Misunderstood Cult Classic

Rating: Null/10 (16 December 2001)

People overlooked this film when it was released in 2000 because of the book's bad reputation and the controversy over making a film about such a dark character. Having read the book all I can say is the film maker's had their work cut out for them. Bret Easton-Ellis's novel is both disturbing, daring and unforgettable. And most of the stories described could not be put on film without risking an triple X rating for gore and sexual violence. So rather than go that route, the film makers decided to make "American Psycho: the movie" more of a black comedy with clever satire. Unfortunately, most of this humor was misunderstood by the movie public.

Simply put, "Psycho" is a very funny movie. The lead character, Patrick Bateman takes himself very seriously but is seen as a bit of a bafoon by those around him. I believe the film version of Ellis's book is meant to be a comedy of errors, albeit very dark in nature. Every scene has a humorous undercurrent to it. (WARNING: SPOILERS ahead) From Bateman's seemingly endless array of skin cleansors to the bizarre sight of him running naked down a corridor carrying a chainsaw), its all meant to be shocking and also one big joke. During the book you can never tell if Patrick is imagining his psychotic episodes or if they are really happening. The film makes pretty clear that most of what's happening is part of Bateman's sick fantasy world. Made clear by the unbelievable sequence where Bateman goes on a shooting spree and somehow evades capture by blowing a cop car.

I think this movie will pick up popularity in years to come and become a cult film. The film is indispensible because its one few that dares to make fun of the 80's chronic materialism and gross excess. All in the while making the ultimate 80's success story, Patrick Bateman look like exactly what he is, "A big dork."