American Psycho is a commentary that displays the shallowness and corruption of 1980’s urban professional lifestyle through its representation of Patrick Bateman and his descent into madness. The three key criteria to be evaluated throughout the film are cinematography, acting, and dialogue. Cinematography plays such a vital role in all films made with its visual language, lighting, etc. Acting with Bateman going from businessperson by day to serial killer by night impacts how well the film does. The final criterion is dialogue and that is important to help the efficiency of the movie.
The film American Psycho was directed by Mary Harron. It is an Edward R. Pressman production that was produced in 2000. Arguably the top 3 main characters are Christian Bale, as Bateman, Willem Dafoe, as Detective Donald Kimball, and Jared Leto, as Paul Allen. The mordant horror film lives through its main character Bateman that has an ulterior side. Not only is he a respectable businessperson by day but a serial killer by night. There are many reasons why this is such an amazing film. It unveils consumerism, materialism, identity, desensitization, corporate culture, and related.
Cinematography is the main criterion that elevates all films. With its aspects including visual language, lighting, setting and wardrobe. Any of these contribute to the success of said film. American Psycho uses a glassy and almost varnished style with its diligent set design, costumes, and lighting to imitate the idiocy of the 1980’s urban profession lifestyle. The film’s color pallet set throughout the film is often muted, with lots of whites, grays, and blues. The choice of having this specific color pallet emphasizes the detached atmosphere of Bateman’s world. Framing, composition, and the camera work are all precise and controlled. With framing Bateman is often isolated highlighting his detachment from everyone, while close ups show his expressions revealing more of his psychotic side. The camera work is often steady shots and smooth tracking to exhibit his need for constant perfection and control. Symbolic imagery is critical to helping viewers connect to the film. Reflections and mirrors are shown throughout the film to explore themes of duality and identity. Some themes of duality include surface vs reality, Bateman’s duality of character, and using metaphorical masks to hide their true self from society. It shows the contradictions between individuals and society.
No matter how much money, time or technology is put into a film, the acting is always going to prevail. Producers and writers do have the job of creating characters and stories, but the actors bring them to life. It does not matter if it is in a theater or on a screen, and Christian made Bateman’s character a reality. His ability to portray such a dysfunctional character is why he and the film gets a lot of praise. Roger Ebert, a famous critic gives this film a four out of stars stating, “When Bateman kills, it is not with the zeal of a villain from a slasher movie.” This justifies part of his reasoning behind four out of five stars. Kristy Strouse, another film critic, also gave this film a four out of five stars. “…While he may capture the hero effortlessly in some of his other roles, truly embodies the negative side of humanity with a keen efficiency, and combined with Harron’s eyes, had created a truly original experience.” The other characters play a big part in the film’s success too. Leto as Paul had to portray a charming businessman that ends up becoming one of Bateman’s enemies. He becomes an enemy simply because he is more respectable. Leto successfully played Paul with the help of his acting abilities. It can be argued that Donald’s character, played by Defoe, is as important as Bale’s character. Defoe completes the film with his way of portraying Donald. His character is essential to the climax that leads to the film’s ending. Any interactions from him with Bateman reinforce the film’s ambiguous nature. It was a need that this character had the contradictory behavior that was ultimately essential for an ending.
It is simple, dialogue is an efficient way to help plot progression. It conveys information such as who a character is, where they are, and what they are doing. Dialogue helps with many things like character development and bringing that impression of realism. It also lets the audience have the necessary information and understand the story. In a lot of films there are plenty of recognizable quotes or lines that are commonly said or thought of. It is important for films to have this for many reasons. You want your audience to feel like there is common ground. Quotes help people bond or connect with others like them. Lines or quotes can be applied in different contexts being social media, marketing, and entertainment. Since Bale created that universal human moment and delivered the lines so well, they have always been popular. “…And though I can hide my cold gaze, and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours, and maybe you can even sense our lives are probably comparable, I simply am not there.” (American Psycho 0:06:51 – 0:07:08) “I like to dissect girls. Did you know I’m utterly insane?” (American Psycho 0:26:12-0:26:17) Many can recognize or even recite these lines from this film without even ever watching it. That is true success within any film because it is out there and known. Not only did the dialogue elevate this film, but the actors delivered the lines in such a way to make it better.
This film is beautifully orchestrated, and every choice made this film immaculate. Based on the criterions, cinematography, acting and dialogue American Psycho leaves an everlasting impression. This film elevates the expectations of many genres like horror, dark comedy, classics, and crime. No matter the age the viewer is this movie is going to affect them. Kids and adults will handle it completely differently. Adults will see this movie and potentially reflect on themselves or cause deeper conversations with others of realizations. They may find the film disturbing but can handle and process the violence and psychological components. However, kids watching this may cause them psychological distress. They can have nightmares, anxiety, or newfound fears. Younger children tend to take things literal; this could potentially lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Witnessing the kind of violence from the film can influence children to misbehave or lead to desensitization to brutality. American Psycho without a doubt has and will continue to influence other filmmakers. The type of reckoning that comes with this film is insane to match, and filmmakers want that for their films. Corporate greed and social norms are critiqued throughout the film in many ways. It is hoped that viewers will learn and make the necessary changes that are needed to help provide ease in the soulless blind spot of the urban profession lifestyle.
Works Cited
Ebert, Roger. “American Psycho movie review & film summary (2000).” Roger Ebert, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-psycho-2000. Accessed 4 October 2024.
Edward R. Pressman Productions, and Mary Harron, directors. American Psycho.
Strouse, Kristy. “Retrospective Review: American Psycho – In Their Own League.” In Their Own League, 16 April 2020, https://intheirownleague.com/2020/04/16/retrospective-review-american-psycho/. Accessed 4 October 2024.
