brings a sense of realism and intensity that is both frightening and mesmerizing.

Its no wonder, then, why American Psycho has been so widely praised for its dark humor and the performance of Christian Bale.

Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay

Have you ever heard of the 2000 movie American Psycho? It was an instant classic and the Academy took notice: the movie was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. What made the screenplay so special? Its a clever adaptation of the novel that keeps true to the source material, while also tackling a heavy subject matter with a dark, twisted sense of humor. Its no wonder the Academy took notice.

But it wasnt just the Academy that was impressed. Critics hailed the screenplay for its originality and creative vision. Ultimately, its a movie thats hard to forget and thats why it was so deserving of an Academy Award nomination.

Legacy

American Psycho (2000) has established itself as a cult classic over the past two decades. But what is it that has made it so beloved? Is it Christian Bales iconic performance as the psychopathic Patrick Bateman? Is it the films dark humor and commentary on 1980s American culture? Or is it the way the film has held up over time, becoming even more relevant in todays society? Whatever the reason, American Psycho has cemented its place as a cult classic, and will no doubt be talked about for years to come.

Has been referenced in various other works, including books, television shows, and video games

Has American Psycho been referenced in other works? Absolutely, and its no surprise why. From books such as Bret Easton Elliss Lunar Park to TV shows like South Park, the movies impact is undeniable. Even video games like Grand Theft Auto IV contain allusions to the film. Its influence has been far-reaching, and its clear that American Psycho will continue to be an important reference point for years to come.

Inspired a musical adaptation in 2013

Have you heard of American Psycho, the movie from 2000? Well, it was so successful that it inspired a musical adaptation in 2013. Yes, you read that right: a musical adaptation of a movie about a Wall Street investment banker who moonlights as a serial killer. The musical had its official world premiere in London’s Almeida Theatre and was later transferred to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York. It was written by the Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik, with book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

The musical adaptation of American Psycho was a critical success, with reviews praising its dark humor and creative storytelling. The New York Times gave it a rave review, calling it a gleefully macabre show and noting that the music played an integral part in the storytelling. So, if youre looking for a unique take on the classic cult movie, then you should definitely check out the musical adaptation of American Psycho.

Spawned a sequel, American Psycho 2, in 2002

Have you ever heard of American Psycho 2? Its the 2002 sequel to the 2000 movie, American Psycho. It spawned a whole new generation of fans, but unfortunately, it didnt get the same amount of critical acclaim as the original. Despite this, the sequel still retains a loyal fan base and has become something of a cult classic. But why did it fail to reach the same level of success as the original? Was it because it strayed too far from the originals plot? Or was it simply because the original was so groundbreaking that it was hard to compete?