Better the second time around

Rating: Null/10 (26 April 2001)

I first read this book back in 1991 when Rolling Stone printed on article talking about how controversial the book was. At the time I was studying psychology with an emphasis on criminal behavior including serial killers. I enjoyed the book because I thought it lended a lot of authenticity to the character of Bateman by describing his morning rituals of grooming, the products he bought, how much he spent, where he got them, etc.. The only dissappointment from the book came from the fact I didn't think that his background was explained enough. Most killers follow some kind of behavior patterns growing up that lead to the acts they commit. But this isn't supposed to be about the book, so let me switch gears.
I remember screaming in terror when I heard Leonardo would be playing the role of Patrick Bateman, something I am very thankful did not happen. The first time I saw the movie, I knew there was no way the film could depict some of the more grisly acts of the book or it would never make it to the theaters. With that in mind, I watched the movie and was very let down by the lack of any character depth the book spent so much time on dealing with present day Patrick Bateman. However, I caught the film again last night when a friend of mine stopped by and I noticed a different message being presented in the movie. The book focused on Bateman, his materialism, and lack of any compassion for his fellow man. What I noticed in the movie was the lack of compassion shown by anyone. Every single character (with the exception of his secretary maybe) was so wrapped up in themselves an their lives that they never noticed what was going on around them. Notice how many times he is obviously confessing his deeds or even hinting at them (like when he doodles a horrific scene of a woman with a chainsaw in her on a tablecloth while dining with his girlfriend - she never notices), no one even really hears what he says. There is also the scene where Bateman chases the prostitute through a hallway at night with a chainsaw. She is screaming, pounding on doors, yet no one bothers to check it out. I think the film wasn't trying to show a journey through one man's psychotic behavior, but maybe that we have been so wrapped up in ourselves for so long, it's no wonder guys can get away with this and no one notices. Watching it in this light really made the film a lot more compelling. Not the greatest movie you can see, but very well worth the time.