That Rare Good Transition From Novel to Screen (Contains Minor Spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (23 September 2002)

American Psycho was a book I read years ago - and it made a big impression. The book is not for people wanting a quick horror thrill, because the psychology is much deeper (& about 300 pages longer).
I found this movie a very rare treat - an incredibly deep book transposed to film without losing the core of what it was about; a quite darkly satirical comedy.
While much of the material in the book is lost, many subtle details remain: why Patrick has a polished wooden floor, and a fully equiped kitchen (although thankfully the chapter: "Man Attempts to Eat Girl" is removed, although still referenced). Patricks nail-gun is a treat for anyone who remembers the book, and made me ask how far the film can go.
Several very funny lines were also kept: Patricks "Merger and Acquisition" joke, and of course: "Why yes Paul, this is a raincoat".
The films real triumph is Christian Bale as Patrick. I had wondered how Patrick could be created, but amazingly Mr Bale managed to give Patrick the self-serious edge and humour which highlights his insanity.
I recommend anyone serious about analysing the film read the book. Otherwise, remember the book had more about Patricks further decent into madness, and has been so respected such that some sections kept can seem pointless or disjointed.
Most importantly, the books shattering ending is kept: [WARNING: BIG SPOILER] - that in the real world bad people CAN get away with it.
CRobson (Crashinoz)