Playful, but mysterious little movie

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2006)

Do you like Mary Harron?
Her early work was a little too TV for my taste, but when "I Shot Andy Warhol" came out in '96, I think she really came into her own, commercially and artistically.
In 2000, Mary Harron released "American Psycho", her most accomplished movie. The whole movie has a clear crisp '80s look, and a new sheen of social satire, which really gives the movie a big boost. In terms of writing craftsmanship, the sheer scriptwriting, this movie hits a new peak of professionalism. The movie is so catchy, most people don't even try to understand the meaning, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, importance of trends, hollow yuppie lifestyle and murders, but it's also a personal statement of a director herself!
Do you like Christian Bale?
I've been a big Bale fan since the release of his '94 movie "Prince of Jutland". Before that, I really didn't understand any of his work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on "Prince of Jutland" where Christian Bale's presence became more apparent. I think "American Psycho" is Bale's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding movies. His acting is as positive and affirmative as anything I've seen in any movie.
The brilliant ensemble of other actors makes "American Psycho" great,great movie, a personal favourite. You can practically sense the empathy between Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon and Samantha Mathis.
So, to sum up, the movie is extremely uplifting, it shines with hope that it's not too late to better ourselves, and contains a crucial message - since it's impossible in this world we live in, to empathise with others, we always empathise with ourselves. It's beautifully stated in the movie. And now excuse me, I have to return some videotapes.