American Psycho Review - Money, Materialism, & Murder

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2019)

"I have to return some videotapes." - Patrick Bateman
You know, I love horror films. Who doesn't? There's nothing more entertaining than turning the lights out at night and watching a good scary movie. But my favorite kind of horror is psychological horror. You see, with psychological horror it's not about a monster, a masked killer, or a zombie apocalypse, but it's about the fear and horror within yourself and it also explores what drives someone to kill. One film that manages to take that concept and mixes with satirical 80s black comedy and ending up being, for the most part, devilishly clever, insane, and hilarious at the same time is American Psycho.
Based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel of the same name, the story follows Patrick Bateman, who, by day he's a wealthy, but self-centered and materialistic stock broker in 1980s New York, but by night he's a bloodthirsty, psychopathic, and deranged serial killer who kills people to indulge his sadistic fantasies. But the line between reality and fantasy begin to blur as Patrick's dark side starts to reveal itself on his mask of seemingly outer perfection as his bloodlust rises.
While it's not really a straight up horror film, it's more like a character study of someone who, on the surface, may seem like he's literally living the Dream and has a lavish lifestyle, but, in reality, he's a lunatic who craves murder, torture, and sex. This movie also satirizes the 80s Yuppies culture; young and wealthy people who work high-end jobs, have dinner at lavish restaurants, and pretty much say or do whatever they want without any sort of repercussions.
However, it doesn't stray the focus away from the main character, thanks to its well-written screenplay. Much of the story is told from Patrick's point-of-view; he's obsessed with the lavish lifestyle; always trendy, always looking handsome, and living among the rich & elites, all this which hides his psychopathic dark side. But, at the same time, he despises it and often criticizes it for how shallow and soulless it can be, despite being obsessively indulged in it.
I especially do like the look of the film and how it feels like the period that took place at the time. Cinematography is also on point here, especially viewing which side of Patrick we're seeing. It can be calm and soothing when he is normal, but then becomes crazy when he goes ballistic and starts killing people with an ax, a nail gun, and a chainsaw. Editing moves the film at a steady pace and the soundtrack cleverly fits with both the setting and events that unfold. You'll never hear the song "Hip to Be Square" the same way again.
Lastly, the performances; they all do their parts well, but it's Christian Bale who is the real star as Patrick Bateman. This was the film that made Bale into a household name, and this was before he was Batman in The Dark Knight Trilogy. It's amazing how committed an actor like Bale can be to match his physicality with the character's physical appearance as well as diving into the psyche of a psychopath.
Overall, American Psycho is an interesting blend of comedy, horror, and satire that just works. The only thing that I didn't like too much was the third act, which I feel is when it started to decline a bit. But the humor, the satire of yuppies culture of the 80s, the excellent direction, and Bale's performance makes this an underrated gem. Defiantly worth watching.
Final Verdict: 9/10 with the Epic Seal of Awesomeness.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to return some videotapes.