American Psycho (2000)

This movie is a masterpiece, and it is so underrated. So many quotable moments, true perfect cult piece. Violence is measured, much milder than in the book, which is improved on. It shows the true side of Wall Street morality, of all the little Eichmanns that lived and still live in Manhattan. Dark comedy genius, with classic shiny ax scene perfectly in tune with "Hip to be Square" music, that Weird Al and Huey Lewis parodied in perfect meta homage. This movie works on so many levels, and although it was hated by the corporate elite and their paid hypocrite critics, time has shown that this movie is going to last. This is Wolf of Wall Street on steroids, wrapped in metaphysical, if murderous, clothing.

Bret Easton Ellis' haunting and controversial 1991 novel about a psychotic business executive who specializes in "Murders and Executions" is brought to life with some trimming here and there, most likely to avert a high rating and to not displease viewers with uncut visual depictions of the already graphic novel. Christian Bale gives a stellar performance as the maniacal Patrick Bateman which absorbs the viewer into his world of delusions, stained sheets and prostitutes. The supporting cast is great as they reflect upon Bateman's ever crumbling façade. S

Bret Easton Ellis' 1991 novel of the same title gave readers the perfect insight to America's corporate obsession with materialism as greed and escess seemed to replace what was wholesome and warm about the decade before it. The 1980's is the right environment for an emotionally bankrupt, ego driven maniac to pursue his blood thirsty tendencies as Christian Bale dishes up Patrick Bateman, one of cinemas most talked about characters in recent memory. Patrick works on wall street. He's a sneering, condesending, selfish and shallow psychotic that commits blatant, random acts of violence, his pseudo-preppie diction noticeable but not unfamilier when in social circles. One memorable scene has Bateman comparing buisness cards with his colleague's, a fierce undertone of jealousy washes over him as he realises their offerings maybe be more impressive than his own. On the surface, his personality fits in with the crowd he surrounds himself with, but his disregard for peoples feelings, let alone their lives is what ultimetely drives his lust for killing. American Psycho isnt overly gory, it isnt overly violent, but its ambitious and confident and these traits are what made it one of the best films of the year. American Psycho is many things, part black comedy, part horror but above all its a satire on a generation that knows no limits.

Superb parady of the world of pretentious yuppies, and the pressures and effects of consumerism and having to maintain appearances. Based on the book by Bret Easton Ellis, it is fiendishly funny at times, yet simultaneously very realistic. Great acting by Christian Bale, in one of his first major roles.