a misunderstood film, I think

Rating: 8/10 (16 June 2003)

I think a lot of people took this movie as a straight-up psycho, hacking up women kind-of movie, and that's unfortunate. To me, this movie is a satire of corporate/upper middle class life, and actually gets to be pretty funny at times when you think about what's really going on (not to give away the end, which actually works for a change). Watching the main character struggle with trying to fit in, trying to be noticed, and trying to maintain an image of what he thinks his co-workers want him to be, and then having this glaringly contrasted with his inner rage at having to do all this and having it not work so well...there's a great scene when christian bale's character is just seething inside because someone upstaged his new business card...it's perfect. and so funny! unfortunately the satire and necessary humor are downplayed too much at times, and the movie loses its footing, getting a bit too serious and letting the satire (which is its main pull for me) slip away almost entirely at times - like the director couldn't decide what he wanted the film to convey. But overall, it's a pretty enjoyable film and should be given a chance.