Today’s quick review: American Psycho. By day, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is the consummate young professional: a wealthy perfectionist who works on Wall Street and cultivates impeccable taste in culture, food, and fashion. By night, Patrick indulges in his violent urges, brutally murdering the people who irritate them and dismembering their corpses. But as Patrick’s compulsion grows more powerful, he comes closer and closer to getting caught.
American Psycho is a dark satire with elements of horror. The movie contrasts Patrick Bateman’s crisp exterior with the sadistic side he keeps hidden. In the process, American Psycho shines a harsh light on America’s young elite, illustrating the hollowness and hypocrisy of chasing wealth and status. The combination of a unique premise and a skillful lead actor makes American Psycho a fascinating watch for those who can stomach its violence.
At its core, American Psycho is the portrait of a deranged man. Christian Bale delivers a sinister performance as Patrick Bateman, whose superficial charm hides an interior that’s devoid of substance or compassion. The surreal contrast between his petty status-seeking and his over-the-top violence sets the tone of the movie. Bale’s ability to switch between the two sides of the character at the drop of a hat ends up being a major draw.
However, American Psycho has have a high barrier to entry. Its graphic sex and violence, coupled with the soulless nature of its premise, will turn off a number of viewers from the very beginning. The film flirts with horror more than it actually indulges, with no major scares and an emphasis on splatter over up-close violence, but it can still be off-putting. It also focuses more on character and cultural commentary than an event-driven plot.
American Psycho is a perverse and well-crafted film that will appeal to fans of dark dramas, incisive satire, and pitch-black humor. The movie has a strong flavor that will absolutely not work for everyone, but the right viewer will find it to be clever, inventive, and oddly playful. Sensitive viewers or those who prefer films that are more plot-heavy should give it a pass.
For a drama with more explicit horror that toys with the same contrasts, try The Devil’s Advocate. For a gripping psychological thriller with an even darker tone starring Christian Bale, try The Machinist. For a black comedy about the pursuit of status in Hollywood, try Swimming with Sharks. For a lighter jab at the excesses of America’s financial elite, try The Wolf of Wall Street.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for distinctive premise and a compelling lead performance.