American Psycho

2000 | Christian Bale | Chloë Sevigny | Willem Dafoe | Jared Leto | Reese Witherspoon | Serial Killers “American Psycho” remains a perfect film. Simultaneously an incredibly clever satire and dark humored critique of male behavior as well as an often misunderstood and misappropriated work of art. It’s both so funny and so alarming that there’s still a number of people who think of Patrick Bateman as a role model to be idolized. It’s one of those film where some people’s - mostly mens - take on it goes against the core message and themes of the film. Surely the film based on a book written by a gay man, adapted for the screen by two women and directed by one of those women is a film about how cool Patrick is. It’s a funny film, but you never laugh with Patrick, you laugh at him. He’s not only a bumbling idiot and a dork, but a deeply misogynistic shell of a person who’s super hollow and status obsessed and not really respected by anyone, not even his equally hollow yuppie friends with their huge egos. The words that come out of his mouth are just that, and mostly are little more than misogynistic remarks or attempts to appear so much more sophisticated and in touch with culture and the world as they are. And I love how this not only critiques and satirizes toxic masculinity and the dangers women face, but also this hyper-superficial, hyper-individualistic and capitalist world. The film hates these rich idiots and the way they talk and behave and compete. And obviously the way they constantly mistreat women and other minorities. And not to mention, it’s a phenomenally made film. The screenplay is sharp and witty and crystallizes its messages in a way that’s not only clear and damning, but also darkly comedic and supremely entertaining. Cinematography, music and production-design are phenomenal and the way the film plays with Bateman as an unreliable narrator is wonderful and hugely effective. This film is such a joy again and again. A very clever and funny film that shines with an incredible lead performance by Christian Bale.