Although good, the film does not do the book justice

Rating: Null/10 (25 April 2001)

I first saw American Psycho last spring, but it was not until last week that I finally read the book. I just rewatched the film last night. I was told to read the book because it made the film make more sense and after reading I have to say that it was one of the best novels that I have ever read. The film just seems to take chunks or scenes from the book and leaves with little to no context within the film. I think that the film turned out to be more of a slasher/detective film than a smart social commentary on yuppies in the 80s. Christian Bale captures the essence of Patrick Bateman, but Director Mary Harron does not do his character justice. She does not allow the audience the opportunity to attach themselves to this character as Bret Easton Ellis does in the book. I think that the film would have benefitted from more voiceover narration. You need to like Bateman more to understand the pain he feels from the world in which he lives. Harron does nothing but make us a fear a very scary but sexy man. Also, there was not enough emphasis placed upon the lifestyle of these wall streeters. I need more on fashion, gossip, and cocaine. With today's influx of movies on drugs there should have more drug use in this film, especially with all of the coke they all used in the novel.
I would love to remake this film using more from the film and placing more emphasis on Bateman's world not his reality of being a murderer. I would also like to have seen what Leonardo DiCaprio, who was originally supposed to play Bateman, would have done with this role.