American Psycho (2000)

Thriller | Drama | Crime

A wealthy New York investment banking executive hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, gratuitous fantasies.

MG – “Disturbing, yet gripping, and peppered with some very funny moments, director Mary Harron has pulled this thrilling dramatic tale together quite well, and protagonist serial killer Patrick Bateman is played so very well by Christian Bale. Complete with his thorough cleansing routines and rigorous workout regime.

This film is gritty and violent, and cleverly counter-played with quirky humour from Bateman, who is dark in character, and has a sinister dominating superiority complex. Gelling effortlessly with likeminded wealthy ego-driven Wall Street chauvinist pigs, and fantasising about killing, this film really has you guessing what is reality and what is fiction. Even the conclusion of the film will leave you in a puzzle. More in a way of which direction is right rather than one big ‘what the flippin’ expression.

Jared Leto‘s sleaze-ball character Paul Allen is played well, as are the other sleaze-balls equally. Reese Witherspoon works well as the self-indulgent girlfriend but is seldom seen much within the movie. Willem Dafoe‘s questionable character of Detective Donald Kimball fits the bill too. 

Christian Bale‘s character is hilarious as he so intently remarks on critiques of his 80’s and 90’s music collection (as the film appears set in this era. This explains the Walkmans and old tube Tele’s) to his colleagues and victims. From Huey Lewis and Phil Collins, to the paper quality and ink choice on otherwise plain business cards between his buddy’s, this light-hearted side helps lift an otherwise dark and disturbing film. It’s gross, yet intriguing to watch. And Bale‘s performance is great. You can see why he’d be chosen for a future Batman trilogy as the lead role.”

MG ★7/10★