American Psycho (2000)

Film: American Psycho

Director: Mary Harron

Country: Canada

Released: January 2000

Runtime: 101 minutes

Genre: Horror

Studio: Lionsgate Films

Influenced: Nicolas Winding Refn, Eli Roth, Jennifer Kent, Adam Wingard, Jordan Peele

Based on the controversial 1991 novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho was Canadian director Mary Harron's second feature film. Like the book, the movie is a unique combination of horror and satire, specifically of 1980s corporate capitalism, but also of wider themes like the decadence and toxicity of wealthy men and the pitfalls of rampant consumerism. While the novel's satire is more effective and pointed, Harron's movie does an excellent job of translating its dark comedy and slick violence to the screen. The film's journey from novel to screen was a challenging one. Originally, Oliver Stone had secured the rights to the book and was planning to direct it with Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead. However, creative differences and scheduling conflicts led to the project's transformation. Harron and screenwriter Guinevere Turner brought a unique perspective to the project, notably a more empathetic approach to the characters, and a more nuanced portrayal of gender and sexuality than in the novel.

In the film's opening nightclub scene, we hear New Order's True Faith playing over the speakers, transporting us straight to the 1980s. Christian Bale plays Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful investment banker living in Manhattan, who is prone to violent outbursts. His misogyny and anger pour out at a nightclub barmaid, however what he says doesn't appear to be heard by her or anyone else, suggesting early on that he is an unreliable narrator and that we as an audience are only hearing his internalised rage. As in David Fincher's Fight Club (1991), the film's unreliable narrator is used to challenge our perception of reality, and keep us guessing about whether the murders happen or are just delusional fantasies. As Bateman's crimes escalate, he becomes increasingly unhinged, and the line between his violent fantasies and reality blurs. American Psycho blends dark comedy and psychological horror, creating a unique and satirical take on the serial killer genre.

One of the most memorable scenes in American Psycho is when Bateman and his Wall Street colleagues compare their business cards, highlighting the absurdity of their obsession with status and material possessions. Bateman is obsessed with perfection and superficiality, often detailing his meticulous daily routines and fashion choices, and I find the way he talks about his skincare and beauty regime particularly hilarious. Bateman's endless lists of the items he buys and the dinner reservations he makes are supposed to proclaim his taste, but some of the novel's running jokes (he always has to return some videotapes) keep displaying his tastelessness. He proclaims his love for the new Robert Palmer record, while his other bland MOR picks include Huey Lewis & The News and Phil Collins. Bateman says the only emotions he feels are greed and disgust and that his mask of sanity is about to slip. A memorable scene that reveals his dark and psychotic nature is the "Hip To Be Square" monologue, the song's cheerful pop juxtaposed with the gruesome murder of his colleague Paul Allen (Jared Leto).

American Psycho had a limited release and received mixed reviews upon its initial release. However, it has since gained a strong cult following and is now considered a modern classic. The film initially faced controversy and opposition from religious groups and women's organisations owing to its graphic content and themes, a common misunderstanding of the movie. Christian Bale's performance received critical acclaim, including several awards, and it is now regarded as one of his most iconic roles. Bale immersed himself in the character, even going as far as adopting a strict exercise and diet regimen to achieve the character's chiselled physique. Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon and Justin Theroux also saw their profile rise on the back of the movie's cult success. Harron's direction expertly emphasises the absurdity of Bateman's world and the shallow materialism of the 80s, while the cinematography of Andrzej Sekula – who also worked on Pulp Fiction – helped create the film's sharp visual aesthetic. American Psycho has been the subject of numerous academic analyses and is often discussed in the context of US consumer culture and the dehumanising effects of materialism.