American Psycho 2000, directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel, remains a polarizing classic in cinema. Its dark, satirical commentary on 1980s yuppie culture and its portrayal of the disintegrating psyche of its protagonist, Patrick Bateman, are as unsettling as they are captivating.
Upon its release in 2000, American Psycho 2000 quickly became infamous for its graphic depictions of violence and its critique of the capitalist, consumer-driven society of the 1980s. Christian Bale’s chilling portrayal of Bateman earned widespread recognition, cementing his place as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
In this review, we will break down the key elements of the film, analyzing its direction, cinematography, acting performances, and much more. Alongside this, we will delve into the thematic significance of American Psycho 2000, exploring how it critiques societal norms and questions the human capacity for violence and self-delusion.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
In American Psycho 2000, Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful investment banker in 1987 New York City. On the surface, Bateman is the epitome of the American Dream—handsome, well-educated, and enjoying the luxuries of a life defined by excess.
However, beneath this façade lies a deeply disturbed individual who, in his moments of rage, morphs into a brutal serial killer. His daily routine revolves around maintaining a superficial image, obsessing over physical appearance, and navigating the cutthroat world of elite New York businessmen, all while masking his violent urges.
Bateman’s life becomes increasingly erratic, as he struggles to distinguish between reality and his fantasies. His disconnection from his own humanity is most evident when he casually narrates his thoughts about Huey Lewis and the News, only to segue into his violent murder of a colleague,
Paul Allen (Jared Leto). The film explores Bateman’s psychological unraveling as he descends deeper into his violence, indifferent to the lives he destroys.
As Bateman’s killing spree intensifies, the narrative takes a surreal turn. A private investigator, Donald Kimball (Willem Dafoe), begins to probe into the disappearance of Paul Allen, only for Bateman to skillfully deflect suspicion.
His attempts to maintain control over his fractured reality continue to grow more desperate, leading to a chilling conclusion where Bateman confesses his murders to his lawyer, only for his confession to be dismissed as the ramblings of an unstable mind.
Direction and Cinematography
Mary Harron’s direction of American Psycho 2000 is a brilliant amalgamation of satire and horror. Her vision brings out the grotesque humor in the narrative, balancing the film’s brutality with moments of absurdity and social commentary.
The film is shot in a way that highlights the stark contrast between Bateman’s pristine, controlled life and the chaos lurking beneath the surface. Cinematographer Andrzej Sekuła’s work in the film further reinforces this contrast, using clean, symmetrical shots that mirror Bateman’s own obsession with order and perfection.
Notable visual moments, such as the famous scene where Bateman flings his axe at Paul Allen, are heightened by the deliberate use of color and framing. The cold, clinical lighting of Bateman’s apartment is juxtaposed against the chaotic violence he unleashes, further emphasizing the dehumanization that defines his character.
Acting Performances
Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman is nothing short of iconic. His transformation into Bateman, both physically and psychologically, is a testament to his skill as an actor.
Bale’s ability to balance Bateman’s charm and sociopathy is central to the film’s success. His performance oscillates between moments of charismatic social interaction and disturbing violence, creating a character who is both horrifying and magnetic. Bale’s Bateman is a chilling exploration of a man who is so disconnected from reality that he cannot distinguish between the person he presents to the world and the monster lurking within.
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Donald Kimball adds an element of tension as his character begins to suspect Bateman’s involvement in the disappearances of Paul Allen.
Jared Leto’s portrayal of Paul Allen is memorable for its brief yet impactful presence, contributing to Bateman’s jealousy and eventual descent into madness. Reese Witherspoon’s role as Evelyn Williams, Bateman’s fiancée, serves as a counterpoint to his emotional emptiness, further highlighting the shallowness of the world Bateman inhabits.
Script and Dialogue
The screenplay, co-written by Mary Harron and Guinevere Turner, is sharp and incisive, capturing the essence of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel while adapting it for the screen.
The dialogue is both chilling and darkly humorous, offering insight into Bateman’s psyche while simultaneously satirizing the superficial culture of the 1980s.
One of the standout scenes is Bateman’s monologue about Huey Lewis and the News, in which he combines his obsession with consumerism and violence, reflecting his deep alienation from the world around him.
However, the film does simplify some of the novel’s more complex themes. While the novel presents Bateman’s narrative as unreliable, with ambiguity about whether his crimes are real or imagined, the film opts for a more definitive approach. This shift from ambiguity to clarity in the film’s conclusion may disappoint purists who prefer the novel’s open-ended nature, but it works within the context of the movie’s satirical tone.
Music and Sound Design
The music and sound design in American Psycho 2000 play a critical role in enhancing the film’s atmosphere. The soundtrack features a mix of 1980s pop songs, including tracks from David Bowie, New Order, Robert Palmer, and, notably, Huey Lewis and the News. The choice of music is not merely nostalgic; it serves as an ironic backdrop to the brutal acts of violence carried out by Patrick Bateman.
The juxtaposition of Bateman’s violent tendencies with upbeat pop music, such as “Hip to Be Square,” creates an unsettling dissonance that heightens the surreal quality of the film.
John Cale’s original score adds another layer of complexity to the film. Cale, best known for his work with the Velvet Underground, composed a hauntingly melancholic score that contrasts with the pop music, deepening the film’s dark satire. The sound design is equally impactful, particularly in scenes of violence, where the use of sound amplifies the grotesque nature of Bateman’s actions.
One of the most memorable moments in the film is the auditory contrast between the bright, cheery pop music and the horrific violence on screen, making the horror all the more shocking.
The film’s sound design also plays a role in immersing the audience into Bateman’s fractured psyche. Subtle details like the sound of Bateman’s heartbeat or his eerie, detached monologues help to convey his deep disconnection from reality, making his descent into madness all the more compelling.
Themes and Messages
At its core, American Psycho 2000 is a scathing critique of the materialistic, self-absorbed culture of the 1980s. The film explores themes of identity, social status, and consumerism, portraying Bateman as a product of a world where appearance and wealth define one’s worth.
Bateman’s obsession with status symbols, such as designer clothing, exclusive restaurants, and pristine business cards, reflects the emptiness of the culture he inhabits.
However, the film also delves into the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. Bateman’s violence is not just a personal flaw but a symptom of a broader societal malaise. His acts of brutality are often portrayed as a form of self-expression and control, reflecting his inability to connect with others on a meaningful level.
The disconnection between Bateman’s external charm and internal psychosis serves as a metaphor for the societal masks that people wear in order to succeed in a world that values material wealth over human connection.
The film also explores the idea of identity and the fragility of the self. Bateman’s constant need to perform and maintain a perfect image of success highlights the extent to which he is trapped by societal expectations.
His inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality underscores the hollowness of his existence and his detachment from any genuine sense of self. In this sense, American Psycho 2000 serves as a critique of the illusion of the perfect life, pointing out how easily it can crumble under the weight of one’s own psyche.
Comparison
American Psycho 2000 has often been compared to other films that critique consumer culture and the dark side of capitalism, such as Oliver Stone’s Wall Street (1987) and Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Like these films, American Psycho 2000 explores the destructive effects of greed and ambition.
However, where Wall Street and The Wolf of Wall Street offer a more traditional narrative structure, American Psycho 2000 stands out for its surreal, almost dreamlike quality. The film’s use of humor and horror to expose the absurdity of Bateman’s world sets it apart from other films in the genre.
In terms of director Mary Harron’s body of work, American Psycho 2000 is one of her most notable achievements.
Her ability to blend horror, satire, and social commentary is on full display here, making the film a perfect example of her skill as a director. Harron’s approach to the material, focusing on the absurdity of Bateman’s actions rather than his psychological motivations, distinguishes American Psycho 2000 from other films about serial killers.
Audience Appeal / Reception
American Psycho 2000 appeals to a wide range of audiences, from cinephiles to casual viewers. Its combination of black comedy, psychological horror, and social satire makes it an intellectually stimulating film that rewards deeper analysis.
However, its graphic violence and controversial themes may not be suitable for all viewers, especially those who prefer more traditional, straightforward narratives.
The film’s reception was divided upon its release. Critics praised Bale’s performance and the film’s satirical edge, but others criticized its violence and the way it might be interpreted as glamorizing the very behaviors it seeks to critique. Despite these mixed reviews, American Psycho 2000 has grown in stature over the years and has earned a cult following.
Many viewers appreciate the film’s subversive take on capitalism and its exploration of the psychopathic tendencies embedded within society.
For fans of psychological thrillers and films that question societal norms, American Psycho 2000 offers a unique and disturbing experience. Its blend of horror, dark humor, and biting social commentary ensures its place as a modern classic in the genre.
Difference between American Psycho book and film
- Tone & genre tilt:
- Book (1991): transgressive horror-satire with relentless graphic detail and moral flatness.
- Film (2000): black comedy and social satire; the horror is toned down to keep the critique front-and-center.
- Violence on the page vs. screen:
- Book: far more explicit, extended, and disturbing.
- Film: significantly pared back, suggestive rather than exhaustive.
- Narration & interiority:
- Book: claustrophobic first-person stream with obsessive lists (brands, menus, routines).
- Film: voiceover + visual irony; fewer lists, more comedic timing.
- Signature monologues:
- Book: long, deadpan digressions (e.g., music “reviews”).
- Film: adds iconic lines like “There is an idea of Patrick Bateman…,” sharpening the identity theme for viewers.
- Names & details:
- Book: victim colleague is Paul Owen.
- Film: he’s Paul Allen (same role, different name).
- Ambiguity of reality:
- Both keep it ambiguous (apartment “clean-up,” the lawyer’s disbelief),
- but the book sustains deeper uncertainty via Bateman’s unstable narration.
- Women characters (especially Jean):
- Book: Jean is a gentler presence, but peril feels constant.
- Film: preserves her agency a bit more and avoids the book’s most extreme threats.
- Ending beat:
- Book: the bar signage “THIS IS NOT AN EXIT” as existential punchline.
- Film: Bateman’s closing VO—“This confession has meant nothing”—delivers the same void in words.
- Satire delivery:
- Book: shock + monotony = moral anesthesia.
- Film: style, casting, and comedy sharpen the social critique (e.g., business-card scene becomes pure cinema).
- Scope of depravity:
- Book: includes episodes the film omits (cannibalism-level detail, certain tortures).
- Film: streamlines to keep tone balanced and watchable.
Bottom line: same skeleton, different skin—the book is an unfiltered descent; the film is a sleek mirror that swaps some shock for scalpel-sharp satire.
Personal Insight
In today’s world, American Psycho 2000 feels eerily relevant. While the 1980s yuppie culture that Bateman embodies may seem like a thing of the past, the underlying themes of materialism, self-image, and the commodification of human experience continue to resonate in contemporary society. Social media, influencer culture, and the rise of “hustle culture” all echo the same preoccupations with wealth, status, and personal branding that Bateman obsessively pursues.
Furthermore, the film’s examination of identity and mental health speaks to today’s conversations around personal authenticity and the psychological toll of maintaining a perfect image. Bateman’s violent outbursts serve as a metaphor for the anger and frustration that many feel when they are unable to live up to society’s expectations.
Ultimately, American Psycho 2000 serves as both a warning and a mirror, reflecting the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the psychological consequences of a society that prioritizes image over substance. It is a film that invites reflection on the values we hold dear and the costs they exact on our humanity.
Quotations
Some of the most memorable lines in American Psycho 2000 come from Patrick Bateman’s eerie, detached monologues. One such quote, often cited as a reflection of Bateman’s distorted view of the world, is:
“I have to return some videotapes.”
This line, repeated throughout the film, is a chilling reminder of Bateman’s disconnection from reality, as well as his attempt to maintain a normal facade in the face of his internal chaos.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning visuals and cinematography
- Christian Bale’s iconic performance as Patrick Bateman
- Clever and disturbing satire of 1980s materialism and consumerism
Cons:
- Slow pacing in parts, especially in the middle
- Graphic violence may alienate some viewers
- The film’s portrayal of Bateman’s psychology may be overly literal compared to the novel’s ambiguity
Conclusion
American Psycho 2000 is a bold, controversial film that continues to provoke thought and discussion years after its release. With Christian Bale’s unforgettable performance at its core, the film delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist while offering a sharp critique of the consumer-driven world that shapes him.
Despite its polarizing nature, American Psycho 2000 remains a crucial part of film history, offering a unique combination of horror, satire, and social commentary that is as relevant today as it was at the time of its release.
For those who enjoy dark comedies, psychological thrillers, or films that push the boundaries of societal critique, American Psycho 2000 is a must-watch. It is not merely a film about a serial killer; it is a profound exploration of the human condition in an age obsessed with image and success.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
