A waste of a good book...

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2001)

Prior to the film's release I remember reading an interview with director Mary Harron who was commenting on the rumor that Leonardo DiCaprio was supposed to star in American Psycho. She stated it would be totally wrong and ruin the book for what it is. After watching this movie, I can say that its the director and her whole crew who ruined a book which could have been made into a good movie. First off, the movie has no feel to it..one would think it would be easy to re-create New York in the 80's..instead it is so obvious that its Toronto being substituted for NY and the director's lack of attention to detail ruins many shots. Extra's have 1999 clothes, haircuts and I could swear I saw an extra with the latest model cell phone in the back ground. In addition, the manner in which it was shot felt like I was watching a Canadian made for T.V. afterschool special.
Secondly, besides the faults of the set director, etc. The casting director should never work again! Christian Bale delivers such a mediocre and dull performance its a wonder how he ever made it into acting. This is the type of role an actor could really set his mark with for years to come...instead Bale proves that either he is not ready for these kinds of role's or he's just not made for serious roles. The director refused to cast a big name in the starring role...little did she realize that there is a reason Leonardo Dicaprio, Edward Norton and Matt Damon are paid the big "bucks"..they can act and deliver amazing performances. When she can finally look beyond her "Hollywood is evil!" approach she might start making decent movies and not ruin a good book. If you have not seen this movie..avoid it...its a TERRIBLE attempt at making something different and original..in my opinion..the director was too novice for this type of film and really had no clue where to go with it! Avoid this movie!!