Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: After returning some videotapes, a man's life turns upside down when he fails to secure a reservation at the prestigious, New York restaurant, Dorsia.
Review: Just imagine the smooth sounds of "Lady in Red" while reading this review--that should set the mood perfectly. So...off the bat, this is definitely going to be a love it or hate it experience for viewers. For me, I absolutely love it--another most quoted film. I get why this film can be polarizing to audiences, but this is some next level satire. Once more, I'll avoid the realm of pretentious interpretations since it has been done to death by critics in both the movie and novel form. Yes, it makes a statement about yuppie culture, the darker side of the '80s, and a general analysis of a narcissistic society; it's impossible to ignore those facets. But, when it comes to the film version in particular, there are other nuances to appreciate especially in regards to the subtly, twisted sense of humor. If you don't at least crack a smile throughout this film then--well--you're inhuman.
The first thing I want to look at is Patrick Bateman himself, played brilliantly by Christian "fucking amateur" Bale. Wow...in the words of that dork from the second Captain America movie: specimen. Has there ever been a prettier pretty boy? If I was to go gay for someone, it would probably be Patrick Bateman. Though, it would never work out since we have extremely different preferences for hot chicks...that and I suspect he would start gnawing on my leg like a lunatic. He better calm down with that shit if he expects to keep his spleen. I distinctly remember the process of this film being produced and how they wanted Leonardo DiCaprio initially to play Bateman; that would have been utterly horrendous. Back then, I didn't know who the hell Mr. Bale was, but I did know he pulled off Bateman better than I could have hoped. That artificial charm, narcissism, and shallowness--accomplished to perfection. Despite these traits, there is just so much more to the character that makes him feel surprisingly likable. You have to love the discussions about sappy '80s music, his insecurity when someone has a better business card, and the homicidal rage lurking just beneath the fake smiles. Even if you hate the movie, it's hard to forget Mr. Bale's dedicated and engaging performance. And he did kill that little bitch Jared Leto in this movie...come on, now. Hey, is that Ivana Trump over there?
Not to be completely outdone, the background characters are interesting as well. I especially love the scene when their doing coke in the bathroom at that club. The constant comparisons to each others' clothes and materialistic bullshit is amazing; you truly feel the paper-thin personalities and friendships. You can't talk about this movie without acknowledging the ridiculous need for the characters to have a reservation at some upscale and overpriced restaurant--especially the beloved Dorsia (they know me there). The reoccurring joke about no one recognizing each other never gets old especially when it leads to nearly endless zany antics. The police can't tell if a guy is genuinely dead, because these idiots keep associating other people with being that person. Speaking of the police, Willem Dafoe is such a creepy bastard here. The dude needs some mineral water (with lime) or something!
It wouldn't be proper if I didn't at least touch on the '80s aspect. Being a kid in the '80s was the best, however, being an adult in the '80s had a lot of drawbacks. Those hideous fashions, hairstyles, and everybody looked androgynous--what the fuck were they thinking? It was the decade of excess after all, and this film displays that notion overtly like a badge of honor. On the other hand, that soundtrack still makes me appreciate the '80s nonetheless. There's nothing quite like slamming an axe into a coworker's face while "Hip to Be Square" is playing in the background. Let's also not forget the philosophical reflection of "The Greatest Love of All" right before you're about to drop a chainsaw on a hooker. Mmhmm...it truly moves the soul.
Finally, let's look at that questionable ending. Did Bateman really kill anyone or was he simply losing his mind from all the coke and prescription drugs? Honestly, it's tough to say, but I think he at least killed Paul Allen. The rest of the kills don't fully align with reality especially when Bateman runs around the city shooting people. It's still possible some version of Bateman's delusions were true, but Paul's death may have simply been Bateman engaging in his fantasies at last and becoming unhinged due to the guilt (or lack thereof). The ending is certainly open to multiple interpretations, but I do understand why that could feel like a copout to audiences.
Essentially, this is one of those movies you may hear others rave about and not understand the appeal. It is an acquired taste, that's for sure, but I think fans are starting to appreciate the bizarre nature of the story. It's kind of like they pulled off a mainstream, art house film. While there is a ton to enjoy throughout, the single best aspect is certainly Christian Bale's stellar performance that brings Patrick Bateman to life in all his glory. I definitely recommend checking this film out or revisiting it since it has had time to find its place in cinema. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to return some videotapes.
Notable Moment: Speaking calm and casually, "Hey, Paul! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!" -Patrick Bateman, Vice President: Pierce & Pierce
2 comments:
This movie quite accurately portrays psychopathy or sociopathy, though I cannot tell the difference between the two. There really are people who behave like Pat Bateman. He is just a high-level one. And he is right about himself "just not there". They are soul-less and empty emotionally.
The difference between a psychopath and sociopath is arbitrary at best. For the most part, neither is capable of empathy and will manipulate and lie their way into positions of power or authority. Patrick Bateman is a stereotypical version yet likable due to the charm and charisma of Christian Bale.
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