Solid adaptation of certain themes in the novel...

Rating: Null/10 (16 April 2000)

I read the book several years ago and originally thought it would be close to impossible to turn this into a coherent, linear motion picture. The story didn't strike me as the kind that could adapt itself to have a beginning, middle, and ending. At least in so far as it could be told in 90-120mins.
I had read several reviews of the film and found myself interested to say the least. I understood the violent aspects of the book were largely omitted, and the movie tried to focus on more of a satirical depiction of life on Wall St. in the mid-80's.
It was here that I had trouble thinking about how they could really translate the book because it constantly bombarded me with product placements and notions of status based on material wealth. I couldn't fathom how this could be conveyed through dialogue between two characters on screen.
I was surprised how well the film was executed. Christian Bale plays Patrick Bateman in a performance that seemed to have manifest out of my imagination while i was reading the book. He seemed to dissolve into the character. His physical presence was exceptional, with his facial expressions, body language, and tone of speech. He gave Patrick multiple dimensions as not only a sadistic killer, but a faceless member of a society so defined by the material, that the inner never really shows through.

This point is well driven home as many of the characters have no idea who they are really talking to from one moment to the next. They know the people to speak, criticize, and gossip about them, but they have no idea what they really look like, even if they are speaking to them. Patrick has conversations about himself with other people who have confused him with some other interchangeable member of the social circle. It's quite funny to watch.
The movie is extremely funny at times and extremely gory at others. The violence is REALLY toned down from the book, but what remains is still the gory aftermath of that violence, which is significant. Add to the fact that once you are left to imagine the violent act itself, it suddenly becomes ten times as vivid. This film is not for the fragile or faint of heart. Take heed.
The story is as it is in the book, non linear. There is no real beginning or end. It's just a story about this person, and the horrible things he does. There are some traditional plot mechanisms thrown in to give the movie some sense of linear progression, and they work well, but they betray the sheer randomness of the book, which for me was one of the endearing qualities.
I would recommend this movie to people who enjoy a vivid lead character. The supporting cast is there, but not really. Christian Bale carries this film from beginning to end just like Patrick Bateman did in the book. It hinges on his believability and he responds powerfully. He is convincing in every capacity. Every move he makes, every word he speaks resonates the character of Patrick Bateman. Congratulations and thanks to Christian Bale, for he made this film thoroughly enjoyable for me.