Cutting 80's satire

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2009)

Mary Harron's "American Psycho" is an adaptation of the infamous book by Bret Easton Ellis. As a film it's tough to categorize. It's part horror flick, part crime thriller, part drama and part satire. It's a bit of a tough sell since those interested in blood & guts aren't likely to grasp the film's thematic underpinnings while those interested in delving beneath the surface may be turned off by the film's violence.
The meat of the flick lies in the script. A reading of the novel would probably improve comprehension for some but I've never read it and I understand it just fine. For all of its outward appearances as a slasher flick, the film is actually an astute commentary on conformity in the slick business world of the 1980's. The film employs touches of black humour while also functioning as a compelling thriller.
The cast includes Christian Bale in one of his best performances to date. For me, this role, along with his part in "Velvet Goldmine" a couple of years earlier, made him a notable young actor in my eyes. The cast also includes some other noteworthy names like Chloë Sevigny, Jared Leto & Willem Dafoe. As I see it, the only weak link is Reese Witherspoon, who just strikes me as out of place.
Mary Harron's direction fits the subject matter well. Much of the film has a sleek, polished look which fits Patrick Bateman's character to a tee. The film's score nicely complements the visuals and a handful of inspired soundtrack choices help to establish the film's satirical bent.
In the end, "American Psycho" is definitely not a film for everyone. I recommend it if you're not particularly bothered by screen violence and you appreciate stories with depth and a satirical tone.