photo_library58
Ürünstar 5.0
American Psycho (2000 Film)
Get ready for a wild ride with this classic psychological thriller from 2000, starring Christian Bale as the iconic Patrick Bateman. This dark comedy-drama dives into themes of materialism, violence, and the superficiality of 1980s New York City, where appearances can be deceiving.
chevron_right
Unpacking the Dark Side of 80s America: Is Patrick Bateman a Killer or a Narcissist?
summarizeEditor's Summary
American Psycho is a wild ride that's equal parts psychological thriller and satirical horror movie. Set in 80s America, it's a world where wealth and perfection are the ultimate goals. The main character, Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, is a total enigma - is he a serial killer or just a disturbed individual? The film's over-the-top excess is enough to make you squirm in your seat, but it's also what makes it so captivating. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this film is both a commentary on toxic masculinity and a critique of consumerism. It's a complex, thought-provoking movie that's not for the faint of heart.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
OyunDili8/10
FilmKalitesi9/10
KarakterGelişimi7/10
I still can't wrap my head around the fact that this film is both a psychological thriller and a satirical horror movie. It's a wild ride, but in a good way. The main character, Patrick Bateman, is a total enigma - is he a serial killer or just a disturbed individual?
About the movie:
This film takes you back to the 80s American culture, where the young and ambitious are obsessed with wealth and perfection. It's a world where people judge each other by their business cards and the color of their suits, and where getting a table at a fancy restaurant is the ultimate status symbol.
The business cards are like membership cards, and the young, high-rolling types on Wall Street use them to measure their success. There are wealthy, white guys who seem to get away with everything, talking about food porn, the benefits of charcoal, and how to properly 'do' women. It's unclear what they do for a living, but one of them is a ruthless killer.
I get why fans of the film are so devoted - it's a nostalgic trip back to the Reagan era, when greed and disgust reigned supreme. The film's excess is enough to make you feel uncomfortable, and it's clear that fans might not be as invested in the story after watching this.
The cast includes:
Christian Bale plays the role of Patrick Bateman, a young, ambitious manager who's obsessed with his appearance. His bathroom is stocked with bottles and jars, and he's always applying moisturizers and face masks. It's pretty cringeworthy to see a 27-year-old guy doing that stuff.
Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman.
I've gotta say, the part where Patrick takes off his mask is a bit slow, like he's teasing the audience, saying, 'you haven't seen anything yet!'
Patrick Bateman is a total body enthusiast, and he loves himself so much that he even admires himself during sex - yeah, I'm serious. Just imagine a guy in the middle of a pretty intimate activity, not just glancing at the mirror, but actually gazing at himself in awe!
He's got the whole package - fitness, whiskey, narcotics, vitamins, and a tanning bed - the full-on lifestyle of a high-roller who's somehow still making it on Wall Street. Not a single word about his professional life was mentioned during the entire session.
He's all about striving for the best and gets jealous if someone else beats him in any aspect, like buying a more stylish Armani tie. This young guy has an impressive knowledge base when it comes to music and always shares interesting content before he kills. He loves killing just as much as he loves talking about music hits and artists.
Here's the ruler of the universe:
I'm not a fan of his looks, to be honest.
Christian Bale's got a pretty rough appearance, and he's got the acting chops to make you feel even more uncomfortable around him.
When he's not working or eating at restaurants, our hero is moonlighting as a serial killer, targeting homeless people, sex workers, and random acquaintances who are into cocaine. But is Patrick really committing these murders, or is he just a narcissist slowly losing his grip on reality?
Let's break it down.
His friends are just as empty and self-absorbed as he is. The supporting cast is almost interchangeable, with actors who all look like they're trying out for a business executive role. Baitman and his interchangeable buddies:
Patrick's main rival is Paul Allen, played by Jared Leto, an actor you might know from movies like Blade Runner 2049 and Fight Club. He's a pretty colorful and talented guy. His character, Paul Allen, stands out from the other effective managers with his zest for life, sense of humor, and pleasant looks.
Jared Leto as Paul Allen
In every other way, he's just like the rest: he wears Armani and Valentino suits, gets his hair styled, tries to hit the trendiest restaurants, and knows his stuff when it comes to food.
But his business card was way cooler than the rest of the Manhattan wannabes, which left a lasting impression on Patrick Bateman.
I loved seeing Riz Wizelspan play the role of Patrick's girlfriend, Evelyn. Riz, like Christian Bale, is an Oscar winner, and she nailed the part of a drunk, scatterbrained blonde.
Riz Wizelspan in the role of Evelyn
It didn't matter to her that her fiancé, Patrick Bateman, was a total psycho. What mattered was that he could get them a table at an exclusive restaurant and made a ton of money.
Another standout actress in the film was Chloe Sevigny as Jean, the secretary. She was sweet enough to be likable.
Chloe Sevigny in the role of Jean
Although it was literally in her hands, something precious to the disturbed mind of the psychopath.
I've gotta say, Willem Dafoe's portrayal of Detective Donald Kimball is a real standout. He's got this devilish look that always makes me think he's playing a saint, and in this film, he's got some serious suspicions about Patrick.
Willem Dafoe as Detective Kimball
One thing that really threw me off was the excess in the film - it's enough to make you feel uncomfortable.
It's clear that fans might not be as invested in Hip to be Square after watching this.
I won't give away the ending, but let's just say it's a real mind-bender - I couldn't even try to spoil it for you, it's that good: is Patrick Baitman the killer or not?
My take on the film
My initial thoughts on the movie were formed the moment I found out Oliver Stone was supposed to be the director and Leonardo DiCaprio was going to play Patrick Bateman. But Mary Harron won the competition, and that's what we got. For some reason, I get the feeling Oliver Stone deliberately took a step back. He's well-known for his anti-American stance. That's why he made the investigative film Who Killed JFK?.
Maybe Oliver Stone just didn't want to draw too much attention to himself, considering he still had to interview Putin. The film reflects America's mentality as a whole. Patrick Bateman is an embodiment of America. He's achieved such a level of success and status that he's almost invincible, just like his country. When he commits 'murders and executions,' the listener mistakenly takes his words for 'mergers and acquisitions.' That's exactly what it is – the ultimate truth! This country, just like Patrick, can do whatever it wants: steal minds, buy the most beautiful and perfect things, enjoy sitting on skyscrapers, kill, dismember, and get away scot-free.
Patrick told his lawyer during a confession:
- I ate their brains
This country was given the benefit of the doubt by lawyers. Remember the episode where Patrick talks to his lawyer.
xa0
xa0
I have to say, the way the lawyer just glazes over and pretends not to understand what's going on, even though he just got confessed to a murder, is just wild.
And how did Patrick manage to carry a body bag out of the building without anyone noticing? There was a bloody trail behind him, but nobody saw him. It's like the world is just going to turn a blind eye to this.
The prostitutes that Baitman is killing are basically just satellites countries, willing to do whatever it takes in whatever position. They're lured in with promises of luxury, good food, and drinks, and then... well, you can guess what happens next.
xa0
xa0
I have to admit, there was one scene where Patrick sees Donald Trump's car and he's literally standing up to get a better look. But in the office, he's just sitting there like Barack Obama. If Oliver Stone were directing this, he'd be accused of being anti-American. Luckily, Mary Harron took the reins, and she's got nothing to answer for.
xa0
xa0
And let's not forget where Patrick sends Paul Allen packing - London! That's where the competition from America hangs out, with their snobbish, refined, and witty humor.
Patrick Bateman is the face of 80s America - young, reckless, greedy, brutal, and utterly repulsive. A mask of perfection.
xa0
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is this film a commentary on toxic masculinity?
Yes, American Psycho is a commentary on toxic masculinity and consumerism, using satire to critique the darker side of human nature.
Is this film a wild ride?
Absolutely, American Psycho is a wild ride that's equal parts psychological thriller and satirical horror movie.
Who is the main character in this film?
The main character in American Psycho is Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale.
What's the film's setting?
The film is set in 80s America, specifically on Wall Street.
What's the film's tone?
The film's tone is a mix of satire and horror, with a healthy dose of dark humor.
Is this film a critique of consumerism?
Yes, American Psycho is a critique of consumerism, using satire to comment on the darker side of human nature.
What's the film's ending like?
The film's ending can be a bit confusing, but it's a fitting conclusion to the film's themes and commentary.
Is this film worth watching?
Yes, American Psycho is worth watching for its thought-provoking themes, clever satire, and captivating performances.
check_circlePros
- •The film's nostalgic value is off the charts, transporting you back to the Reagan era with its outrageous fashion and excess.
- •Christian Bale's performance as Patrick Bateman is chilling and captivating, making it hard to look away.
- •The business cards are a genius touch, symbolizing the characters' obsession with status and wealth.
- •The film's use of satire is clever and biting, making it a commentary on the darker side of human nature.
- •The supporting cast is solid, with standout performances from Jared Leto and Josh Lucas.
- •The film's themes of toxic masculinity and consumerism are timely and thought-provoking, even if they're a bit heavy-handed at times.
cancelCons
- •The film's pacing can be a bit uneven at times, making it feel like a slog to get through.
- •Some of the characters feel a bit one-dimensional, making it hard to invest in their stories.
- •The film's themes of toxic masculinity and consumerism can feel a bit heavy-handed at times, making it feel like a lecture rather than a commentary.
- •The film's use of satire can be a bit too on-the-nose at times, making it feel like a commentary on the obvious rather than the subtle.
- •The film's ending can be a bit confusing, making it hard to wrap up the story in a satisfying way.
- •Some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped, making it hard to care about their stories.
