Top positive review
20 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of my favorites. Spoilers in review.
ByJacobon July 21, 2018
SPOILERS SPOILERS
After seeing this movie about a dozen times in the now almost 20 years since the movie came out, and reading the book somewhere in between, I love this movie for being able to be interpreted multiple ways. The most obvious way is that he is a serial killer but gets away with it.
Another interpretation that really popped during this most recent viewing was that it was all in his head... All of the scenes that make him out to be such a sociopath are over the top because they never happened (except in his head). He's a mentally ill, socially awkward guy who dreamed up the personality we see on the movie as his escape from his depressing reality. He is doing everything he can in an attempt to be mentally healthy; he works, takes care of himself physically, but he has no real relationships because he can't help it. He didn't kill any women, he unintentionally chases them away to the point even prostitutes don't want to be around him. Rather than have all those scarring memories as his crippling reality, he chooses to remember the people he chases away as victims of a smooth talking serial killer who we, the audience, can see is disconnected but he only appears disconnected because we're viewing him through a mentally ill person's perception of their own fantasy.
When he tells the bartender "I want to stab you to death, and play around with your blood.", that's just the reply he wishes he said but didn't. His breakdown at the end of the movie is his real cry for help because, in an attempt to live a "normal" life, he's been hiding symptoms of his illness too successfully for his own good and he's losing touch because of an illness he can't control. The drawings his secretary finds are real but aren't evidence of murder, they're just an example of his obsession with finding a girl to have a meaningful relationship with that he morphed into a Patrick Bateman that doodles these fantasy women as murder victims. The secretary of course will be further chased away by this, as has happened with everyone else he attempts to have a personal relationship with.
After seeing this movie about a dozen times in the now almost 20 years since the movie came out, and reading the book somewhere in between, I love this movie for being able to be interpreted multiple ways. The most obvious way is that he is a serial killer but gets away with it.
Another interpretation that really popped during this most recent viewing was that it was all in his head... All of the scenes that make him out to be such a sociopath are over the top because they never happened (except in his head). He's a mentally ill, socially awkward guy who dreamed up the personality we see on the movie as his escape from his depressing reality. He is doing everything he can in an attempt to be mentally healthy; he works, takes care of himself physically, but he has no real relationships because he can't help it. He didn't kill any women, he unintentionally chases them away to the point even prostitutes don't want to be around him. Rather than have all those scarring memories as his crippling reality, he chooses to remember the people he chases away as victims of a smooth talking serial killer who we, the audience, can see is disconnected but he only appears disconnected because we're viewing him through a mentally ill person's perception of their own fantasy.
When he tells the bartender "I want to stab you to death, and play around with your blood.", that's just the reply he wishes he said but didn't. His breakdown at the end of the movie is his real cry for help because, in an attempt to live a "normal" life, he's been hiding symptoms of his illness too successfully for his own good and he's losing touch because of an illness he can't control. The drawings his secretary finds are real but aren't evidence of murder, they're just an example of his obsession with finding a girl to have a meaningful relationship with that he morphed into a Patrick Bateman that doodles these fantasy women as murder victims. The secretary of course will be further chased away by this, as has happened with everyone else he attempts to have a personal relationship with.
Top critical review
One person found this helpful
3.0 out of 5 starsGreat acting but crazy story!
ByDebbie Krameron March 11, 2016
The acting was great but the story line got confusing as to whether we were experiencing reality or his imagination. At one point many dead bodies are in his apartment and a girl escapes but somehow this scene and dialogue did not seem believable so you start questioning the movie and what is really happening. It keep my attention throughout the movie but it did leave me a little dissatisfied. I didn't feel a resolution in the ending. Not sure I got it!
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ByJacobon July 21, 2018
SPOILERS SPOILERS
After seeing this movie about a dozen times in the now almost 20 years since the movie came out, and reading the book somewhere in between, I love this movie for being able to be interpreted multiple ways. The most obvious way is that he is a serial killer but gets away with it.
Another interpretation that really popped during this most recent viewing was that it was all in his head... All of the scenes that make him out to be such a sociopath are over the top because they never happened (except in his head). He's a mentally ill, socially awkward guy who dreamed up the personality we see on the movie as his escape from his depressing reality. He is doing everything he can in an attempt to be mentally healthy; he works, takes care of himself physically, but he has no real relationships because he can't help it. He didn't kill any women, he unintentionally chases them away to the point even prostitutes don't want to be around him. Rather than have all those scarring memories as his crippling reality, he chooses to remember the people he chases away as victims of a smooth talking serial killer who we, the audience, can see is disconnected but he only appears disconnected because we're viewing him through a mentally ill person's perception of their own fantasy.
When he tells the bartender "I want to stab you to death, and play around with your blood.", that's just the reply he wishes he said but didn't. His breakdown at the end of the movie is his real cry for help because, in an attempt to live a "normal" life, he's been hiding symptoms of his illness too successfully for his own good and he's losing touch because of an illness he can't control. The drawings his secretary finds are real but aren't evidence of murder, they're just an example of his obsession with finding a girl to have a meaningful relationship with that he morphed into a Patrick Bateman that doodles these fantasy women as murder victims. The secretary of course will be further chased away by this, as has happened with everyone else he attempts to have a personal relationship with.
After seeing this movie about a dozen times in the now almost 20 years since the movie came out, and reading the book somewhere in between, I love this movie for being able to be interpreted multiple ways. The most obvious way is that he is a serial killer but gets away with it.
Another interpretation that really popped during this most recent viewing was that it was all in his head... All of the scenes that make him out to be such a sociopath are over the top because they never happened (except in his head). He's a mentally ill, socially awkward guy who dreamed up the personality we see on the movie as his escape from his depressing reality. He is doing everything he can in an attempt to be mentally healthy; he works, takes care of himself physically, but he has no real relationships because he can't help it. He didn't kill any women, he unintentionally chases them away to the point even prostitutes don't want to be around him. Rather than have all those scarring memories as his crippling reality, he chooses to remember the people he chases away as victims of a smooth talking serial killer who we, the audience, can see is disconnected but he only appears disconnected because we're viewing him through a mentally ill person's perception of their own fantasy.
When he tells the bartender "I want to stab you to death, and play around with your blood.", that's just the reply he wishes he said but didn't. His breakdown at the end of the movie is his real cry for help because, in an attempt to live a "normal" life, he's been hiding symptoms of his illness too successfully for his own good and he's losing touch because of an illness he can't control. The drawings his secretary finds are real but aren't evidence of murder, they're just an example of his obsession with finding a girl to have a meaningful relationship with that he morphed into a Patrick Bateman that doodles these fantasy women as murder victims. The secretary of course will be further chased away by this, as has happened with everyone else he attempts to have a personal relationship with.
20 people found this helpful
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ByRawhuliganon March 1, 2018
Movie: Classic. Need I say more? If you haven’t watched this movie before, add it to the top of your list. Spoiler: not for the faint of heart.
QualiTy: excellent blu Ray film. Wide screen feature. 1080p. DTS-HD audio/5.1 Dolby digital EX Audio. English language with English/Spanish subtitles. Works in blu Ray player (PS3 in my case)
Content: feature film, unrated version. 102 minutes. Special features (ie deleted scenes, commentary, etc)
Package: printed back and cover, no package insert/booklet, case was cracked upon arrival.
Overall: excellent movie and an even better deal ($5 with prime)
Reccomendation: BUY
QualiTy: excellent blu Ray film. Wide screen feature. 1080p. DTS-HD audio/5.1 Dolby digital EX Audio. English language with English/Spanish subtitles. Works in blu Ray player (PS3 in my case)
Content: feature film, unrated version. 102 minutes. Special features (ie deleted scenes, commentary, etc)
Package: printed back and cover, no package insert/booklet, case was cracked upon arrival.
Overall: excellent movie and an even better deal ($5 with prime)
Reccomendation: BUY
5.0 out of 5 starsChristian Bale is a very good actor and from this movie he has been so since a very young age!
Bymositaon July 26, 2018
Christian Bale carries this movie. It is riveting. Sometimes difficult to watch. Stay with it. You will not forget this movie. It is a wonderful example of theater craft; both from the acting, writing, and delivery. As I say, some scenes can be offensive...don't judge this movie by those scenes. Mr. Bale is just an awesome actor and has shown us that since "Empire of the Sun, " when he was 12 years old! Enjoy!
4.0 out of 5 starsNasty, naughty, and if you can stomach it, it is worth watching Christian do his thing.
ByR. Rogerson October 14, 2014
This movie is somewhat a study of the 80's yuppie scene and although extreme at times it shows how self-absorbed these people were. But the most notable characteristic is that our main man can hide more or less in plain view the fact that he was and is an insane serial killer. The murders are quite horrific almost to the point of absurdity because our character seems to take so much joy in what he does, with no remorse or guilt whatsoever. Christian Bale is in almost every single scene and I cannot think of another actor who could have carried this role off with as much intensity as Christian did. While somewhat disturbed by the brutality and horror connected with the killings, you cannot help but wonder where the character will finally meet his end. Or does he ever?
ByDebbie Krameron March 11, 2016
The acting was great but the story line got confusing as to whether we were experiencing reality or his imagination. At one point many dead bodies are in his apartment and a girl escapes but somehow this scene and dialogue did not seem believable so you start questioning the movie and what is really happening. It keep my attention throughout the movie but it did leave me a little dissatisfied. I didn't feel a resolution in the ending. Not sure I got it!
Christian Bale's character is absolutely masterful, the expressions of charming yet sinister barely controlled psychotic lunatic are fascinating to watch. So many iconic scenes in this movie, and there are hilarious moments too, depicting the extreme status obsession of the wallstreet set. Loved the 80s hair and styles, they nailed it all.
ByKyle Kyle Kyleon May 7, 2010
This movie is great. It is sickeningly disturbing and a great movie that twists your mind. It is a movie where it expounds on the life of a rich wallstret suck up who is going insane, and indeed does crack a little. With a surprising, believable twist, with Ptrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale) going on a murder spree. No plot spoilers here, what I said was in the trailers.
The sad, miserable life of this rich man finally empties his soul of what little emotion he had left, where he vents his frustrations on his assistant and on unwitting victims.
Watch the movie to see the suck up go from polite to maniacal. A little too disturbing for my tastes, some parts seemed sad because Christian Bale plays such a supreme performance. I never thought I would have pity for a rich person, let alone a murderer.
Also, they don't have a lot of nudity. What they show are a few porn scenes but with literally one or two butt and boob shots that are about a split second, but I swear they let your imagination FLY. Man. The power of the mind.
The sad, miserable life of this rich man finally empties his soul of what little emotion he had left, where he vents his frustrations on his assistant and on unwitting victims.
Watch the movie to see the suck up go from polite to maniacal. A little too disturbing for my tastes, some parts seemed sad because Christian Bale plays such a supreme performance. I never thought I would have pity for a rich person, let alone a murderer.
Also, they don't have a lot of nudity. What they show are a few porn scenes but with literally one or two butt and boob shots that are about a split second, but I swear they let your imagination FLY. Man. The power of the mind.
BySteven Adam Renkovishon December 12, 2001
Now that I am over the shock of this films ending, I guess that I will write my review.
This film was one of the most complicated films that I have ever seen. The whole thing was just bizarre. It was totally and utterly violent and disturbing. On the other hand, certain scenes were hilarious. Christian Bale gives a great portrayal of Patrick Bateman, a self absorbed nut who ticks off about the littlest things. He targets women when he gets really angry about things, and sometimes takes his anger on certain gentleman in his office. When things don't go his way or situations get too stressful for him, something inside him sparks, and he has to kill. Meanwhile, his relationship with his ditzy girlfriend is on the rocks, and her airhead friends constantly surround him. Life sucks for this doofus.
The other performances were equally effective. Reese Witherspoon plays Patrick's girlfriend, and she is perfect for the role. The musical score has hints of Bernard Herrmann's "Psycho" score, which fits in this film perfectly.
However, this film is very graphic and unnerving, and I don't know if I would recommend it or not; also, the ending was... well...never mind.
This one is definitely not for kids.
This film was one of the most complicated films that I have ever seen. The whole thing was just bizarre. It was totally and utterly violent and disturbing. On the other hand, certain scenes were hilarious. Christian Bale gives a great portrayal of Patrick Bateman, a self absorbed nut who ticks off about the littlest things. He targets women when he gets really angry about things, and sometimes takes his anger on certain gentleman in his office. When things don't go his way or situations get too stressful for him, something inside him sparks, and he has to kill. Meanwhile, his relationship with his ditzy girlfriend is on the rocks, and her airhead friends constantly surround him. Life sucks for this doofus.
The other performances were equally effective. Reese Witherspoon plays Patrick's girlfriend, and she is perfect for the role. The musical score has hints of Bernard Herrmann's "Psycho" score, which fits in this film perfectly.
However, this film is very graphic and unnerving, and I don't know if I would recommend it or not; also, the ending was... well...never mind.
This one is definitely not for kids.
what a wild in your face dark comedy about the excess of the 80's lifestyle. Bale is excellent at depicting a character who has become so shallow and empty that he rebels in his American Psycho way. Scenes like Bateman in the shower and his morning prep routine and the business card comparisons are hysterical in the way the point out some of the absurdities and foolishness of this era. Bale is so slick and so wired in his extremes in behaviour and his voice over dialogues are performed to perfection. It is so subversively witty - that the social aspects of this time come across as almost more scary than the violence. Were we that bad? Other performances are great here too: dafoe, mathis, leto, and Chloe Sevigny who is the only one who can actually steal her scenes away from Bale. I used to work with a bunch of Patrick Batemans who had too much too early and too easy - I wonder what happened to them.
ByReticulion June 15, 2005
Unlike a lot of adaptations of novels I've seen, I have no desire to read the book. This film's amazing. I have no interest in influencing my views of it. On the topic of "editions", the rated version is the one to buy. I have the unrated one and the extra footage adds nothing. The sex scene actually flows into the surrounding film better in the cut version. The print they telecined to DVD also doesn't look as early a generation as the rated one, which is a little more crisp, clean, and vibrant than this one. I remember the rated rental having very pure whites in the opening scene, and the lunch scene with Willem Defoe was more vibrant and rich looking. There seems to be generation loss with the unrated version, or I could just be remembering it wrong. I have not seen the new Killer's collector edition, though.
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