A Masterpiece In it's own.

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2007)

American Psycho (2000) Directed by Mary Harron Based On The Novel by Bret Easton Ellis Starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman or is it Patrick Bateman as Christian Bale?
The Movie takes place on Manhattan, amongst Business executives and Vice Presidents. Smacked in the middle is wall Street Buisnessman Patrick Bateman. He wears expensive suits, is pedantic about taking care of his body and constantly tries to get a reservation at the trendy restaurant Dorsia. But underneath the surface, Patrick Bateman is a shell. He may have flesh, blood skin and bone, but inside, he is simply not there. He describes hi,self only being able to feel two emotions, greed and disgust, two feelings which drive him to commit acts of gruesome violence in the night.
Patrick Bateman is played perfectly by Christian Bale, who earlier had been in "Empire of The Sun" by Steven Spielberg. He gives the character depth and humor and gives excellent speeches, on one hand delivering sick remarks in ordinary conversations, and on the other recollecting careers of Pop-stars such as Huey Lewis and the News, Genesis and Whitney Houston. Patrick's equally shallow friends are played by Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas and Bill Sage among others. Patrick's supposed fiancée is played by Reese Witherspoon who does an annoying portrait of a woman who only cares about what people think of her. But she is supposed to be annoying, so it's okay. Cloe Sevigny plays Jean, Patrick secretary who has a crush on him. She is the only not shallow person in this story, which is probably why Patrick cant bring himself to kill her. Jared Leto also makes an appearance as Paul Allen, the only one of Patrick's acquaintances who can get a reservation at Dorsia. This, plus the fact that he has a better looking business card is probably why he gets an Axe smacked in his face by Bateman.
This movie, despite the aspect of the murders, is very funny. Hilarious scenes such as Chrsitian Bale's moonwalk during a murder scene, or a three-some where he flexes in the mirror during the act are stacked on each other, and you will find yourself laughing out loud during several scenes.
The translation from Bret Easton Ellis masterful novel is done great, and a lot of the things in the book are in the Movie, with the exception of the most gruesome scenes (who i wont mention here). Several Narrating speeches are in.
Conclusion, a brilliant piece of cinema, with great performances all around. Oh, and i almost forgot Willhelm Dafoe's character, the PI Donald Kimball. He gives of a very creepy vibe, and makes both the audience and Bateman feel nervous. Awesome performance.
"Do you like Huey Lewis And The News?"
10/10