One of the strangest movies I have ever seen

Rating: Null/10 (3 October 2000)

I must say, this movie was absolutely nothing like I expected. I rented it because my sister said that it was fabulous. I must say that I now agree.
Before I saw it I was under the impression that it would be a psychological horror flick. I had been told that it was gory and was preparing myself to be completely grossed out. However, I was not at all grossed out. I thought that the murder scenes were tastefully done and left much to the imagination. For me, that allowed me to focus more on the plot and less on just some graphic scenes. Contrary to what some reviewers have said, there is actually a plot. We slowly follow an already disturbed man into the depths of insanity. What is especially intriguing is the fact that he realizes that he is insane. I have to say that Christian Bales' performance is definitely oscar-worthy. Just the fact that at one moment you can think that he is a very good looking guy and then the next think that he is one of the ugliest people shows his outstanding range and understanding of the character. I agree with many, however, that Reese Witherspoon was severely miscast in this part. She does not possess the sophistication (in looks mostly) to portray that part, no matter how small that part was. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who would like to see a movie that stays with them and forces them to think about it for hours afterward.
P.S. To the 13 and 14 year old girls that hated it - that is the purpose of the R rating!