Morning Routine, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I live in the American Gardens Building on West 81st Street, on the 11th floor.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

My name is Patrick Bateman. I am 27 years old.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I believe in taking care of myself, in a very special way.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on an ice pack while doing my stomach crunches.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I can do a thousand now.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I also shampoo and condition my hair daily.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I use a water-activated gel cleanser.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

And then a layer of botanical astringent.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I always use a moisturizing lotion.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

And then I use sunblock, which is very important.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It's all about looking good.

Business Card Scene, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Look at this! It’s a very fine-grade, heavy stock.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

Mine's a very nice ivory.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

This is bone.

Timothy Price
Timothy Price

Okay, okay. What does 'dull' and 'schmuck' mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I think it’s French.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

Here’s mine. I use a nice, classic font.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

What do you think?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It’s a lot of white space. Very minimalist.

Timothy Price
Timothy Price

You’ve got good taste.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m sure that’s a compliment.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Let’s see yours.

Confession to Paul, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m not sure what to say.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

What’s wrong? You seemed fine before.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m feeling something, but I don’t know how to express it.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

You’re freaking me out.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I think I might be dangerous.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

What do you mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Sometimes I feel like I could hurt someone.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

You’re joking, right?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I wish I were.

Paul Allen
Paul Allen

This isn’t funny.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It is to me.

Dinner Invitation, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Evelyn, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner.

Evelyn
Evelyn

Oh, Patrick! I’d love to!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Great. How about we meet at eight?

Evelyn
Evelyn

Sounds perfect.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’ll pick you up.

Evelyn
Evelyn

What’s the occasion?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Just felt like having a nice evening.

Evelyn
Evelyn

You’re so sweet.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Sweet is not what I’m aiming for.

Evelyn
Evelyn

What do you mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You’ll find out.

Brutal Revelation, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You don’t understand what I’m capable of.

Evelyn
Evelyn

What are you talking about?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’ve done terrible things.

Evelyn
Evelyn

What kind of things?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I can’t explain it.

Evelyn
Evelyn

Try me.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You won’t believe me.

Evelyn
Evelyn

I can handle it.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You’re about to find out how wrong you are.

Evelyn
Evelyn

What do you mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Let’s just say... I have hobbies.

The Chase, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You can’t catch me! I’ll kill you!

Victim
Victim

Just stop!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Running won't save you, you know!

Victim
Victim

Please, just let me go!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I won’t! You’re too much fun.

Victim
Victim

What are you?! This isn’t happening!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It’s very much happening.

Victim
Victim

You’re insane!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Maybe, but I know how this ends!

Victim
Victim

You’ll never get away with this!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

We’ll see about that.

Confession to the Detective, Reelive

Detective
Detective

You’re really a piece of work, Bateman.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

What? I’ve done nothing wrong.

Detective
Detective

Is that so?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I uphold the law.

Detective
Detective

And what about those missing people?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Coincidence!

Detective
Detective

No. This goes beyond coincidence.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m innocent!

Detective
Detective

You won't get away with this.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

No one will believe you.

Detective
Detective

You're a smart guy, Bateman. But not smart enough.

Final Monologue, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I simply am not there.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I feel nothing.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

And it’s terrifying.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

The point is, I’m just another face in the crowd.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I could disappear tomorrow, and no one would care.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m just a collection of brands and surface.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

That’s all I’ve ever been.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

A slave to my own desires.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

That’s the real horror.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

In a world full of people, I’m utterly alone.

Conversation with Evelyn, Reelive

Evelyn
Evelyn

Did you see the new restaurant on 54th?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Which one?

Evelyn
Evelyn

The one with the reviews!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Why should I care?

Evelyn
Evelyn

Because I want to go!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Why? It’s just food.

Evelyn
Evelyn

Don’t be so dreary!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m being realistic.

Evelyn
Evelyn

Realism is boring.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

So is this conversation.

Evelyn
Evelyn

You’re impossible!

Crisis of Conscience, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I can’t keep living this way.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It’s degrading.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m losing my grip.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Who am I becoming?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

There’s no depth in this life.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

All I see is surface.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I need something more.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Is this what it means to be alive?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

No emotions, no connectivity?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I feel like a ghost.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

What’s left for me?

Meeting with the Lawyer, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I was just at the gym.

Lawyer
Lawyer

You look pale.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’ve been working hard.

Lawyer
Lawyer

Hard at what?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You know... business.

Lawyer
Lawyer

Right.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m simply under a lot of pressure.

Lawyer
Lawyer

Pressure?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Yeah, the kind that makes you think you’re losing control.

Lawyer
Lawyer

You need to watch yourself.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

How can I watch what I can't see?

Party Scene, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

What do you think of the music?

Peer
Peer

It’s so now.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I thought it was a bit too loud.

Peer
Peer

You’re just old-fashioned.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Is that a compliment?

Peer
Peer

Not exactly.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I see.

Peer
Peer

Can you pass me a drink?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Sure.

Peer
Peer

Good, I need it.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

We all do.

The Breakdown, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I can’t take it anymore!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

No one sees me!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It’s all a façade!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m losing myself!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

How did it come to this?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I just wanted to fit in.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

But what does that even mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I’m drowning!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

This should mean something!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

I can’t keep pretending!

Insight on Humanity, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

People are just so... disposable.

Companion
Companion

What do you mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

They’re all just cogs in the machine.

Companion
Companion

That’s a bleak view.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Bleak is an understatement.

Companion
Companion

You must feel lonely.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Lonely is not the word.

Companion
Companion

What would you call it then?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Existential.

Companion
Companion

How so?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Nothing matters in the end.

Dialogue with the Taxi Driver, Reelive

Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver

You’re one of those Wall Street types, huh?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

What’s it to you?

Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver

Just commentin’, man.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

You really shouldn’t.

Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver

Hey, I’m just trying to make small talk.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Small talk is beneath me.

Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver

Lighten up.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Why should I?

Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver

You got the life, man. Enjoy it!

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Enjoying it is for the weak.

Hearts on Display, Reelive

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

A heart just sits there.

Evelyn
Evelyn

What do you mean?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

It’s a muscle, like any other.

Evelyn
Evelyn

And emotions?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

They’re overrated.

Evelyn
Evelyn

You sound heartless.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

More just... practical.

Evelyn
Evelyn

Practical?

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Emotions cloud judgment.

Evelyn
Evelyn

You’re a mess.

Patrick Bateman
Patrick Bateman

Mess is just another perception.

Patrick Bateman

I simply am not there.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I have to return some videotapes.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I’m into, uh, well, murders and executions mostly.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I decided to start exercising. I’m going to get myself a better body.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

They're the same. They all look the same.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I guess I'm a pretty good guy.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

It's more important to be in the know than to be kind.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I have everything I want. I don't need anything.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

What do you think? I’m just another arsehole in a suit?

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I'm just trying to be a more likable person.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I feel like I'm in the middle of a crisis.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I couldn't care less about the burning of the rainforest.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

It's so hot in here.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

Do you like Huey Lewis and the News?

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I want to fit in.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

You know what a big fan I am of the works of Bret Easton Ellis.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

This is just a phase.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I'm a businessman.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I'm on a diet.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I can't take the stress anymore.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I am not a human being.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

Losers are the best. We’re just better at pretending.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive
Patrick Bateman

I'm not a monster. I'm just a man.

Patrick Bateman

American Psycho, Reelive

Hip to Be Square

Hip to Be Square by Huey Lewis and the News, Patrick Bateman's monologue about consumerism

I Want to be Sedated

I Want to be Sedated by Ramones, Scene at the nightclub

True Faith

True Faith by New Order, Patrick Bateman's morning routine

If You Don't Love Me By Now

If You Don't Love Me By Now by Simply Red, Played during a pivotal scene with Bateman

Somebody's Watching Me

Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell, Scene where Bateman is paranoid


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The Business Card Showdown

In a high-stakes scene, Patrick Bateman and his colleagues compare their business cards. Tension builds as each card reveals more flair and prestige than the last. Bateman’s envy and insecurity are palpable. When he finally unveils his own card, shining with superiority, the moment peaks, showcasing his obsession with status. The aftermath highlights Bateman's fragile ego and sets up his growing insanity, as he realizes that his identity is tied to superficial symbols. Viewers feel the intensity of competition and the absurdity of materialism.

Context: This scene underscores the film's exploration of consumerism and identity, serving as a microcosm of Bateman's internal struggles.

The Confession

In a chilling monologue, Patrick Bateman confesses his crimes to his lawyer, who misunderstands and dismisses him as merely joking. The pivotal moment arrives when Bateman reveals his enchantment with violence, expressing a layered persona that is both charming and terrifying. The aftermath is jarring; it leaves viewers questioning whether anyone truly knows the truth behind Bateman’s façade. This scene evokes feelings of horror and disbelief, making the audience confront the absurdity of Bateman's double life.

Context: This scene highlights Bateman's disconnect from reality and the superficial nature of his social circle that fails to see his darkness.

The Meeting with Paul Allen

Bateman invites Paul Allen over, and tension simmers as he prepares for murder. The pivotal moment occurs when Bateman pretends to be friendly while planning the act. The sensual music builds an eerie contrast to the impending violence. The aftermath of the murder is gruesome yet understated, showcasing Bateman's cold detachment. Viewers experience horror mixed with intrigue as Bateman's duality manifests. This scene is a brutal reminder of the disconnect between appearance and reality.

Context: This moment is key in establishing Bateman's character and foreshadows more violence while deepening the film's themes of insanity and morality.

Chasing the Girl

Bateman stalks a woman, luring her with charm before revealing his true nature. The scene escalates as he moves from alluring to menacing, reaching an apex when he forcibly drags her to his apartment. The aftermath is chilling, showcasing his complete transformation. Viewers grapple with shock and dread, feeling the weight of Bateman's primal instincts. This confrontation is crucial as it exposes the darkness within, embodying the theme of hidden horrors.

Context: This scene sheds light on Bateman's brutality, contrasting his polished exterior with his horrific actions.

Huey Lewis and the News

Bateman discusses the band Huey Lewis and the News moments before committing a murder. The upbeat music juxtaposes the imminent horror, creating a surreal experience. The pivotal moment occurs during the shocking climax when he turns from analyst to murderer in an abrupt transition. After the act, viewers are left stunned as the fun conversation is twisted into violence. The scene elicits a mix of joy and revulsion, portraying Bateman's repulsive charm.

Context: This juxtaposition underscores the absurdity of Bateman's life and the theme of superficiality in pop culture.

The Final Confrontation with Detective

Bateman faces a detective who suspects him of the murders. The tension escalates with every question, culminating in a moment of pure panic for Bateman when he realizes he might be caught. The aftermath leaves viewers questioning Bateman’s fate as he transitions from confident to desperate. The emotional weight is palpable, creating a mix of fear and suspense. This scene encapsulates the thrill of the hunt, revealing the fragility of Bateman's constructed identity.

Context: This confrontation is a turning point in the narrative, escalating the intensity of the story and exposing Bateman's vulnerabilities.

The Dinner Party

Bateman hosts a dinner party filled with his affluent friends. The conversation is shallow, reflecting their superficiality. The pivotal moment occurs when Bateman's emotions bubble beneath a polished surface, revealing glimpses of his insanity. Afterward, the guests remain unaware of the darkness next to them, leaving viewers with a sense of dread. This scene evokes laughter mixed with discomfort as privilege masks darker truths.

Context: The dinner party serves as a commentary on societal values and the emptiness of wealth, enhancing themes of appearance versus reality.

The Axe Scene

Bateman attacks his victim with an axe in a violent surge of craziness. The shocking visuals capture the brutality, and the pivotal moment comes as blood splatters around him, freezing time in horror. The aftermath is haunting, leaving a chilling silence as Bateman stands in a grotesque tableau. In this moment, viewers feel horror and disbelief at the lengths he goes to maintain his façade. This scene is unforgettable, embodying the film's exploration of violence and the psyche's darkness.

Context: This scene is essential in examining Bateman's moral decline and the explicit portrayal of brutality.

The Encounter with the Hooker

Bateman interacts with a hooker, revealing a glimpse into his psyche. The scene builds tension as he flirts before abruptly shifting to aggression, provoking a raw reaction. The pivotal moment arrives when he inflicts violence, and the calmness with which he acts is chilling. After this, viewers are left feeling unease, as Bateman's moral decay is stark. This unsettling moment showcases the merging of desire and fear.

Context: This encounter highlights Bateman's disconnection from humanity and serves as a significant stepping stone in his downward spiral.

The Reflection Scene

Bateman stands before a mirror, contemplating his identity. The tension arises from his internal conflict, questioning who he truly is. The pivotal moment occurs when he makes a decision about maintaining his façade or embracing his dark self. After this reflection, viewers feel a mix of empathy and fear, as Bateman wrestles with his demons. This scene is introspective and profound, emphasizing the central theme of duality.

Context: This moment reveals the layer of Bateman’s character, exploring themes of identity and self-loathing.

The Club Scene

Bateman and his friends revel in a club atmosphere filled with excess and superficiality. Building excitement leads to a high-energy moment when Bateman’s mask of sanity slips. The aftermath reveals his inner turmoil amidst the chaos, making viewers feel exhilaration and dread simultaneously. This scene not only depicts nightlife culture but also amplifies the theme of hedonism running rampant in the character’s life.

Context: The club represents Bateman's world and the hedonistic lifestyle he's engulfed in, underscoring his reaching emptiness.

The Elevator Confrontation

Bateman shares a tense elevator ride with another character, filled with unspoken animosity. The pivotal moment is the silence that hangs heavy, escalating the unease as Bateman’s facade wavers. After this encounter, viewers are left feeling anxious and unsettled, questioning if Bateman’s facade will crack. This moment exemplifies the tension in his relationships and foreshadows broader chaos.

Context: The elevator symbolizes Bateman's spiraling conversations and growing instability, adding depth to his character.

The Love Interest Scene

Bateman’s interactions with his love interest reveal deeper emotional layers. The pivotal moment comes when vulnerability creeps in, making viewers wonder if there’s humanity within him. After the encounter, the tension remains as viewers ponder if he can ever form a real connection. This scene elicits a mix of hope and despair, portraying the conflict within Bateman's psyche.

Context: This moment showcases the struggle between Bateman's charm and his true self, intensifying the film's exploration of relationships.

The Phone Message

Bateman makes a frantic phone call to his lawyer as paranoia overwhelms him. The pivotal moment strikes when he realizes he might not be believed. After this scene, viewers are filled with anxiety, sensing Bateman’s unraveling sanity. The emotional weight is profound, blending shrill panic with dread. This pivotal interaction emphasizes themes of isolation and the fragility of his grasp on reality.

Context: This moment serves as a revelation of Bateman’s deteriorating mental state and the collapse of his constructed life.

The Restaurant Critique

During a dinner, Bateman critiques a restaurant review with fervor, displaying his obsession with status. The pivotal moment occurs when his disdain reveals a deeper insecurity, resonating with viewers as they see the cracks in his arrogance. This aftermath reveals Bateman’s struggle for acceptance through superficial measures. Viewers might laugh yet feel sympathy as they see a man lost in his own façade.

Context: This moment illustrates the importance of social status in Bateman's life, diving into themes of identity and perception.

The Murder of a Homeless Man

Bateman coldly chooses to murder a homeless man, showcasing his utter disregard for life. The moment builds to a peak of raw brutality, shocking viewers with these chilling realities. The aftermath is sobering as Bateman remains unremorseful, further emphasizing his detachment from humanity. This scene elicits horror and disbelief, revealing the depths of his moral decay.

Context: This moment is crucial in demonstrating Bateman's violent tendencies and serves to underline the film's themes of moral collapse.

The Confounding Ending

At the film's conclusion, Bateman confesses to various crimes but faces disbelief from authorities. The pivotal moment occurs when the audience is left questioning Bateman's reality versus the truth. The aftermath leaves viewers in a state of confusion, heightening the film’s themes of ambiguity. Emotions are mixed, encompassing shock and realization as the lines between sanity and insanity blur.

Context: This scene encapsulates the film's commentary on truth and perception, lingering questions about accountability and consequence in Bateman's psyche.

The Apartment Scene

Bateman’s sleek, minimalist apartment symbolizes his obsession with aesthetics. The pivotal moment arrives when his empty life is juxtaposed with his luxurious surroundings, showcasing a stark loneliness. Afterward, viewers might feel a wave of melancholy, understanding that materialism fails to fill existential voids. This scene stands out, underlining the emptiness in wealth.

Context: This moment emphasizes the central theme of superficiality in Bateman’s life, revealing the hollowness behind wealth and success.

The Breakdown

Patrick Bateman finally loses control, revealing his emotional breakdown in a frenzied confession. The pivotal moment is raw vulnerability, stripping away his polished mask. After this, viewers may feel a sense of catharsis or horror, as it becomes clear that behind the façade lies a tormented soul. This scene's significance lies in its honest portrayal of mental disease.

Context: This breakdown serves as a culmination of Bateman's internal struggle, exposing the truth beneath his monstrous exterior.

The Abortive Retreat

Bateman attempts to escape reality by engaging in various indulgences but finds them increasingly unfulfilling. The pivotal moment hits when he realizes that no amount of pleasure can fill the emptiness. Viewers may experience frustration and empathy as he grapples with desperation. This moment is significant as it reveals the failure of escapism in the face of deep-seated issues.

Context: This reflects the broader theme of morality in the film and shows Bateman's ongoing attempt to reconcile his selfish desires.


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Casting Christian Bale

Christian Bale was cast as Patrick Bateman after a series of auditions that impressed director Mary Harron, who was originally considering other big names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Norton.

Why it matters: Bale's intense interpretation of Bateman brought a chilling charisma to the character, which became integral to the film's exploration of consumerism and identity.

Huey Lewis and the News Scene

The scene where Patrick Bateman discusses Huey Lewis and the News was not originally in the script; it was a last-minute addition that showcased Bateman's obsession with status and superficiality.

Why it matters: This scene not only highlights Bateman's disturbing nature but also has become iconic for its blend of horror and humor, reinforcing the film's critique of the 1980s yuppie culture.

The Business Card Scene

The infamous business card scene was meticulously choreographed, with multiple cards created for the actors to use, showcasing the characters' obsession with status symbols.

Why it matters: The differences in the cards visually represent the superficial competition between the characters and became a significant motif throughout the film.

The Confession Monologue

Bale's delivery of Bateman's confession was improvised in parts, allowing for a more genuine and spontaneous portrayal of Bateman's madness.

Why it matters: This improvisation added an unsettling layer to his performance, making Bateman's instability and ego more palpable to the audience.

Shooting in New York City

Much of the film was shot in actual locations in Manhattan, which added authenticity but also created production challenges due to permits and tariffs.

Why it matters: The real-life setting heightened the film's commentary on capitalism, grounding Bateman's nightmarish world in a version of reality that audiences could readily recognize.

Costume Design

Costume designer Jodie Mancuso dressed Bale in high-end designer suits to reflect Bateman's superficial persona, using color and style as storytelling devices.

Why it matters: The costumes not only emphasized Bateman’s obsession with material wealth but also visually underscored his stark transformation when engaging in violence.

The Chainsaw Scene

The controversial chainsaw scene utilized practical effects with a combination of prop work and a minimal amount of CGI, making it more visceral.

Why it matters: This approach contributed to the film's gritty realism and shock value, challenging audiences to confront the brutal nature of Bateman's character.

The Ending

The ending of 'American Psycho' was deliberately left ambiguous, leading to discussions about Bateman’s reality versus fantasy.

Why it matters: This ambiguity allows viewers to engage in a deeper analysis of the narrative, adding layers to Bateman’s unsettling psyche and prompting diverse interpretations.

Bale's Physical Transformation

Christian Bale underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, losing around 60 pounds to become the emaciated Bateman.

Why it matters: His drastic weight loss added a haunting quality to Bateman's character, reflecting the extreme lengths he would go to for perceived beauty and success.

Director's Influence

Mary Harron had a significant influence on the film's tone and style, ensuring it was more satire than horror, which was sometimes at odds with the source material's graphic depiction of violence.

Why it matters: This creative decision helped to establish the film's identity, allowing it to critique societal values while maintaining a darkly comedic edge.

Balance of Humor and Horror

Harron encouraged the cast to find humor in Bateman's outrageous monologues, allowing for a balance between comedy and horror.

Why it matters: This duality enhanced the unsettling atmosphere of the film, keeping audiences engaged and prompting a reassessment of what they were witnessing.

Censorship Challenges

The film faced significant challenges with censorship due to its graphic depictions of violence and sexual content, leading to debates about artistic expression and responsibility.

Why it matters: These controversies contributed to the film's notoriety and made it a topic of discussion on broader themes of morality and the portrayal of violence in media.

Bateman's Inner Monologue

Many inner monologues were recorded in post-production due to timing issues on set, requiring Bale to revisit his performance through voiceovers.

Why it matters: These voiceovers added depth to Bateman's character, allowing the audience to access his thoughts and escalating the tension between his facade and inner turmoil.

Influential Novelist

Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the original novel, had a cameo in the film but was not heavily involved in the adaptation process, leading to a different interpretation of the narrative.

Why it matters: Ellis's absence from the creative process allowed the filmmakers to explore themes through a distinct lens, creating a film that stands on its own apart from the book.

The Role of Music

The soundtrack features iconic 1980s music choices, meticulously curated to reflect the era and the characters' obsession with status and materialism.

Why it matters: The music not only sets the tone but reinforces the film's satirical perspective on the culture of the time, resonating with audiences familiar with the period.

Office Space Spook

The film used realistic office environments, including re-creations of actual offices in New York, to enhance the feeling of discomfort and sterility that Bateman embodies.

Why it matters: This choice accentuates the psychological horror of Bateman's double life, merging the mundane with the macabre in a visual metaphor for his internal struggle.

Adapting Visual Style

Cinematographer Andrzej Sekuła employed a clean, clinical visual style that complemented Bateman's meticulous nature, using bright lighting to juxtapose the darkness of the plot.

Why it matters: The striking visuals amplify the horror of Bateman's actions, creating a dissonance between the aesthetic beauty and the brutal reality.

Patrick Bateman's Phone Calls

Many of the phone call scenes were filmed in a single take, capturing Bale's performance live and adding authenticity to the dialogue.

Why it matters: These moments reinforce Bateman's duality, capturing the chilling nature of his interactions while emphasizing the chaotic rhythm of his life.

The Role of Social Commentary

Harron highlighted the film's focus on social commentary about consumerism and identity, which was a more profound exploration than portrayed in the novel.

Why it matters: This thematic depth has allowed the film to resonate with audiences on multiple levels, becoming a critical commentary on the era’s obsession with success.

Chris Isaak's Cameo

Chris Isaak's cameo was largely improvised, showcasing a spontaneous moment that contributed to the dark humor of the film.

Why it matters: This improvisation exemplifies the film's overall approach to blending comedy with horror, enhancing the viewer's experience through unexpected moments.

Virtual Reality Marketing

The film's marketing included elements of virtual reality, allowing audiences to engage with the film's themes in a new, immersive way.

Why it matters: This innovative marketing approach not only broadened audience engagement but also set a precedent for future films exploring interactive storytelling.

Critical Reception

Upon release, the film faced mixed reviews, with some critics lauding its boldness while others condemned its violent content, leading to a polarized reception that fueled its cult status.

Why it matters: This dichotomy reflects the film's lasting impact on pop culture, sparking debates about violence in cinema that continue to this day.

Memorable Quotes

Many of Bateman's quotes became iconic, particularly in the realm of memes and quotes shared online, extending the film's life beyond its initial release.

Why it matters: These quotes resonate with new generations, ensuring that 'American Psycho' remains relevant and recognizable in discussions about modern society.


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