Based on the controversial novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, American psycho is a 2000 satirical psychological thriller starring Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Josh Lucas, Samantha Mathis, Chloe Sevigny, Cara Seymour, Justin Theroux, and Reese Witherspoon.
First off, I have to say that I really love this movie, despite its flaws. The film oozes with dark humor as it tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who works on Wall Street at Pierce & Pierce. The movie explores the superficiality of 80's yuppie culture as Patrick goes through his day-to-day routine of scrutinizing what everyone is wearing, making reservations at expensive "hot" restaurants with his inner-circle, partying at clubs where he is typically snorting cocaine, and managing a superficial relationship with his fiance Evelyn. And then, of course, there's the fact that he may be killing people (watch the movie to understand why I say "may").
Throughout the movie, Patrick starts having trouble maintaining his urges to spill blood and ends up killing many people including prostitutes, a colleague that he despises, and a homeless man. His behavior becomes erratic and his facade frequently slips, though none of his friends or Evelyn ever seem to notice. He is also often mistaken for other co-workers, alluding to the similarities between him and his yuppie colleagues.
All-in-all, this movie is great for those who love dark comedy. Next to Easton's other novel-turned-film Rules of Attraction, American Psycho is moderately well-adapted from the book, though some scenes are switched around or changed. It is not a film I'd recommend to everybody, but it has a huge cult following, which I am proud to be a part of.
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