American Psycho, 2000

We have all run into people like Patrick Bateman. He, played by Christian Bale, is a cocky and narcissistic Wall Street executive who flaunts his wealth and good looks trying to stay above everyone. If somebody tries to trump him, he must trump them back. For example, he does not take it too kindly when someone presents a fancier business card than his, or books a reservation to a constantly packed restaurant. Most people know guys like Bateman as they are constantly and obsessively trying to make it to the top with their shining ego. The side we do not often see is the psychopathic murderous side. Bateman, for some reason, enjoys killing people. Not necessarily because they stand in his way in becoming successful, but mainly because it excites him. It is his way of releasing his inner evil. But Mary Harron's "American Psycho" is really not about a murderer. Based on the controversial novel by Bret Easton Ellis, this film is mainly about this particular personality type, and how this ego pushes this particular guy over the edge. Christian Bale, always a fine actor, does a brilliant job at portraying this egotistical maniac who doesn't seem to have any pattern with his murders and always feels indifferent. The film lacks, however, a proper story arc, as the plot really doesn't go anywhere. The story also kind of loses its way near the end with a preposterous climax where Bateman seems to really go over the edge into paranoia. As stated before, we do not know initially what caused Bateman to become a psycho, therefore we are kept at a distance that leaves us a little frustrated. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating character study of this type of personality and how this man thrives every day on his smugness.

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