fab fab fab

Rating: 8/10 (14 February 2002)

I've read the book, which was fantastic, so i, like most fans of the book, i expected the film to be an endless gore fest, focussing on the incredibly dark nature of Patrick Bateman. But, Mary Harron goes in a completely different way. Instead, she goes comedy, continually mocking the yuppies that plagued Wall Street. These people who have to fit in, where the people you're seen with and places you eat in are very very important. And the truth is, it works unbelievably well. Pat Bateman is the butt of the jokes, a man so scared of not fitting in, that his sanity is slipping fast. Killing for fun is his hobby. Throughout the comedy, there are plenty of dark moments to keep the hardcore fans happy, yet even they are done with a giggle. The film though would not be so good if it wasn't for Mary Harron. The Direction is first class, never rushing to tell the story, the camera work is marvellous, knowing when to move and when to keep still, it works perfectly, building an unparralelled atmosphere. But i have been saving the best till last. Two words, Christian Bale. He injects so much into this character, making him so very chilling and ridiculously funny with just the slightest of facial movements. His eyes say everything and that is a talent to behold. It's his dead pan deliveries "i know my behavior can be a little...erratic sometimes" that make you fear him like death, and somehow make you burst out giggling too. The scenes between the detective and Patrick create sparks too, the way he goes from a cold, emotionless being to a dribbling sweating and nervous moron is superb. Very Good marks all round, it leaves a few questions in the end but it's worth all the confusion in the world. An underrated masterpiece.