Summary: American Psycho is a psychological thriller movie that was released in 2000 and tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy young investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. The movie has gained a cult following over the years due to its disturbing content and the stellar performance of Christian Bale in the lead role. While it may not be suitable for everyone, the movie is an intriguing exploration of the dark side of human nature.
1. The Plot
The movie is set in New York City during the late 1980s and follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a man who seemingly has it all – a high-paying job, a luxury apartment, and a beautiful fiancee. However, beneath the perfect facade lies a disturbed individual who indulges in sadistic behavior and violent fantasies. He begins to spiral out of control as he becomes more consumed by his violent impulses and struggles to keep his two lives separate.
The plot is both fascinating and horrifying, as viewers are taken on a journey into the mind of a psychopath. The portrayal of Bateman’s descent into madness is chilling, and the movie leaves a lasting impact on those who watch it.
The themes explored in the movie are complex and thought-provoking, including the idea of the American Dream and the toxic masculinity that exists in the business world.
2. The Acting
Christian Bale delivers a career-defining performance as Patrick Bateman, fully immersing himself in the role and bringing the character to life in a way that is both terrifying and compelling. His ability to switch between charming and unhinged is impressive, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the role with the same level of intensity.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, and Chloe Sevigny. Each actor brings their own unique talent to the movie, adding depth and nuance to the characters they play.
The acting in American Psycho is one of its strongest aspects, and it’s easy to see why the movie has become a cult classic over the years.
3. The Direction
The movie was directed by Mary Harron, who did an excellent job of bringing Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel to the big screen. She captures the mood and atmosphere of the book perfectly, creating a dark and twisted world that is both fascinating and unsettling.
Harron’s decision to focus more on the psychological aspects of the story rather than the violence and gore was a wise one, and it makes the movie all the more disturbing. Her use of music and lighting also adds to the overall sense of unease, helping to create a sense of dread that permeates throughout the movie.
The direction is one of the standout aspects of American Psycho, and it’s clear that Harron put a lot of thought and care into every aspect of the film.
4. The Soundtrack
The soundtrack for American Psycho is a mix of 80s pop hits and haunting instrumental pieces that help to set the tone for the movie. The use of songs like “Hip to Be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News and “Sussudio” by Phil Collins adds a sense of irony to the movie, as Bateman listens to these upbeat tunes while carrying out heinous acts of violence.
The instrumental pieces composed by John Cale are equally impressive, with haunting melodies that add to the overall sense of menace and unease in the movie. The soundtrack is memorable and perfectly complements the visuals onscreen.
The music used in American Psycho has become almost as famous as the movie itself, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of 80s pop hits and haunting instrumentals is a stroke of genius.
5. The Controversy
American Psycho was mired in controversy from the moment it was released, with many critics and audiences condemning the movie for its graphic violence and explicit sexual content. It was initially rated NC-17 by the MPAA, and many theaters refused to show it.
The controversy surrounding the movie only added to its allure, however, and it has since become a cult classic. Many argue that the violence and disturbing content is necessary to the story, and that the movie is a commentary on the toxic masculinity that exists in society.
While it may not be suitable for everyone, there is no denying that American Psycho is an important and thought-provoking movie that explores some difficult themes.
Conclusion:
American Psycho is a movie that is not for the faint of heart. It is a dark and disturbing exploration of the mind of a psychopath, and it is not afraid to shy away from graphic violence or explicit sexual content. However, it is also an important cultural artifact that explores important themes like toxic masculinity and the American Dream.
The acting, direction, and soundtrack are all top-notch, and they work together to create a movie that is both unsettling and unforgettable. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that American Psycho is a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate audiences over 20 years after its initial release.
If you’re brave enough to watch it, American Psycho is a movie that will leave a lasting impact on you and make you question the darker aspects of human nature.
