American Psycho

7

MovieGuysNov 7, 2014

Although the ironic tone is ridiculously uneven, American Psycho gets a passing grade. Christian Bale is deranged, sick, and amusing here with his portrayal of a Wall Street hotshot, and his associates are all oblivious and blissfully unawareAlthough the ironic tone is ridiculously uneven, American Psycho gets a passing grade. Christian Bale is deranged, sick, and amusing here with his portrayal of a Wall Street hotshot, and his associates are all oblivious and blissfully unaware of anything going on in the movie to the point where it's funny. The best part about the film is the ambiguity of everything. To decipher what's real and imaginary is all speculation, and that's the fun of it. Many movies have done this "main-character-is-delusional" thing before (Shutter Island, to name one), but not many have achieved it so satisfyingly well as American Psycho.… Expand

0 of 13 users found this helpful013

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7

diogomendesSep 8, 2014

"American Psycho" is a nightmarish movie that delivers humor, horror and a stupendous performance from the charming star Christian Bale even if it is not as scary as the book that it's based of.

3 of 27 users found this helpful324

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9

horcrux2007Sep 2, 2014

This is one of my favorite films of all time. It's extremely well-acted, and I love the 80's vibe of the film. It's quite an interesting take on the slasher film with our main character, portrayed quite darkly by Christian Bale. "AmericanThis is one of my favorite films of all time. It's extremely well-acted, and I love the 80's vibe of the film. It's quite an interesting take on the slasher film with our main character, portrayed quite darkly by Christian Bale. "American Psycho" is a very interesting (and even sometimes funny) look into the mind of a serial killer, and it's a very intense and enjoyable film. I give it my highest recommendation.… Expand

14 of 14 users found this helpful140

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10

TylerDurden900Jul 13, 2014

American Psycho has a terrific plot, acting and is a satire of the lifestyle of those who lived in the 1980's.
The movie is absorbing and intricate which is great to see. The movie also has great comedy provided
by Christian Bale. Bale putAmerican Psycho has a terrific plot, acting and is a satire of the lifestyle of those who lived in the 1980's.
The movie is absorbing and intricate which is great to see. The movie also has great comedy provided
by Christian Bale. Bale put so many facets into his character that it would take a while to list them
all, one of my favourite thrillers, A+.… Expand

24 of 26 users found this helpful242

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9

DannyJamesWardJun 8, 2014

Without a shadow of a doubt one of the most underrated movies I have ever had the privilege of watching. Christian Bale plays the role so well and the story is full of clever plot points and surprises throughout. Why this film got such mixedWithout a shadow of a doubt one of the most underrated movies I have ever had the privilege of watching. Christian Bale plays the role so well and the story is full of clever plot points and surprises throughout. Why this film got such mixed reviews upon release is beyond me, it's so well made. Thankfully with age this film has seen it's fan base and popularity grow and rightly so, this film is so worth watching!… Expand

15 of 15 users found this helpful150

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10

therynoJun 4, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a very intriguing movie. We get to watch as Patrick Bateman's sanity slowly slips away to his uncontrollable nightly blood lust. However, we find out that he may be delusional, and not necessarily dangerous. I still can't decide whether he is crazy or a serial killer.… Expand

21 of 21 users found this helpful210

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8

heeldavidMay 5, 2014

Christian Bale gives a well acted performance in this cult classic as Patrick Bateman, a young handsome New Yorker who is just cold-hearted. The formula in this Mary Harron of horror and black comedy works perfectly. This movie is one of theChristian Bale gives a well acted performance in this cult classic as Patrick Bateman, a young handsome New Yorker who is just cold-hearted. The formula in this Mary Harron of horror and black comedy works perfectly. This movie is one of the best of 2000… Expand

8 of 15 users found this helpful87

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4

LaGuertaApr 29, 2014

American Psycho is the kind of film which one may enjoy watching clips of when inebriated but isn't as enjoyable to watch as a whole. This is because it doesn't take enough direction from the novel and focuses too greatly on Bale'sAmerican Psycho is the kind of film which one may enjoy watching clips of when inebriated but isn't as enjoyable to watch as a whole. This is because it doesn't take enough direction from the novel and focuses too greatly on Bale's performance and his killing scenes.… Expand

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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8

FranzHcriticMar 6, 2014

The film entire is slightly blotched, or spotty, as the whole cast has a trouble fitting in with the themes of the story, with the exception of Bale. His acting range spreads far beyond than any other actor in his generation. His depth intoThe film entire is slightly blotched, or spotty, as the whole cast has a trouble fitting in with the themes of the story, with the exception of Bale. His acting range spreads far beyond than any other actor in his generation. His depth into the role of Bateman adds more to the already allegorical outlook of the whole plot, and he's oddly charming and funny, especially when he kills Jared Leto with an ax to the face.… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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10

azoracJan 12, 2014

One of the best and most underrated movies of all time IMHO. Its smart , funny and gory with deep dark undertones about the paradoxical times we live in

21 of 21 users found this helpful210

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5

FreeReviewerJan 4, 2014

Christian Bale play's the psychopathic businessman, Patrick Bateman, in New York City in the 1980s in Mary Harron's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho. With a relatively cliched protagonist as well as a forgettable story, thisChristian Bale play's the psychopathic businessman, Patrick Bateman, in New York City in the 1980s in Mary Harron's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho. With a relatively cliched protagonist as well as a forgettable story, this movies saving grace is found in the talented acting of Christian Bale.

Bale's character is given little depth, as his motives are never made clear beyond a whim to kill. The viewer can not pity him in almost any way, except at the near end of the film, but Bale manages to turn this role into a very entertaining and somewhat interesting character. His voice-over at times also adds tremendously to the role.

The story follows the life of Bale after he murders fellow businessman, Paul Allen, played by Jered Leto. It is simplistic within itself and offers very little if any groundbreaking cinematic moments.

Though the camerawork and atmosphere of the movie are quite well put together and do allow for a more enjoyable movie experience.

In the end this film offers nothing out of the way of normal psychopathic thrillers, but is decent enough to pass its running time.… Expand

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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8

SpangleJan 2, 2014

A unique blend of comedy and horror, this film is infinitely enjoyable. Christian Bale kills it as psychotic serial killer Patrick Bateman. I never expected myself to find a movie of this type funny, but it most certainly is at times, whileA unique blend of comedy and horror, this film is infinitely enjoyable. Christian Bale kills it as psychotic serial killer Patrick Bateman. I never expected myself to find a movie of this type funny, but it most certainly is at times, while the horror scenes are certainly suitably bloody and terrifying. Really good film.… Expand

2 of 13 users found this helpful211

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8

RayzorMooseJan 1, 2014

American Psycho is off the rails.
Christian Bale has possibly the performance of his career as a psychopathic businessman on tilt of killing in public. This film is a blast.

6 of 18 users found this helpful612

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8

moonman1994Nov 26, 2013

American Psycho is a bloody success! It's funny and violent and Bale's performance was excellent. The largest problem I had with the film was the ambiguity of the ending but that aside it's a must see!

3 of 21 users found this helpful318

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7

MovieGoer14Nov 22, 2013

Classic. American Psycho is a masterpiece. Christian Bale is phenomenal. Patrick Bateman is the most interesting character I have ever seen on screen.

3 of 25 users found this helpful322

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6

EssenceOfSugarNov 11, 2013

Patrick Bateman is an obviously mentally deranged yuppie. We see right from the beginning that he is purely pop-culture and sex obsessed, and we see an embodiment right there of his narcissistic mentality and the sarcastic intonation of hisPatrick Bateman is an obviously mentally deranged yuppie. We see right from the beginning that he is purely pop-culture and sex obsessed, and we see an embodiment right there of his narcissistic mentality and the sarcastic intonation of his voice. If the film was meant to be artificial, then it was well-matched with its leading character. His crazed breakdown may be too far down the line for its previous contrast but the confessional point of view was the savior, and this portrayal of a typical yuppie was satirical enough to demand the cold sterility of an apartment, the emptiness of any kind of relationship he might have had, and the insistence of making reservations to end all reservations. Personal lifestyle for what sake?… Expand

1 of 11 users found this helpful110

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5

oblique15Sep 2, 2013

American Psycho is worth watching, but it`s just an over the top killing movie, so make sure you care for that kind of thing, or just have nothing else to watch. I could see how some people may find this movie great, but it`s just not forAmerican Psycho is worth watching, but it`s just an over the top killing movie, so make sure you care for that kind of thing, or just have nothing else to watch. I could see how some people may find this movie great, but it`s just not for me.I will say the word Psycho fits the main character in every way. If you want to see a Psycho who dresses like the every day business man this is the movie for you.… Expand

0 of 9 users found this helpful09

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8

KivaAug 19, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. American psycho has a great suspense about what is going to happen in the movie whether they are going to catch him or whether everything is a lie. It has a really good concept and Christian Bale's performance is excellent. The last 20 minutes are the only not so bad, but I would prefer to call them not so good as the twist was predictable and that disappointed me as I was expecting something bigger. Though the movie is really interesting and good in general. Not the best thriller I have ever seen but it's a good one to see. It is entertaining and suspense but while you expect something big you are given a twist that has been seen many times... Despite that, Thumb up!… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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8

dyshpoJul 29, 2013

At its heart its a satire of the times u know sexist greedy pigs who have it all Party and drug use rampant and filthy but clean and shiny fake.Just like Patrick Bateman wearing a mask of sanity the 80's was nothing but a lie on the outsideAt its heart its a satire of the times u know sexist greedy pigs who have it all Party and drug use rampant and filthy but clean and shiny fake.Just like Patrick Bateman wearing a mask of sanity the 80's was nothing but a lie on the outside and empty on the inside. Great Movie must see or buy… Expand

3 of 41 users found this helpful338

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7

DusksparkMay 11, 2013

Christian Bale plays a character so simple, yet so complex, it's hard to understand what you're actually watching. In short, the movie's just about a man killing women. There is no great background story to why he's exactly doing this or notChristian Bale plays a character so simple, yet so complex, it's hard to understand what you're actually watching. In short, the movie's just about a man killing women. There is no great background story to why he's exactly doing this or not an ending that gives you a final conclusion. On one side, Christian Bale is perfect for this role, but somehow, at the same time, he's not. His preformance, however, is what makes this dark thriller so interresting and brutally funny, going so far it makes you wonder "How sick am I?" every time you laugh at any of the events.… Expand

3 of 24 users found this helpful321

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8

Andys_ReviewsMar 3, 2013

First off, Christian Bale is totally excellent in this part; because I’ve seen all the Batman films before seeing this, it came as a bit of a culture shock to see him in this particular role. But he carries it off brilliantly! I love the wayFirst off, Christian Bale is totally excellent in this part; because I’ve seen all the Batman films before seeing this, it came as a bit of a culture shock to see him in this particular role. But he carries it off brilliantly! I love the way his character’s narration overlay’s the images and the musical references are worked in so well. It’s a really well made film too with a pretentious cuisine and big chunky telephones taking us back to the 80’s. Having not read the book I did find some of it a little hard to follow, but I’ll add it to the reading list and give this one another look afterwards. Definitely worth a look though, if just for Bale’s performance.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.1/10… Expand

4 of 24 users found this helpful420

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9

criticremyDec 27, 2012

Despite being a bit confusing especially the end, the characters in it were brilliant and Christian Bale acted brilliantly. The subtle jokes were the best and the satirical undertones were great.

15 of 16 users found this helpful151

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9

Compi24Nov 28, 2012

Featuring some of Christian Bale's greatest work, and some priceless juxtapositions of horror and humor, "American Psycho" remains a hysterically written piece of satire.

29 of 30 users found this helpful291

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10

cameronmorewoodNov 8, 2012

American Psycho is brilliant social satire cleverly dressed up as a slasher film. I love it! A masterwork.

19 of 21 users found this helpful192

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7

benido326May 8, 2012

From writer Bret Easton Ellis, author of the dark teen 1980â

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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8

ImUnavailableMar 2, 2012

A frank and unsettling insight into the mind of a psychopath. Christian Bale gives an excellent performance and really sells the character to the audience. The tension and thrills slowly and effectively build as the movie progresses. The filmA frank and unsettling insight into the mind of a psychopath. Christian Bale gives an excellent performance and really sells the character to the audience. The tension and thrills slowly and effectively build as the movie progresses. The film can be a bit disjointed at times, possibly due to the cutting of some material in the transition from book to movie.… Expand

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

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10

DemoraseFeb 3, 2012

To be honest I never thought Christian Bale was that incredible as an actor... until I saw this movie, and I was blown away. What a an amazing performance, being able to create a character so deep but completely shallow at the same time. It'sTo be honest I never thought Christian Bale was that incredible as an actor... until I saw this movie, and I was blown away. What a an amazing performance, being able to create a character so deep but completely shallow at the same time. It's like Dexter, but 10 times more insane, satirical and absolutely terrifying.… Expand

19 of 22 users found this helpful193

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9

HalfwelshmanJan 20, 2012

American Psycho is one of the most deranged yet enjoyable stories ever committed to film. A satire of the "yuppie" lifestyle of the 1980s, and a warning against the corrupting power of money, it's expertly told, well-scripted, somewhatAmerican Psycho is one of the most deranged yet enjoyable stories ever committed to film. A satire of the "yuppie" lifestyle of the 1980s, and a warning against the corrupting power of money, it's expertly told, well-scripted, somewhat disturbingly funny, and grusomely thrilling. The entire film pretty much hinges on one performance, that of Christian Bale's increasingly disturbed Wall Street trader-by-day and serial killer-by-night Patrick Bateman. Bale doesn't disappoint, delivering the performance of his career, and in the process creating a horror villain to rival Norman Bates, and an anti-hero and chillingly disturbing narrator to rival Alex DeLarge. Comparissons to such films as Psycho and A Clockwork Orange are inevitable, and American Psycho could be seen as an affectionate tribute to both, but with its own ideas to add to the bubbling cauldron of depravity. All these films use madness as a metaphor for something wrong with society - in Psycho it's misogyny, in A Clockwork Orange it's the corruption of government, and in American Psycho it's the evils of capitalism. The films are similar in many ways, amd vastly different in others, but all three communicate a powerful message to their audience extremely effectively. American Psycho certainly deserves equal recognition as a film - the performances are just as good, the story just as engaging, the underlying themes just as dark and compelling. Even director Mary Harron shows great flair in her art, though sadly as a cult film director she is unlikely to be classed in the same league as so-called "masters" as **** and Kubrick. If you enjoy the film, cult icon as it is, then feel free to be smug in the fact that you and a select group of others appreciate a truly fine, though criminally underrated film.… Expand

17 of 17 users found this helpful170

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6

bigbosslunaJan 10, 2012

It's alright. It would helped to know about Patrick's past. It doesn't have enough gore. It seems like a comedy at times with little to no suspense.

0 of 13 users found this helpful013

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7

avatar16Jan 6, 2012

N'ayant pas lu le livre, je m'arrÃªterai donc Ã ce film, assez spÃ©cial... Bizarre dÃ©jÃ dans le sujet (un playboy qui nous raconte et montre ses pulsions meutriÃ¨resN'ayant pas lu le livre, je m'arrÃªterai donc Ã ce film, assez spÃ©cial... Bizarre dÃ©jÃ dans le sujet (un playboy qui nous raconte et montre ses pulsions meutriÃ¨res non sans pudeur), dÃ©voilant au passage un humour d'une noirceur sans nom, ce qui apporte Ã American Psycho une jouissance quasi malsaine. Etrange dans le fait que le film n'apporte rien, si ce n'est que du divertissement qu'il faut prendre au dixiÃ¨me degrÃ© pour supporter et apprÃ©cier les dÃ©boires psychopathes de cet abominable personnage (l'interdiction au moins de 16 ans n'est pas une exagÃ©ration). Franchement spÃ©cial! Mais s'il fallait retenir quelque chose d'Ã©vident, c'est bien la prestation de Christian Bale, que j'ai rarement vu aussi glacial, fendard et talentueux qu'ailleurs que dans cet OVNI du cinÃ©ma.… Expand

1 of 13 users found this helpful112

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4

asylumspadezNov 26, 2011

The acting was solid and the entire film was interesting. I think the run time was pushing it a little bit and it does get boring at times. Also its pretty confusing as well.

0 of 13 users found this helpful013

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9

lauramolAug 7, 2011

Satiric and socially relevant. A film not for the faint of heart. Filled with violence but with a purpose. Christian Bale creates an interesting performance. A must see, well stylized dark comedy with a lot to say. Soon to be a modernSatiric and socially relevant. A film not for the faint of heart. Filled with violence but with a purpose. Christian Bale creates an interesting performance. A must see, well stylized dark comedy with a lot to say. Soon to be a modern classic, and certainly deserving of its cult following.… Expand

16 of 16 users found this helpful160

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10

boneMay 10, 2011

Based on the book of the same name, American Psycho is a journey through the mind of a mentally deranged yuppie. While that makes it seem like a very serious movie it's actually very funny in a dark sense. Christian Bale is delightful as theBased on the book of the same name, American Psycho is a journey through the mind of a mentally deranged yuppie. While that makes it seem like a very serious movie it's actually very funny in a dark sense. Christian Bale is delightful as the main character Patrick Bateman.… Expand

19 of 20 users found this helpful191

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8

ERG1008Sep 13, 2010

Yuppie bloke goes bonkers, has a breakdown & kills lots of people. Or does he?
I'd never read the Brett Easton-Ellis book but had heard a lot about it before seeing this when it came out.
Bale is excellent as Patrick Bateman & the mood & feelYuppie bloke goes bonkers, has a breakdown & kills lots of people. Or does he?
I'd never read the Brett Easton-Ellis book but had heard a lot about it before seeing this when it came out.
Bale is excellent as Patrick Bateman & the mood & feel of the late 80's is very well done.
Certainly listening to Phil Collins is understandable that you'd want to kill someone.
Great performance, if brief, by Willem Dafoe as Detective Kimble.… Expand

3 of 18 users found this helpful315

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9

DominikV.Sep 11, 2009

The film tries its best to show the very impressive and well-translated satirical-critical, psychological, social themes of the book by the same name in an appropriate running time while remaining interesting from beginning to end with The film tries its best to show the very impressive and well-translated satirical-critical, psychological, social themes of the book by the same name in an appropriate running time while remaining interesting from beginning to end with almost no unnecessary or missing parts.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

nimanmAug 16, 2009

Bale delivers one of the most interesting and brilliant characters I've ever seen on screen.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

9

[Anonymous]Feb 2, 2009

Fantastic. Bale's finest performance onscreen. I did have a problem with the "twist" at the end, but the rest is fantastic.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

9

CLAUDIAA.Feb 1, 2009

Amasing. Christian Bale is the best Patrick Bateman. The book is fantastic and the movie is also great.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

AdamKNov 28, 2008

Great use of satire. Bale's acting is superb.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

2

SlyEnemyOct 12, 2008

In comparison to the book, it contains none of the subvertive text (How would it?) that is necessary for the characters and "storyline" to grip onto. Without reading between the lines, we're left with a pointless story about a pointless In comparison to the book, it contains none of the subvertive text (How would it?) that is necessary for the characters and "storyline" to grip onto. Without reading between the lines, we're left with a pointless story about a pointless man doing pointless things - A film which Withnail and I did many moons ago, without the grotesque and (film wise) unnecessary gore.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful

10

OrsonO.Mar 4, 2006

THE best film of 2000. Screw the stupid anti-suburban (its been done before better) American Beauty. American Psycho satirizes 90s materialistic narcisitic emptiness. People with wants, needs, and no ability to connect. Brilliant. Now "Feed THE best film of 2000. Screw the stupid anti-suburban (its been done before better) American Beauty. American Psycho satirizes 90s materialistic narcisitic emptiness. People with wants, needs, and no ability to connect. Brilliant. Now "Feed me the kitty!"… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

9

GrahamM.Jan 29, 2006

First of all, this is a satire, not a comedy. Do not get those two very different things mixed up. Second, this is not a standard slasher movie, infact its hard to call this a slasher movie. This is not like a teen horror flick, such as First of all, this is a satire, not a comedy. Do not get those two very different things mixed up. Second, this is not a standard slasher movie, infact its hard to call this a slasher movie. This is not like a teen horror flick, such as freddy or Jason or Scream, This is far more sophisticated and intelligent. This is an intelligent film with very interesting characters and performances by great actors such as Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe as well as Reese Witherspoone. Once you start watching this film, it will be hard to look away because the beginnging sucks you right in with Bale's characters narration. To be honest, this isnt the goriest movie ever, far from it, this film has tension and suggests allot of the violence without showing. The ending is very thought provoking and will make you want to watch it through again, because to understand what happens, once isnt enough.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

American Psycho

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