American Psycho (2000) - Review
- Mav
- Apr 7, 2018
- 3 min read

I've got to return some video tapes...
American Psycho stars Christian Bale as the iconic Patrick Bateman, a self-obsessed businessman with a penchant for Valentino suits, Peoples glasses, and murder. The film follows Bateman as he becomes increasingly psychotic and his body count rises, ending with a wild killing spree.
What immediately stood out to me upon watching the film is that for a slasher flick, American Psycho is not about slashing. The ultimate theme that runs through American Psycho, what I believe the movie is really exploring is identity. More specifically, trying to create a unique identity while at the same time perfectly fitting into the crowd. This is evidenced by Bateman stating that he tries to fit in, while at the same time having bursts of rage when his colleagues have nicer business cards or fancier reservations. Patrick wants to be seen as the yuppiest of the yuppies, the best member of his near-identical peer group.
Another feature that sets American Psycho apart from its genre counterparts is that our protagonist is also the antagonist. Christian Bale is the reason to watch the film, walking the fine line between detestable and likeable. While we are meant to fear Bateman in certain scenes that feel right out of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, in others director Mary Harron evokes sympathy and empathy. It's undeniable that Bateman is cool. He wears cool clothes, goes to cool places and listens to cool music. He's handsome and successful. Typically in movies a character like Bateman would either be our undeniable hero, or the jerky villain. Instead, Bateman is both endearing and frightening in an interesting mix that breaks convention. On a side note, it's fun to look back and recognize certain aspects of Bateman's character that obviously informed Bale's portrayal of Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight trilogy.
The costuming is integral to the plot, and deserves recognition. Costume Designer Isis Mussenden did a fine job outfitting the cast in practically the same suits with the same shoes and the same glasses, illustrating Bateman's feeling of being lost in a sea of sameness. As an audience, it becomes difficult to distinguish one character from another, giving credence that idea.
The ending of American Psycho is much discussed. Video essays are abundant on YouTube attempting to explain (SPOILERS) if Bateman actually killed people, or whether it was all in his imagination. While I do believe many of the murders were delusions inside his mind, I feel that those attempting to answer the ambiguous ending are approaching the film the wrong way. It does not matter whether or not Bateman really killed people or imagined it. What matters is his peers response to his confessions. His lawyer doesn't believe him, his fiancée doesn't listen to him, and neither do his colleagues. The very reason Bateman crafter this identity as a murderer was to stand out from the crowd and be recognized as an individual. At work and at play, Bateman was 1 of many. It didn't matter how successful or attractive he became, because everyone he knows is just as successful and attractive.
Committing murder is perhaps the most identifiable thing you can do, but instead of being recognized as having done such, he is again passed over, confused for others, and left to blend in. He stills lacks validation, and is just as unidentifiable as he was before. Murderer or not, the very reason for murdering means as little as Bateman's lonely existence.
While some may find the content disturbing and the ending too complex, I really enjoyed American Psycho. 18 years on, and Bale's performance still carries the weight it did in 2000. What will continue to bring eyes to the movie as time goes on is what made it popular upon its release: its deep themes bring to mind many questions, but the film offers few answers. I will always maintain that films that make us ask questions and discuss its content are always worthwhile, and for that, I recommend watching American Psycho at FULL PRICE.
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