If it falls short of the deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis's novel, American Psycho still finds its own blend of horror and humor, thanks in part to a fittingly creepy performance by Christian Bale.

What kind of film was American Psycho?

The film blends horror and black comedy to satirize 1980s yuppie culture and consumerism, exemplified by Bateman and supporting cast.

How do you describe American Psycho?

American Psycho is an extraordinarily graphic description of obscene violence, which is spliced with reviews of music by Phil Collins and Whitney Houston, and with endless, repetitive descriptions of 1980s main street fashion. The novel's protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is a psychopath who also works on Wall Street.

Is American Psycho a surrealism?

Through its surreal framework, American Psycho delivers a message about the culture of self-absorption and the consequences of ignoring the bigger picture.

Is American Psycho a film noir?

Noir critic Lee Horsley labeled American Psycho as the "ultimate consumption novel" and hails the film adaptation as a clear example of neo-noir (221).

American Psycho Outfits Analyzed | FILM FASHION CRITIQUE

Is surrealism a film genre?

To refer to Surrealism as a genre is to imply that there is repetition of elements and a recognizable, "generic formula" which describes their makeup. Several critics have argued that, due to Surrealism's use of the irrational and on non-sequitur, it is impossible for Surrealist films to constitute a genre.

Is Patrick Bateman schizophrenic?

In Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, the protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is apparently simply a psychopath. However, Bateman can be diagnosed with other mental illnesses such as Asperger's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, narcissism, and antisocial personality disorder.

Why is American Psycho banned?

Upon its release, it was widely condemned as being too graphically violent, outright misogynistic and got him labelled as a sadist.

What is American Psycho a metaphor for?

Patrick Bateman in American Psycho symbolizes the violence of corporate greed through his casual cruelty and violent sadism. The ambiguous ending of American Psycho questions Bateman's motives and demonstrates the callousness of his friends and colleagues.

How is American Psycho a satire?

They satirize everything from foodie culture to the moral emptiness of the ultra-wealthy. But they get a lot of comedic mileage out of the male anxiety which courses through Bateman's life like blood through a body.

Is American Psycho modernism?

Bret Easton Ellis' perhaps most popular novel, American Psycho, is today considered one of the best examples of postmodern literature and has become the subject of study in many literary courses in the academia.

How is American Psycho gothic?

Although Patrick is por- trayed as very much a barbarian in a civilized society, the further the plot unfolds the more questionable the moral standards of the so-called civi- lized society become. This moral ambivalence is characteristic of Gothic texts.

What makes American Psycho so good?

American Psycho is one of the greatest horror films of all time; with its disturbingly dark comedy, psychotic breakdowns of society and an unnerving look at the obsessive thoughts of a serial killer.

Is American Psycho about toxic masculinity?

Toxic masculinity is depicted in American Psycho through its destructive aspects. In the movie, Patrick Bateman is the main character who portrays destructive aspects of toxic masculinity. From the analysis, we can conclude that there are three destructive aspects that are portrayed the main character.

What was wrong with Patrick Bateman?

Bateman often expresses doubts regarding his own sanity and he has periodic attacks of psychosis, during which he hallucinates. It is left open to reader interpretation whether Bateman actually commits the crimes he describes, or whether he is merely hallucinating them; he is, therefore, an unreliable narrator.

Why is Gen Z obsessed with American Psycho?

In the chaotic first days of 2020's lockdown, Bateman emerged as a symbol of masculinity and capitalism, fitting the archetype of the Sigma Man, a figure who flaunts power but rejects social norms. Bateman's traits of materialism, and the pursuit of wealth resonated with Gen Z during the pandemic.

Is it OK for a 13 year old to watch American Psycho?

The characters quite often drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and cigars, and sometimes snort cocaine or take pills. These characters are clearly irredeemable, and do not learn much of anything during the course of the story. The movie is entertaining in a horrific, comical way, but is certainly not for kids under 18.

What serial killer is American Psycho based on?

Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (1991) is similar to the real-life serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Jame Gumb in The Silence of the Lambs (1988) resembles Ed Gein. For a further account of the life of Jeffrey Dahmer, Ed Gein and other real-life serial killers see Palacios (1998).

Why did Bateman go crazy?

(Bale is a good choice to play Bateman, because his florid, sharply cut handsomeness already has something sinister about it.) He is being driven crazy by culture's capitalist obsession with materialism — it eats him from within.

Why is everyone obsessed with Patrick Bateman?

As journalist Shaurya Singh wrote in the newsletter The Digital Native, Bateman's main characteristics – his sexual insecurity, insensitivity, shallowness and obsession with money – connected with some of the obsessions of Generation Z (and plenty of other generations) during the pandemic.

Who is Patrick Bateman based on?

While it is true that the actor based parts of the character of Patrick Bateman on Tom Cruise, there was more than one person who inspired the creation of the iconic serial killer. One of the major inspirations for Patrick Bateman outside of Tom Cruise was none other than Nicolas Cage.

What the heck is surrealism?

Definition of Surrealism

Surrealists endeavored to reveal the subconscious mind and investigate the human psyche by expressing their deepest thoughts and aspirations, regardless of whether or not they were sensible.

What makes a film surreal?

Surrealism in filmmaking is a genre that has captivated audiences for decades. These films defy conventional storytelling norms. They immerse viewers in a world where reality and dreams blur into a thought-provoking and sometimes disorienting experience that challenges our views on the human condition.

What was the first surreal film?

Although The Seashell and the Clergyman is widely regarded as the first Surrealist film, it's legacy is somewhat overshadowed by Buñuel and Dalí's 1929 film Un Chien Andalou. Luis Buñuel was a Spanish filmmaker who aligned himself with the Surrealism movement.