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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ByZephyr Inc.on May 3, 2016
One of my all time favorite movies. There's a lot to catch in this flick. I've probably seen this movie 30+ times, and I still catch little things here and there. My favorite thing about American Psycho is the fact that you're not sure what's real and what's not. There are a lot of different ways to perceive what's going on in the film, which I won't spoil, and this is what makes the movie a classic in my house.
"There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman; some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me: only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze, and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable... I simply am not there."
"There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman; some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me: only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze, and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable... I simply am not there."
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!
ByPmyon March 23, 2016
I can't believe I put off seeing this movie for so long since I am a fan of Christian Bale. This movie is an amazing satire of 1980's excess. For those saying it was strange, hard to follow or had no plot - that is the point!! The narrator of the story is a psychopath. It is a scary trip into his mind and into the "me generation" of the 80s. Great, great movie.
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?
ByNathaniel Wayneon April 3, 2015
It's really a one of a kind movie. The first time I watched it I was mostly into Christian Bale's performance and could take or leave the rest. The more I watch it though, the more I like the overall package. It captures the superficiality of the 80s business world to perfection, and Bale as the empty on the inside Patrick Bateman is the perfect way to view this world. Narratively it's somewhat oddly structured, but that can largely be chalked up to the source material. It may take a couple of watches to reconcile the ending completely, but it's worth the work.
ByGORELOVERon January 8, 2015
I first saw this on Netflix and after watching it watched it two more times over the next day. This movie was really diffrent and that was refreshing. I see theres really no middle ground with the reviews people love it or hate it. Christian Bale as Bateman was an excellent performance and I dont think it wouldve been the same without him. My favorite part is when he goes on his rant about Huey lewis and the news while playing its hip to be square classic. If you havent seen this if you like dark comedy with some crazy mixed in youll enjoy it. If you have seen it and liked it for the price its really worth adding to your collection. Fun to watch.
ByM. B Coleon March 25, 2009
Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is your everyday Wall Street exec. He works for his fathers company, even though he doesn't really have to. He compares business cards with fellow friends and makes reservations at the newest and hottest restaurants... just because. He has a body every man wants and every girl wants to touch. He's meticulous and anal in everything he does. He's also a homicidal maniac. He kills for fun and he kills for release and he kills for hatred. After one of his murders though, a homicide cop begins too get a little too close for comfort of figuring out that Patrick could be the killer and Patrick begins to unravel from his calm demeanor.
Never having read the book the movie is based on; I went into this movie blind. And loved it. It was a lot of fun to listen to his Patrick's narration of who he is and what he is. Like when he's talking about his facial mask. As he begins to peel it off after 10 minutes of having it on, you really just cant help see him telling us that what is on his outside is not who he is on the inside. He's not your friend. Not your coworker. Not your lover. He's a friggin soulless killer. It is crazy to think that someone could be so cold and emotionless, but yet there are people out there that are like that. I don't believe for a second that he got 100% pleasure out of all of his kills. Some seemed like he just couldn't help it. Like we might go get a massage, have sex, or just sit on the beach for some relaxation. He would kill.
Not only is the movie just crazy good, it's also pretty funny. Dark funny though. Seeing him get massively pissed off over someone's business cards is too funny. And not in the ha-ha kind of funny way, but in the `holy crap he's getting pissed over nothing' kind of way. And flexing in the mirror while having sex with two girls? Legendary. And chasing someone down a hallway, butt nekid except for high tops, and a chainsaw? Once again... Legendary. And when he says things out loud such as "I'm into murders and executions" and someone doesn't really hear him and thinks he says `mergers and acquisitions'...that's just funny. There are just a lot of funny lines in this movie, but dark funny guys. I love how he tells people he will kill them, but you know he means it...lol.
Christian Bale is a pretty good actor for sure. I love how he seems different in all his parts he plays. Not a lot different, but he just is. It's almost subtle, but he's not really ever the same. But one thing for sure is that good gracious God blessed that man with a crazy metabolism or something. I'm not gay, but the man has a great body. And to do what he does with it is crazy. I'll never forget the way he looked like a dang holocaust victim in The Mechanist and then like a few months later he was Batman or something. Crazy.
P.S. - So I'm not afraid to say I don't understand the ending. I can't tell what was going on at the end. Is he a killer for real...or is it in his head? For instance...he blew up a cop car with a pistol. Even he looked at his gun like `wtf?' And then after his confession, even his lawyer said he was kidding around. Was he? Or was the lawyer covering for him? I was confused. Anyone want to help me out? I tried not to say much, so spoilers ahead if there needs to be in the comments!
Never having read the book the movie is based on; I went into this movie blind. And loved it. It was a lot of fun to listen to his Patrick's narration of who he is and what he is. Like when he's talking about his facial mask. As he begins to peel it off after 10 minutes of having it on, you really just cant help see him telling us that what is on his outside is not who he is on the inside. He's not your friend. Not your coworker. Not your lover. He's a friggin soulless killer. It is crazy to think that someone could be so cold and emotionless, but yet there are people out there that are like that. I don't believe for a second that he got 100% pleasure out of all of his kills. Some seemed like he just couldn't help it. Like we might go get a massage, have sex, or just sit on the beach for some relaxation. He would kill.
Not only is the movie just crazy good, it's also pretty funny. Dark funny though. Seeing him get massively pissed off over someone's business cards is too funny. And not in the ha-ha kind of funny way, but in the `holy crap he's getting pissed over nothing' kind of way. And flexing in the mirror while having sex with two girls? Legendary. And chasing someone down a hallway, butt nekid except for high tops, and a chainsaw? Once again... Legendary. And when he says things out loud such as "I'm into murders and executions" and someone doesn't really hear him and thinks he says `mergers and acquisitions'...that's just funny. There are just a lot of funny lines in this movie, but dark funny guys. I love how he tells people he will kill them, but you know he means it...lol.
Christian Bale is a pretty good actor for sure. I love how he seems different in all his parts he plays. Not a lot different, but he just is. It's almost subtle, but he's not really ever the same. But one thing for sure is that good gracious God blessed that man with a crazy metabolism or something. I'm not gay, but the man has a great body. And to do what he does with it is crazy. I'll never forget the way he looked like a dang holocaust victim in The Mechanist and then like a few months later he was Batman or something. Crazy.
P.S. - So I'm not afraid to say I don't understand the ending. I can't tell what was going on at the end. Is he a killer for real...or is it in his head? For instance...he blew up a cop car with a pistol. Even he looked at his gun like `wtf?' And then after his confession, even his lawyer said he was kidding around. Was he? Or was the lawyer covering for him? I was confused. Anyone want to help me out? I tried not to say much, so spoilers ahead if there needs to be in the comments!
ByAshleyon July 20, 2018
Been meaning to see this for the longest.Mainly because:Guinevere Turner. It pains me somewhat that she didn't actually write the book it was based off of. I'll have to read that. I almost felt sorry for Bateman at the end, what an empty world to live in. The whole business card thing had me ROLLING! I wonder if that's a that's a thing anymore? I'd say it never was to that degree but with ...some of us, who knows. It could be anything.
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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