A tale of fragile masculinity

Rating: 8/10 (14 June 2018)

American Psycho is the story of a psychotic investment banker - Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale). He has a nice apartment, a beautiful fiancée and a nice job. However he also has a darker side. When he isn't out partying with his friends, he is out murdering prostitutes, homeless and anyone else who annoys him.
While the movie certainly diverts from the book (written by Bret Easton Ellis). I'd say it diverts for the better. The book may be darker and use a lot more disturbing imagery to get its satire across, the movie instead uses a lighter tone. It still manages to deliver that biting satire about yuppie culture in the eighties.
This is a movie that shines on re-watchings. The subtle details that the actors and actresses display is phenomenal along with the small things that pull it all together. The movie displays fragile masculinity in its purest form with vain and cruel men in focus. It shows how cruel this yuppie world can be, and at times you almost sympathise with Bateman on his quest to be noticed and stand out. The movies use of the song "Hip to be Square" is quite apt.
The ending may feel a bit lackluster to some but the unsatisfyingness (best word to describe it) fits with the narrative.
It may not be perfect. But considering that I've written a full length essay on this movies subject, and it still holds up - I'd say it's a great satire.