A triumph or a travesty? Does it matter?

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2002)

After numerous attempts to watch this movie from beginning to end (not from lacking the stomach to stand the graphic nature of many of the scenes, but simply from countless interruptions), I've finally seen this film in its entirety. Having only read bits and pieces of the book (enough to understand that the book was far more lurid and explicit), I can't comment on just how well the film adapted the novel. However, I can comment on the film and its own merits...and it has many.
First of all, the direction and photography are wonderful. The atmosphere of the yuppie and materialist world of 1987 is captured beautifully through the sterile gaze of the New York high-rises and designer business suits. The soundtrack is a great melange of '80's pop songs and an engaging symphonic score. The acting is top-notch from all parties, especially the lead. Christian Bale delivers well as a man without soul or conscience while at the same time appealing to our sensibilities, imparting on our forgiveness, and feeding off our own morbid fantasies. And that is exactly what this movie is about.
Bale portrays Patrick Bateman, the ultimate example of young urban professional materialist culture. From the unemotional narration, to the blank expressions on his face (even when he smiles, we can see right through the facade and see the emptiness), everything about Bale's performance conveys the mental illness of Bateman. Chloe Sevigny is a treat as his secretary, the one person throughout the movie who actually touches the slightest glimmer of humanity he may possess.
Some people I know have panned this movie because of the confusing ending and the lack of real action. What these people fail to realize is that this film is not about a serial killer, nor is it the testimonial of a man confessing his sins. It is a story about a psychotic...the difference lies in that while a serial killer story would be simplistic, this is far more complex. By the end, we question whether or not Bateman actually killed anybody, how he could've been getting away with it, and even if any of the movie ever actually happened. All the tiny clues are there, from people not noticing bloodstains to someone thinking he said "Mergers" instead of "Murders." Is he really a killer? This should not be the question...rather the question should be if the man is crazy...the answer. Yes. In the sickest, most twisted possible way the story could end, we see just how insane Patrick Bateman is...and it is utterly eerie.
"American Psycho" is a movie that pushes the limits of the audience's ability to cope, for a number of reasons. A film told from the point of view of a psychotic is harsh enough, but the film also beckons the audience to question their own sanity. You're forced to look at your own sensibilities and morals and put them to the test...can you condone Bateman's actions and thoughts? Do you agree with them? Sometimes you find yourself saying yes to these questions, and for this some people may call it a travesty. By the same token, it pushes the envelope...thus it could even be called a triumph. Be warned...this is not a film for all tastes, but one thing is certain...it is one of a kind.