A cold, heartless grotesquely brilliant psychologically demanding film

Rating: 8/10 (31 August 2008)

American Psycho is a flaringly unique film that follows the mind warping story of Patrick Bateman. A psychologically troubled man that on the surface is a successful gentleman yet behind the scenes he has alarming temptations that involve blood and torture.
I feel you would be underselling the film to call it a slasher, this is much better than a slasher. This is a psychological investigation of the mind of a deeply troubled individual. Sure there are scenes that nod towards slasher movies but there are also glimpses of inventive, artistic film-making that some how puts us onto the same level of this American Psycho. Empathy it produces? Perhaps. But thats not the point, this shuddering film presents temptation from the inside rather than the outside. This is where this film succeeds and gains its reputation as more than a slasher movie.
Harron's direction is both stirring and comprehensive. Bale proves himself to be a very worthy actor with his adaptation of Ellis' disturbed character. Obsession is all his character is about. Ruthless obsession, taking over his life.
American Psycho is a dynamically original gem of a film that is both coarse and thought provoking 8/10