Duct tape. I need it for... taping something. (American Psycho (DVD))

Member Name: mattman101

Product:	American Psycho (DVD)
Date:	25/05/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An intelligent and darkly comic film with some great performances.

Disadvantages: None

American Psycho is set in late 1980's Manhattan and follows the life of young investment banker Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale). The entire film is narrated by Bateman, starting with an explanation of his daily routine consisting of rigorous exercise, skin cleansing and a balanced diet... slowly becoming apparent he has a few problems. Although, his murdering streak is first revealed when he brutally murders a tramp. Though the film follows the life of Patrick Bateman and his addiction to murder, it's anything but a mindless slasher film. For starters, most of the violence depicted appears off screen. As some know, the book is far more violent (a reason some fans of the book were disappointed with the film). Although I havn't read the book, I think the limiting of violence works great with the film as it leaves more to your imagination and you never really know how deluded Bateman is.

Mary Harron does an excellent job of directing this film and, for most, this was the film that put Christian Bale on the map. The depiction of Bateman as a sociopath and the problems he faces when interacting with people is very believable, hence making the character deeper and the whole film more interesting.

I really think American Psycho is an underrated film that is most widely enjoyed more as a 'cult film'. The acting is great, the story is gripping and the comedy is so dark you, sometimes, almost feel sick for laughing. For example, it's not every day you witness someone axe a man to death while dancing around to Huey Lewis and the News. I'm pretty sure the reason I love this film so much is because of it's ability to pull of dark comedy so well. For me, this is up there with some of my favourite films and is very intelligent, funny and enjoyable movie. Highly recommended!

Overall: 9/10

Stars: Christian Bale, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Theroux ...

BBFC Rating: 18
For Parents: Not suitable for children. Contains graphic violence, language and sex scenes.

Available from amazon.co.uk for only £4.68!

Summary: Some very funny scenes, taking you into the mind of a sociopathic killer.