Review of American Psycho (2000) by Caesar M — 12 Aug 2013

American Psycho is one of those films that divides an audience. Some see it solely as a horror while other see it solely as a comedy when in fact it's intended to be both. Genre mixing in this case isn't always balanced with horror usually overshadowing the comedic elements. Even if the film struggles to strike a balance in tone it's one fascinating character study that keeps your interest by the even more so with an insane performance by Christian Bale.

American Psycho is a character study that follows a wealthy New York investment banking executive who hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, gratuitous fantasies. Like all good characters studies when diving into another person life we see the world with an entirely new pair of eyes, but not obsolete from being relatable whether it be the character themselves or from the theme it explores. With Patrick Bateman we hear his thoughts describing in detail about the mundane skincare products in his daily lifestyle even to his odd fascination with business cards. A recurring element in the film that best gets across Bateman obsession with the superficial and how it could drive any man insane. Making the viewer analyzed Bateman nature in themselves if they are related at some level. If not a business card whose not to say we won't nitpick a small trivial detail like the color of someone's hair or something as insignificant as changing a literary character eye color in a film adaptation.

In his tame nature Bateman acts like a common man with nothing significant separating him from the rest of humanity. A killer whose blends in into his environment we would never give a second thought about. Being very specific in the ways he does things and his fears that the tiniest mistake will give him away. As such when it comes to showing off his darker side Bateman is more psychotic. Choosing to talk about music albums over having sex with women. The film darker moments is where it tends to conflictingly swift tones. As some murders are meant to be comedic while others taken seriously. Problematic too is the comedy. Yes it's a hit or miss thing here, but the jokes are mostly subjective. Some will make everyone laugh like Bateman confrontation with a coworker in a public restroom to divided ones like the film cartoonish climax. Of course like most films that attempt to be many things it falter towards the final act. Going from a psychological horror flick, to an extremely over the top dark comedy, and down to a mind game that challenges everything you just witness. It's an ending that'll makes your head boggle more than the one in "Inception" leaving loose ends open. It's both thought provoking and satisfactory leaving it ambiguous nature for us to ponder on.

Christian Bale takes the lead in what is arguably his best performance. Vain, brutal, calculating and deeply impressed by the mass culture but completely apathetic and careless. He exteriorized many expressions but never comes across as he's actually emoting such emotions. Ranging from calm and controlled to at times coming off as an psychotic Jim Carrey. The third act is where Bale goes completely insane given us some of his best moments. Lets just say you won't be able to see Batman the same way again once you see a naked Christian Bale cover in blood chasing one of his victim with a chainsaw. Willem Defoe comes in close behind Bale with his performance. Being a passively inept detective with his exchanges with Bale are some of the film best written moments. Reese Witherspoon performance is good even if her character is intended to be annoying. Chloe Sevigny is passable in her role. She's comes off extraordinary submissive which is the main thing her role has her do.

American Psycho attempted to combine many elements and what elements it does succeeds in combining make for an interesting, odd, and thought provoking film. Christian Bale more than exceeds in playing a difficult character in a role that must be seen to be believe. It's a film that delivers the chills and some laughs while injecting intelligence into the story it's telling for a smart commentary on everything superficial.