Remarkable performance by Christian Bale

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2003)

I was uncertain about this film. I knew of the book, but had never read it. The controversy intrigued me, so I rented the movie. Since I haven't read the book, I cannot comment on how it compares with the film. The script has some great satirical moments and the direction is cautious - perhaps too much so. I actually found myself amazed that there was such a controversy over this film. Many main stream movies are far more violent and sexually graphic than American Psycho. While I didn't find the film as offensive as I thought I would, I wasn't incredibly impressed with the story and in fact there is only one element that elevates the film as a whole from okay to great:Christian Bale's performance. He is so superb that one cannot help but be captivated by him from beginning to end. It is a technically flawless performance and he deserves far more recognition than he received for his portrayal. In fact, this film is a rare example of a single performance being so impressive that it turns an otherwise passable movie into a must-see. So, next time you make the decision to watch a violent movie, skip the popcorn slasher flics with their drippy teen sensation stars and instead watch Christian Bale's mesmerizing performance in American Psycho.