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By Maddie
American Psycho (2000) : A Classic Film Review (20/06/07)
In the year 2000, a film was released which amazed, shocked and confused audiences around the world. Maddie and KJS watched it back then and didn't have a clue what was going on. Maddie took a look at it again recently.
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80’s Yuppie on killing spree! Or was he?
I sat down the other night and watched American Psycho for the 3rd time – and enjoyed it so much I decided to write a review of it.
Before he was Batman, he played Robin |
American Psycho is set in New York during the 1980’s and centres around a yuppie with more money than sense, Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Machinist). Bale gives a flawless performance as the troubled, deep thinking Bateman who has psychotic, violent impulses. He plays the part flawlessly allowing the audience to really feel the variety of emotions that Bateman experiences as his life takes unexpected turns. Bateman lives the day as a handsome businessman, who lives for the competition, be it getting a reservation in New York’s finest restaurant or having the most eloquent business card, but when the sun goes down – an entirely different Bateman comes to the fore – a man hell-bent on violence. |
The movie is well worth watching, if not for Bale’s excellent performance, for it’s portrayal of the 80’s, from the clothes, to the music, to the “un-erotic” ladies lingerie. The moment where Bateman discusses the merits of Whitney Houston’s debut album, whilst plotting the downfall of his next victim is pure genius. As is his discussion of Genesis during the Phil Collins era whilst enjoying a threesome.
Should I use the Axe tonight? |
Bateman works on his physique |
Based on a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho is billed as a thriller, although it could easily be classed as a comical horror – with Bateman at one point attempting to feed a cat to an ATM. However, it does keep you gripped from beginning to end – with the viewer never really convinced of what is going on. There are great supporting acts from Willem Dafoe (Spiderman 1, Body of Evidence) as Detective Donald Kimball, Reese Witherspoon (Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde) as Bateman’s suffering girlfriend Evelyn Williams and Jared Leto (Fight club, Urban Legend) as the stylish Paul Allen, a character loathed by the jealous Bateman.
The ending leaves the viewer hooked. I have not read the novel and can’t therefore comment on how it is portrayed in words – but you are left wondering did he or didn’t he? Is Patrick Bateman a confused businessman with a vivid imagination, or is he a psychotic killer? |
You decide………….
Rating (Out of 5 Axes) : 4
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