“American Psycho”, both the novel by Bret Easton Ellis and the subsequent film adaptation by Mary Harron, have had a very polarizing effect on audiences and critics alike.
The deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel, released in 1991, almost didn’t make it to print due to its violent content. The original publisher dropped it before Simon & Schuster picked it up. Many bookstores refused to sell it. Critics called it everything from “disgusting” and “misogynistic” to “brilliant” and “genius.” Perhaps this is the mark of a great novel, if not a modern classic. Many critics reviled the graphic violence, particularly towards women, which they found gratuitous and offensive. Others were repulsed by the novel’s overall nihilism and the vacuity of its protagonist, Patrick Bateman. Much of the criticism centered around the explicit descriptions of violence and sexual assaults, which were seen as gratuitous and exploitative. These passages were so distressing that the novel was often classified as its own blend of horror rather than literary fiction.
Yet, despite the negative reviews and the controversy, American Psycho has gained a considerable cult following, in part due to its provocation. In retrospect, many critics and scholars have recognized the novel as a savage satire on consumerism and the superficiality of the 1980s Wall Street culture, exposing the moral emptiness and dehumanization that can occur in a society consumed by materialism. Over time, some critics and scholars have come to view American Psycho as a significant work of postmodern literature, even as it continues to shock and disturb new readers.
The movie, which came out in 2000 and features Christian Bale in the lead role (as well as memorable performances from Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, Chloë Sevigny, Willem Dafoe, and more), also had a divisive reception. On one hand, it received criticism similar to that which greeted the novel. People found it disturbing, vile, and excessively violent—so much so that it garnered an R-rating. The psychotic killer character of Patrick Bateman was seen as irredeemable and unrelatable, which made the film difficult to watch for some viewers. However, director Mary Harron took a different approach to the violence in her version and overall pushed the film further into the comedy genre as a sharp satire. While some scenes remained graphic, she often chose to suggest violence rather than explicitly depict it. This decision made the film more palatable to some viewers, but it didn’t prevent controversy, and it could easily still be seen as a horror film.
On the other hand, some critics praised the film’s direction, writing, and especially Christian Bale’s performance. They argued that Mary Harron had successfully turned a controversial and graphic novel into a stylized, darkly comedic critique of Wall Street yuppie culture, aka the dark side of yuppie culture and 1980s Manhattan. Bale’s charismatic and chilling portrayal of Bateman (which he claims was inspired by a Tom Cruise interview) was widely appreciated, earning him a reputation as a versatile and risk-taking actor. He fully committed to the character’s psychopathy, delivering a portrayal that was both terrifying and strangely compelling. Some viewers found dark humor in Bateman’s obsession with status symbols and his attempts to fit into his sociocultural milieu, as well as in the film’s absurd dialogue and situations.
The film was also hailed for its biting social commentary and its unique aesthetic, which combined elements of horror, satire, and even musicals. It’s worth noting that the film, like the novel, has grown in stature and gained a significant cult following over the years, with many fans praising its daring approach and its unflinching critique of consumerism and shallow vanity.
The impact of both the novel and the film on popular culture has been significant. Patrick Bateman has become an iconic character, and certain scenes and lines from the film are frequently quoted or parodied.
In conclusion, to say that American Psycho received “bad reviews” is somewhat of a simplification. Yes, it was negatively reviewed by many, who found its violent content repugnant and its protagonist despicable. But it was also praised for its boldness, its satirical edge, and its performances. Over time, as audiences and critics have revisited the novel and the film, their reputations have somewhat improved, but they remain controversial and divisive works, much like the character of Patrick Bateman himself.