Detailed Summary
The Life of Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy New York City investment banker in the 1980s. On the surface, he embodies the yuppie lifestyle: good looks, an expensive apartment, and a taste for luxury. However, beneath the polished exterior, Bateman harbors violent urges and a growing detachment from reality.
Bateman’s Descent into Madness
Bateman’s psychopathy becomes increasingly apparent as he engages in brutal murders and bizarre behavior, all while maintaining his public image. His killings are often intertwined with his obsession with status, brand names, and social comparison. For example, the iconic business card scene reveals how even trivial details drive Bateman into a murderous rage.
The Paul Allen Incident
Bateman’s obsession peaks when he becomes envious of his colleague Paul Allen (Jared Leto), who has a better business card and appears more successful. Bateman lures Allen to his apartment under the pretense of drinks, only to murder him with an axe in a scene set to the tune of “Hip to Be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News.
The Confession and Doubt
As Bateman’s killing spree continues, his grip on reality deteriorates. He confesses his crimes to his lawyer in a rambling phone call but is met with disbelief. The lawyer dismisses it as a joke, even claiming that Paul Allen is alive, leaving the audience questioning whether the murders actually happened or were simply figments of Bateman’s imagination.
The Ambiguous Ending
The film ends ambiguously, with Bateman sitting in a boardroom realizing he may never be held accountable for his actions. He reflects on the meaninglessness of his life, as the line between reality and his delusions blurs.
Movie Ending
The ending leaves many questions unanswered. Is Bateman a cold-blooded killer, or is he just fantasizing about violence? The film’s conclusion intentionally avoids a clear resolution, forcing viewers to grapple with the ambiguity.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “American Psycho” does not feature any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a dark satire, blending psychological horror with black comedy. It critiques consumerism, vanity, and the empty materialism of the 1980s.
Cast
- Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman
- Willem Dafoe as Detective Donald Kimball
- Jared Leto as Paul Allen
- Reese Witherspoon as Evelyn Williams
- Chloë Sevigny as Jean
- Justin Theroux as Timothy Bryce
- Josh Lucas as Craig McDermott
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by John Cale, while its soundtrack features iconic 1980s pop songs like “Hip to Be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News, “Sussudio” by Phil Collins, and “True Faith” by New Order, which play a central role in Bateman’s psychotic breakdowns.
Filming Locations
- New York City, USA: The film is set in Manhattan and captures the sleek, superficial world of 1980s Wall Street culture.
- Toronto, Canada: Several interior scenes, including Bateman’s apartment, were filmed in Toronto, where the filmmakers could better control the environment.
These locations are crucial to the film’s critique of 1980s excess and the yuppie culture.
Awards and Nominations
While the film didn’t receive major awards, Christian Bale’s performance was widely praised, and the film has since become a cult classic.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Leonardo DiCaprio was originally considered for the role of Patrick Bateman, but Christian Bale ultimately took the part, which became his breakout role.
- The director, Mary Harron, was committed to maintaining the satirical tone of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel despite studio pressure to make the film more conventional.
- Bale famously maintained Bateman’s psychotic smile even between takes, unnerving some of the cast and crew.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel of the same name. The book was highly controversial due to its graphic violence and explicit content.
- Cultural Critique: The movie draws inspiration from the greed and consumerism of the 1980s, especially the Wall Street culture portrayed in films like Wall Street (1987).
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no significant alternate endings, but some scenes from the novel were toned down or altered due to their extreme violence. The film keeps the ambiguity of the novel’s ending intact.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Violence: The novel is far more graphic in its depiction of violence and sexual content than the film.
- Character Development: The film condenses some of Bateman’s inner monologues and satirical commentary on society to keep the plot streamlined.
- Ambiguity: Both the film and the book are deliberately ambiguous, though the film’s presentation makes it more open to interpretation.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Business Card Comparison: The scene where Bateman and his colleagues compare business cards, leading to Bateman’s quiet, seething envy.
- Paul Allen’s Murder: Bateman dancing to “Hip to Be Square” before killing Paul Allen with an axe.
- Confession Scene: Bateman’s frantic phone call to his lawyer, confessing his crimes in a breakdown.
Iconic Quotes
- “I have to return some videotapes.”
- “You like Huey Lewis and the News?”
- “I’m simply not there.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Bateman’s obsession with status symbols, such as brand names and business cards, is a reflection of his hollow identity.
- The constant mentions of videotapes and the appearance of generic, unnamed drugs play into the idea that Bateman’s reality is artificial and unstable.
- The lawyer’s confusion at the end suggests that many of Bateman’s actions may have been in his mind, playing into the unreliable narrator theme.
Trivia
- Christian Bale reportedly based his performance on Tom Cruise’s “intense friendliness with nothing behind the eyes.”
- Bale’s extreme physical preparation for the role included a rigorous diet and workout routine, emphasizing Bateman’s obsession with perfection.
- The film’s satirical edge was controversial, with many viewers initially misunderstanding its dark humor.
Why Watch?
“American Psycho” is a darkly satirical film that offers a scathing critique of 1980s materialism and toxic masculinity. Christian Bale’s iconic performance and the film’s blend of horror and comedy make it a unique cinematic experience.
Director’s Other Movies
- I Shot Andy Warhol (1996)
- The Notorious Bettie Page (2005)
- Charlie Says (2018)
