Only if you enjoyed the book...

Rating: Null/10 (4 May 2000)

Hmmm...I read 'American Psycho' last summer after a friend recommended it to me, and I enjoyed the book immensely, although I can't say why. The constant obsession with clothing, restaurants and other such trivia is initially amusing, but soon becomes tiresome. The graphic violence is possibly the only thing I have ever read that has made me wince, and while there is a sick, voyeuristic comedy in each scene, it does not make the basis for a classic novel. The plot merely serves as an excuse for the character of Bateman to go about his business, and the ending is (perhaps purposefully) devoid of any sense of closure.
And yet, I enjoyed the book. Maybe, like any good controversy, there is a certain satisfaction in being part of a group of supporters, revelling in the cult appeal and the horrified gasps of the newspaper, screaming 'Ban this sick filth TM' at every given opportunity. The movie has a similar cache, although the way it has largely been reviewed and marketed, you could easily have mistaken it for a much more mainstream production.
The fact that it was touted more as a black comedy ultimately spoiled it for me. It simply wasn't funny enough, and the points which were funny sat somewhat incongruously with the rest of the movie. That scene was amusing because it was played for laughs, in a totally over the top fashion, in total contrast to the deadpan sarcasm of most of the other scenes. The killings were never particularly difficult to watch, and in removing the most brutal elements the film has become almost completely empty of controversy, which was a necessity for filming the novel, and makes one wonder what exactly is left?
Not enough to make my girlfriend care about the movie, that's for sure. I enjoyed seeing some scenes of the novel brought to life, but as a movie on its own, there simply isn't enough entertainment or even social commentary to recommend this.