The film “American Psycho,” directed by Mary Harron and released in 2000, is a thought-provoking and controversial exploration of the dark underbelly of American society in 1980s Manhattan. Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, the movie delves into the mind of its main character Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who has an alternate psychopathic ego. While the film presents a complex and multi-layered narrative, there are several underlying messages and themes that emerge throughout the script.
One of the central messages of “American Psycho” revolves around the dehumanizing effects of consumerism and materialism. Set against the backdrop of Wall Street during the height of the yuppie era, the film portrays a society obsessed with superficial appearances, wealth, and status. Patrick Bateman, played by actor Christian Bale, with his meticulously curated image and impeccable taste in fashion, embodies this obsession. He is consumed by the need to possess the latest designer clothes, the most expensive business cards, and the most exclusive reservations at high-end restaurants. His constant pursuit of material possessions reflects a culture that values surface-level appearances over substance and personal connection.
However, beneath the veneer of wealth and success, the film exposes the hollowness and emptiness of Bateman’s world. Despite his seemingly perfect life, he is plagued by a profound sense of alienation and disconnection. His interactions with his peers are shallow and devoid of genuine emotion, reduced to superficial discussions about business cards and restaurant reviews. The film suggests that the pursuit of material wealth and status ultimately leads to a dehumanizing existence, where individuals become objects in a transactional society.
Another significant message in “American Psycho” revolves around the erosion of identity and the loss of individuality. Bateman’s identity is blurred, and he struggles to distinguish himself from those around him. The film plays with the idea that Bateman may not be a reliable narrator, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. This ambiguity highlights the theme of identity crisis, as Bateman’s obsession with appearances and conformity renders him indistinguishable from his peers. In a society that places immense value on conformity and social expectations, individuals like Bateman lose their true self in the pursuit of fitting in and maintaining the façade of success.
Furthermore, the film explores the insanity of violence and darkness lurking beneath the surface of polite society. Bateman’s sadistic acts of violence initially portrayed as a manifestation of his own psychopathy, can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the hidden brutality and corruption that pervade the seemingly pristine world of the wealthy elite. The film suggests that beneath the polished exterior of wealth and success, there lies a disturbing undercurrent of moral decay and ethical bankruptcy.
“American Psycho” also touches upon themes of misogyny and the objectification of women. Bateman’s treatment of women is particularly brutal, reflecting a deeply entrenched misogyny that permeates his worldview. The film portrays women as objects of desire and status symbols, reduced to their physical appearance and subject to sexual advances and gratuitous fantasies. The brutal violence inflicted upon women in the film serves as a critique of the objectification and mistreatment of women in society. It highlights the toxic masculinity and power dynamics that contribute to the devaluation and marginalization of women.
In conclusion, the film “American Psycho” is a scathing critique of the dark side of American society during the 1980s. Through its exploration of consumerism, materialism, identity, violence, and misogyny, the movie presents a multifaceted and thought-provoking examination of the human condition. It exposes the dehumanizing effects of a society obsessed with superficial appearances, the erosion of individuality in the face of conformity, and the disturbing violence and moral decay that can lurk beneath the surface of polite society. “American Psycho” ultimately challenges viewers to reflect on the values and priorities of their own society, urging them to consider the consequences of a culture driven by materialism and the devaluation of human life.