American Psycho - Bale’s finest hour

Yes, many enjoyed Christian Bale’s (excellent) turn as Bruce Wayne in Nolan’s Batman trilogy.  However, there are few occasions where an actor shines so bright that it becomes impossible to see anyone else ever playing the role.  In this case... yuppie, eighties serial killer ‘Patrick Bateman.’

‘American Psycho’ started off life as a book (which I strongly recommend you read if you enjoyed the film) and sat around in filmic-limbo for years before it finally made its way to the big screen.  The book was one of those titles where die-hard fans argued so hard that it was ‘impossible’ to make into a film that no studio dared go that extra mile and attempt it.

Now, the end result is certainly different to the book.  The book had numerous complex points and sub-plots which would have stretched the film out for hours.  However, just because the film skips vast areas, doesn’t mean it doesn’t hit the nail on the head.  What you’re left with is a ‘summarised’ version of the film (and a very good one).

Patrick Bateman is the titular ‘American Psycho’ who works on Wall Street in the eighties and leads a double life as a high-flying businessman and a complete nut-job who, by his own admission like to ‘dissect women.’ And he does just that.

Feminists have given many labels to this film which indicate that it’s misogynistic and demeaning to women.  They may have a point here and there.  Bateman (along with his cronies) regularly objectify women and are basically only after one thing (two in Bateman’s case, as he also likes to murder his dates).  However, we’re never shown that this is some sort of example for men to adhere to.  We only tolerate Bateman’s madness because he entertains us.  The only thing that equals his brutality is his charm (as, apparently, is a trait of many a convicted killer/psychopath) and he, like Bale who performs him, is a joy to watch.

There isn’t as much gore as you may expect (certainly the book is a million times more graphic) and much of the violence is left up to the viewers’ imagination (what did he do with that coat hanger after all?), so gore-hounds beware – if you’re just looking for the ‘red stuff,’ you may be left feeling short-changed.

Fan of Bale will probably already have seen it.  It’s certainly a vehicle for him to keep on his C.V.  It never claims to be nice and you’re going to have to be into ‘serial killer’ type movies to get something out of it.  Just – whatever you do – don’t watch the sequel (or feed me a stray cat).

9/10 almost as perfect as The Godfather