American Psycho

Do you like Huey Lewis and the News? American Psycho, a criminally underrated film starring Christian Bale, Jared Leto and Willem Dafoe that was directed by Mary Harron. The film is truly unique. The whole cast is great but Bale is absolutely incredible. The film is misunderstood by most in that it is perceived as a serious film, however it is actually a dark comedy that is played perfectly.

A wealthy New York investment banking executive named Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies. However, after he murders a co-worker who he was jealous of, Bateman finds himself a key suspect in the investigation.

One thing that everybody will say of this film regardless of their overall opinion, is that Christian Bale was perfect casting. He brings a dynamite enthusiasm and a great deal of charisma to the role. He is able to make you love him despite his horrific actions. He will at one moment be calm and happily dancing along to a song he enjoys, only to in mere seconds be brutally murdering somebody with an axe. His performance is definitely the highlight of this film, and on this basis alone I would recommend this film.

The film as mentioned, is actually a dark comedy. The film will have you laughing quite a lot if you understand that it is not meant to be taken seriously. There is one particular scene wherein Bateman has drugged somebody who he plans to murder, but first he must give them a brief lesson on the song ‘Hip to Be Square’ by Huey Lewis and the News. The scene is ludicrous but also one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen in a film.

The film is also highly re-watchable, and has an ending that is left open to interpretation. Every time you watch the film you will pick up on something new or a joke that you missed the previous time. Because of this the film is given a whole new depth and you can draw several legitimate possibilities as to what actually happened in the end.

I can admit that I am biased, I find this film highly enjoyable, and I can’t recommend it enough. However the film is truly an underrated gem that more people need to see and appreciate. Definitely watch this film.

Score: 8/10