Title: American Psycho
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Satire / Horror
Director: Mary Harron
Screenplay: Mary Harron & Guinevere Turner
Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis
Release Year: 2000
Cast:
- Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman
- Justin Theroux as Timothy Bryce
- Josh Lucas as Craig McDermott
- Jared Leto as Paul Allen
- Reese Witherspoon as Evelyn Williams
- Samantha Mathis as Courtney Rawlinson
- Chloë Sevigny as Jean
- Willem Dafoe as Detective Donald Kimball
Plot Summary:
New York City, 1987 – Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy, narcissistic investment banker living a double life. By day, he obsesses over his appearance, business cards, and high-end restaurants with his Wall Street colleagues, including his smug rival Timothy Bryce (Justin Theroux). By night, he indulges in violent, psychopathic fantasies—or are they real?
Bateman’s carefully constructed façade begins to crack when he grows increasingly envious of his colleague Paul Allen (Jared Leto), who flaunts a superior business card and a reservation at the exclusive Dorsia restaurant. In a fit of rage, Bateman murders Allen in his apartment, but as he tries to cover his tracks, reality blurs.
Detective Kimball (Willem Dafoe) begins investigating Allen’s disappearance, but Bateman’s confessions and erratic behavior are met with disbelief—his colleagues mistake his violent outbursts for jokes, and even his lawyer claims Allen was seen in London.
As Bateman spirals into madness, the line between his brutal fantasies and actual murders becomes indistinguishable. The film ends ambiguously: Was Bateman truly a serial killer, or was it all in his head?
Themes & Style:
- Satire of 1980s Yuppie Culture – The film critiques materialism, vanity, and toxic masculinity.
- Unreliable Narrator – The audience is left questioning Bateman’s sanity and the reality of his actions.
- Dark Comedy & Horror – Blends gruesome violence with absurd humor (e.g., the infamous “Huey Lewis and the News” monologue).
Legacy:
- Christian Bale’s chilling performance became iconic.
- Cult following for its sharp satire and psychological depth.
- Controversial for its graphic violence but praised for its critique of capitalism and identity.
Final Verdict: A disturbing, darkly comedic descent into madness that leaves you questioning what’s real.
Would you like a deeper analysis of any character or scene?