Hitherto watching this film adaptation of the highly esteemed novel by Bret Eastin Ellis I had preconceived idea of it's content. I foresaw a film in which violence and horror would be excessive, like a typical horror movie such as 'The Candyman' or 'Scream'. To my surprise I found the violence ... Read review
Patrick Bateman is handsome, well educated and intelligent. He is twenty-six and living ... more
his own American dream. He works by day on Wall Street, earning a fortune to compliment the one he was born with. At night he descends into madness, as he experimen...
Patrick Bateman is twenty-six and works on Wall Street; he is handsome sophisticated ... more
charming and intelligent. He is also a psychopath. Taking us to a head-on collision with America's greatest dream - and its worst nightmare - "American Psycho" is a ...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Patrick Bateman is twenty-six and works on Wall Street; he is handsome sophisticated ... more
charming and intelligent. He is also a psychopath. Taking us to a head-on collision with America's greatest dream - and its worst nightmare - "American Psycho" is a bleak bitter black comedy about a world we all recognize but do not wish to confront. "Serious clever and shatteringly effective." - "Sunday Times." ""American Psycho" is a beautifully controlled careful important novel...The novelist's function is to keep a running tag on the progress of the culture; and he's done it brilliantly...A seminal book." - Fay Weldon "Washington Post." "For its savagely coherent picture of a society lethally addicted to blandness it should be judged by the highest standards." - John Walsh "Sunday Times." "That the book's contents are shocking is downright undeniable but just as Bonfire of the Vanities exposed the corruption and greed engendered in eighties politics and high living "American Psycho" examines the mindless preoccupations of the nineties preppy generation." - "Time Out.
Postage & Packaging:£0.00 Availability:3-5 working days
Abominable Dr. Phibes American Psycho Speak Of The Devil Walk Among Us Hunger The ... more
From Hell They Came Dig Up Her Bones Blacklight Resurrection This Island Earth Crimson Ghost Day Of The Dead Haunting The Mars Attacks Hate The Living Love The Dead Shining Don't Open 'Til Doomsday
Postage & Packaging:£0.00 Availability:3-5 working days
Drama - Director: Kevin Smith - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, George Carlin, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Biggs, Matt Damon
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Funny, exciting, light-hearted horror Disadvantages: Too short
Hitherto watching this film adaptation of the highly esteemed novel by Bret Eastin Ellis I had preconceived idea of it's content. I foresaw a film in which violence and horror would be excessive, like a typical horror movie such as 'The Candyman' or 'Scream'. To my surprise I found the violence and content was not excessive but absolutely relevant to the plot, necessary for the characterisation of the main protagonist Patrick Bateman.
...Street employee. Christian Bale was not originally casted for the role, however he plays the role of the 'psycho' extraordinarily well. Bateman, who is portrayed as a narcissist and serial killer, is a corporate crony by day, but as night falls he becomes obsessed with violence. His character is epitomised very well in one the opening scenes, in this scene Bateman is going through his morning 'routine', this consists of excessive attention to detail ... more
Hitherto watching this film adaptation of the highly esteemed novel by Bret Eastin Ellis I had preconceived idea of it's content. I foresaw a film in which violence and horror would be excessive, like a typical horror movie such as 'The Candyman' or 'Scream'. To my surprise I found the violence and content was not excessive but absolutely relevant to the plot, necessary for the characterisation of the main protagonist Patrick Bateman.
Patrick Bateman is an eloquent, handsome and witty Wall Street employee. Christian Bale was not originally casted for the role, however he plays the role of the 'psycho' extraordinarily well. Bateman, who is portrayed as a narcissist and serial killer, is a corporate crony by day, but as night falls he becomes obsessed with violence. His character is epitomised very well in one the opening scenes, in this scene Bateman is going through his morning 'routine', this consists of excessive attention to detail and his love of branded cosmetics.
"I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I'll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion. "
Batemans fastidious morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the film. He also indulges in other obsessive and eccentric behaviour throughout the film such as not allowing guests to lay a used yoghurt spoon on the table and having a strong dislike of anyone smoking in his flat. "[in bed] Don't touch the watch." These characteristics are in great contrast to Bateman's love of killing people. Bateman's killing however, contrary to his corporate values, is not for financial gain but appears to be for pleasure. His victims are lured in by Bateman in many different ways, sometime through invites to his flat, sometimes through paying prostitutes to visit and on other times his killing is more adhoc and appears to have no premeditation to it.
The plot itself is a gripping one, full of twists and unexpected turns, intrigue and climax. Bateman's killing is the central theme and the plot revolves around his morality catching up with him. His constant murder causes events to come to a head near the conclusion of this film, I shall not describe the particulars because I fear ruining the plot for those who have not seen it, but I can promise you that the conclusion is fantastic. The earlier scenes in the films, especially exchanges between Bateman and his colleges are humorous and add to Bateman's character. Memorable scenes include the exchanging of business cards, in which Bateman is mortified to find that Paul Allen's business card is better than his, with a 'subtle off-weight colouring' and it even has a 'watermark'. However the films undisputed greatest scene has to be 'Hip to be square' scene, in which Bateman eloquently describes his love for Huey Lewis and the News. The rest of the scene I shall leave undecided as I regard it as one of the most humorous scenes in cinematic history so I wish not to spoil it.
The soundtrack to this film is also great. 'Hip to be square', 'Sussudio' by Phil Collins and more. The soundtrack mainly revolves around Bateman's taste in music, something he's very enthusiastic about which becomes clear as the film progresses. His monologue on Phil Collins perhaps is his best rant about music:
"Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums."
His knowledge of musical history also adds to the character in this unorthodox psycho, adding great depth to his depiction.
In sum, this is a fantastic film, which I'm sure you will love. Bale will astound you with his brilliant appearance and the film does not suffer from the fact is has been adapted from a novel at all. My only criticism of the film would be that it's too short and could benefit from another 30 minutes or so. However I'm going to recommend it to all potential buyers because it's the greatest film I've seen this year. Bateman will have you captivated and enthralled, guaranteed humour and entertainment. An absolute must-see.
Advantages: Amusing satire on late 80s Wall Street Disadvantages: Lacks purpose
...be on Bateman’s case.
American Psycho is based on the book of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. On its release, the book caused huge controversy, due to its graphic descriptions of depraved acts of murder and sexual violence. Although the film is violent and bloody, much of the actual violence is depicted by implication only. We see Patrick wielding an axe above someone’s head, and then seconds later covered in blood. This movie is not, however, ... ...unpleasant murderous acts and sexual violence. One scene, early on in the movie, where Bateman murders a homeless man’s dog is particularly upsetting, but other scenes are almost comical, for example as a naked Patrick chases a prostitute down the stairs wielding a chainsaw, fuelled by his recent viewing of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”.
I struggled, at times, with the point of this movie and it left me with more questions than answers. My interpretation ...
Pumpkin 05.05.2004
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Psycho (DVD)
Advantages: You will either love it or you will hate it Disadvantages: You will either love it or you will hate it!
Ok so when I first saw this film I hadn’t read the book or heard of the film before. I've decided to review the book separately as I thought they were really quite different.
Bale plays the said Psycho - Patrick Bateman a man obsessed with all of the things that was bad about the 1980's. Money and status is everything. Whether it’s having a better apartment or suit than your friends, right down to who has the classiest looking business ... ...crucial to Bateman and to a lesser extent, to his peers too.
That's the premise for the film. Status is everything, the sadistic way he murders his victims doesn’t really matter. Bateman works on Wall Street and is extremely frustrated that he doesn’t really stand out from anyone else in his social circle. They are all eating in the same places, going to the same clubs and snorting copious amounts of Coke. In fact, the only way he can ...
SarkeBeeley 22.10.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Psycho (DVD)
When the novel American Psycho was published a few years ago, there was an awful lot of publicity surrounding the release of the book, condemning the writing as disturbing, and socially irresponsible. Certainly, a colleague of mine was reading the novel and described some very horrific scenes. It came as a something of a surprise to me therefore when a film version was made and released to cinema audiences. The film certainly does not contain anywhere ... ...you should be aware that American Psycho is an unsettling and often disturbing film.
Christian Bale plays the lead role Patrick Bateman. Set in New York during the eighties, Bateman is shown as a typical yuppie. He lives in a plush apartment; is obsessed with his appearance; spends all his time wining and dining with colleagues and friends and essentially leads a completely materialistic life. Except Patrick Bateman is not like his colleagues - ...
LostWitness 06.05.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Psycho (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent insight into the human psyche Disadvantages: Graphic at times, violent
...upon a novel written by American writer Bret Easton Ellis. It was published in 1991, and it was promptly slated and criticised for it’s graphic violence and dark undertones. But as with all things in life it also had great acclaim in certain quarters, as it depicts typical life in the extremely materialistic decade of the 1980’s. Yuppies, mobile phones, cocaine and the like. The decade where it wasn’t so much who you were as opposed ... ...day illness.
~~THE PLOT~~
The film is presented in a first person monologue format. For those of you who have seen “Fight Club” you will understand what I am referring to. No Edward Norton this time. In his place we have one Patrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale). Bateman is a typical 80’s icon. Successful, ruthless, suave and intelligent. He works in the New York Stock Exchange, drives around in a limousine, has membership ...
paulc20001 15.01.2002
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Psycho (DVD)
Advantages: A nice critical stab at the greed and shallowness that was the 1980's Disadvantages: Nowhere near as detailed and as enjoyable as the book was, and the ending was a bit unclear
I have long been a big fan of Bret Easton Ellis’s cult book of the same name. I looked forward to the release of this flick more than any other film in the last year. I was intrigued to see how they could possibly convert such a disturbing and at the same time witty novel onto the screen.
Then, as usual with most major adaptations, the rumour mill started up to speculate who would take the lead role of Patrick Bateman, the egotistical Jeckyl ... ...it looked likely that the lady boy would get it but thankfully they came to their senses and plumped for a far more convincing actor in Christian Bale. With the highly respected Mary Harron in the director’s chair it looked promising to actually get a reasonably close transfer onto the screen. So I sat back and waited.
•The Film
Patrick Bateman seems like your run-of-the-mill 80’s New York yuppie. He has it all, a high paying ...
Slim_Lee 06.03.2001 (16.03.2001)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Psycho (DVD)
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to ...
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "American Psycho (DVD)"
Advantages: Something to watch (and pick holes in) when you're bored Disadvantages: Horror/comedy doesn't work, no depth to the plot, predictable, unbelievable
As a 12 yr old child, Rachel Newman witnesses the murder of Patrick Bateman's last victim. She then murders him, ending his reign as the 'AmericanPsycho'. She isn't implicated to or connected in any way with the murder, and on surface value it doesn't appear to affect her life other than by giving her an interest in serial killers and a desire to join the FBI to catch other serial killers such as Bateman.
[Forward a few years]
As a young lady, Rachel knows exactly what she wants, and how she intends to achieve it. She has a plan, clearly drawn up in her head and so enrols at college on a criminal profiling course - her main aim there is to become her professor's teaching assistant as that stands her in with a very good chance of getting a place in the FBI...
Oh dear!!! How can a sequel go so wrong? The film starts off well ...
Advantages: Quite liked the ending Disadvantages: Implausible
abilities to fulfil the role, she soon comes across obstacles. The college secretary advises her that she will not process the application because Kate is a freshman – and worse still, there are three other applicants who stand a very good chance of beating her to it. The only other female applicant happens to be having an affair with the professor; one of the other male applicants is the son of an influential millionaire; and the other applicant is just a smart arse. Kate then proceeds to take the necessary steps to fulfil her ambition – and very soon, all the obstacles will be removed from her path. “Beating the competition” just took on a whole new guise…..
AmericanPsycho (the original) was a good movie. Without being particularly graphic, it still had an inherent capability to make the viewer nervous. Such ...
Advantages: Mila Kunis Disadvantages: Not very orginal
Most of you are probably familiar with the original AmericanPsycho - weather it be through the book or the film - most of you have an fairly good idea of the plot which is about a serial killer, Patrick Bateman. When I first saw the film I was very impressed and when I found out an AmericanPsycho 2 was coming out I was more then thrilled, being a horror freak I just couldn't wait to see how the sequel was going to match up and I was intrigued and interested in how the director?s were going to pull it off. Anyway, my hopes were dashed....
WHAT IT SAYS ON THE BOX:
Set nearly 15 years after the events of AmericanPsycho, this is the story of a college freshman and Patrick Bateman survivor Rachael Newman (Mila Kunis) who becomes a teaching assistant (as a freshman!!??) to an professor. Even as she develops her own murderous ...
Patrick is a successful young career man who kills for no apparent reason. His days are spent in a normal working environment but his nights find him turning into a monster without a soul...
"...A mordantly funny and agreeably blatant satire with genuinely subversive bite..." (Film Comment, p.72, 01/03/2000)
"...Dead-on, kitsch-free period detail and a wonderfully agitated performance by Bale..." -- 3 out of 5 stars - A Satisfying Rental (Premiere, p.88, 01/10/2000)
"...An ingenious adaptation....Excellent direction and a set of self-effacing performances..." (Sight and Sound, p.42, 01/05/2000)
"...A satire of conspicuous consumption..." (Variety, p.34, 31/01/2000)
DVD Description
Based on the popular novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Mary Harron's cinematic adaptation retains the over-the-top humor that made Ellis' book such a cult favorite. Christian Bale is hysterical as Patrick Bateman, the successful commodities broker whose disgust for everyone he encounters leads him to committing heinous murders. The film tackles all things 80s, including pop music, fashion, and the world of big business, all to hilarious effect. Graphic and brutal, AMERICAN PSYCHO is an unflinching satire, but one that should keep enlightened audiences laughing throughout.
Compare American Psycho (DVD) to other similar Drama »
![American Psycho [2000] [VHS]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/83952334.jpg)
![American Psycho [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78550758.jpg)
![American Psycho [DVD] [2000] [Region 1] [USImport] [NTSC]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/81430137.jpg)
![American Psycho Dvd [2000] | Sevigny Sealed](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/112684939.jpg)
