Killing people is cool...

Rating: 9/10 (20 July 2004)

Now this is a good horror slasher flick. It is much more than that as well. Not only does AP bring some class and wit to this genre, but it also brings an eerily realistic and masterful acting performance from Christian Bale. Absolutely perfect. Thinking that Leo was being considered for this makes me nauseous. There's no way he could've pulled it off anywhere even close to the magnitude that Bale did. On top of his acting, he looks perfect for this role...a normal good-looking guy on the outside, but with something very dark and sick just under the surface. You can see it in his eyes. For this film alone, I eagerly await to see him in more films.
Now I will say that I have not read the book, so anything I bring up or comment on is strictly for the film itself, as a film. It's usually a fairly pointless routine to compare books and movies anyway.
Set in the snooty materialism days of the 80's in New York, all of the film's characters only care about two things, money and themselves. This is a recurring theme that pops up continuously throughout the film, most importantly attributing to the fact that Bale doesn't seem able to be caught because people are too wrapped up in these two things. In that sense, the film is a mockery of sorts, a satire of the time period and culture. Bateman (Bale) cares about money, but has become bored with the way his life has become, and really simply cares about his outward image and his desires that he cannot completely control.
Through witty narration and random speeches Bateman gives, we realize the extent of his obsessions and how they completely run every aspect of his life. The best example of this is given in one of the first scenes where he's talking about how he prepares himself for the day. Great stuff. This film also has quite a bit of comedy contained in it as well, at least if you have the right sense of humor. There are several classically funny parts throughout, mostly attributed to the subtle yet clever narration.
Not only that, if you leave out the book when interpreting this film, it leaves itself quite open and is a cause for much debate here on IMDb. It's one that can constantly be debated as long as the book worms can't leave out the fact that it's based on a book. I stand somewhere in the middle but on neither side. After all, films should, in all rights, stand by themselves. Visit the AP message boards after viewing for more of what I speak.
Overall, an immensely funny look at materialism and murder, and the perceptions contained in our world and or lack thereof. All but perfect. Not for everyone though (especially children), and it's probably a little misunderstood, hence it's curiously low rating. If you enjoyed Fight Club, you'll probably find some intriguing elements here.
Highly recommended.