Underrated!

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2005)

American Psycho tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a Yuppie who works on Wallstreet to add to the vast wealth he was born with. He has it all, looks, charm, money, popularity and even social standing. However not all is at it seems, as Patrick inexplicably descends further into madness This is by far, an excellent, underrated film that disserves more then simple "cult" status. There are of course several attributing factors. Batman star Christian Bale amazingly plays the role of Patrick Bateman. He projects the image of Patrick's cold yet unfulfilling insanity remarkably. It's increasingly interesting throughout the film, to watch the phases in which Bale takes Bateman through. From his over eccentric attitude before his many killings, to his subtle wonder of himself in times where he approaches some form of humanity. The best thing about Bale in this film is each facial expressions is important, a simple thing as a smile can lye a hundred feelings behind it. The best example of Bale's acting in American Psycho is the "Death By Heuy Lewis" scene in which he needlessly kills fellow businessman Paul Owen (you may have seen him as "Angleface" in "Fight Club"). In this scene the eccentric behaviour of Bateman is pushed to the extreme, followed by the climax of pure anger; which again is played beautifully by Bale.
But it's not just about Bale, many of he inspiring Dialogue (See below) is taken exactly from "American Psycho" the original book by Bret Eastin Ellis. Each line has obviously been painstakingly considered especially since the entire book is written in the first person of Patrick Bateman American Psycho was directed by Mary Harron, whom admitting is not well known in the industry. Many find it interesting to not that Mary is obviously a woman. Considering the fact that the book was almost banned by Feminists when first published. When Mary took the helm, she allowed the story of insanity to be told but with taste.
The only Fault of the film was the choice of Rees Wetherspoon, whom has yet to impress me in any film whatsoever. I personally find her stale and her acting transparent and 2D. Also, Bateman's "friends" such as Timothy Bryce were given little screen time; though they may not have been huge characters they were given more flesh in Ellis's classic.
At the end of the day, these faults can be over looked when you can simply admire the glorious acting by Christian Bale and the wonderful Dialogue brought to us by Ellis and Director and Screenwriter Mary Harron. The film is not one for the light hearted, but defiantly one worth watching. An incredibly interesting story of insanity and a look on 1980s culture in America. If you haven't already, see this film! It's a must! 9/10