American Psycho (2000)

The VHS Strikes Back

Helen's pick this week is the 2000 movie which really put Christian Bale on the map, is American Psycho! American Psycho was a journey marked by controversy, creative vision, and a touch of chaos. Initially, the project faced significant challenges, with multiple directors and actors attached to the adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's infamous novel. Mary Harron eventually took the helm, bringing a sharp satirical perspective to the material. Her insistence on Christian Bale as the lead, despite studio pressure to cast bigger names like Leonardo DiCaprio, proved pivotal in shaping the film’s identity. Bale’s unwavering commitment to the role, including his meticulous physical transformation and deep understanding of the character, set the tone for the entire production.us costume choices. Harron’s direction, alongside co-writer Guinevere Turner, skillfully balanced the satirical elements of the story with its darker undertones. The production faced criticism and protests from the outset due to the book’s graphic contenFilmed in Toronto to replicate 1980s New York City, the movie captured the era's sleek, cold aesthetic with a mix of opulent set design and meticulot, but Harron’s adaptation reined in the gratuitousness, focusing instead on societal commentary. Despite its tumultuous path to the screen, the film ultimately became a cult classic, celebrated for its biting critique of materialism and its razor-sharp performances.

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Plot Summary:

Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and seemingly successful investment banker in 1980s Manhattan, hides a dark and psychopathic side beneath his polished exterior. While obsessing over materialism and social status, Bateman’s mask of normalcy slips as he indulges in increasingly violent and depraved acts. His descent into madness blurs the lines between reality and delusion, leaving viewers to question whether his horrific crimes are real or merely figments of his deranged imagination.

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