American Psycho

If you could only see how I throw up my hands and go “ahhh” when someone mentions the name of this film. AMERICAN PSYCHO is a journey in the days-of-a-life of a day trader turned serial killer in 1980s New York City. It’s an extremely stylized and beautifully crafted cinematographic experience that at times will blow your mind out of the back of your skull. Getting it on blu-ray was another excuse to pop it in and enjoy the trip all over again. The HD transfer to 1080p was a success I believe and the visuals are sharp. Some of the white screens look a little pixilated in some of the shadows, but the food, suits, and cars look beautiful in true HD.

American Psycho Trailer Here

I won’t talk story too much with this film, because I don’t want to allude to anything that might be considered a spoiler. A VP of a financial firm takes out his worldly aggression on the ‘scum’ of the world as deemed by him. During his nights he roams the city taking the lives of those that do not deserve life. This is the first film that made me fall in love with Christian Bale as an actor. He plays the part of average guy / sociopath serial killer to a T. It is truly exhilarating to watch him work his craft in this film. This is one of those films where the audience members become hypnotized by the killer and begin to fall into his world of incessant psychosis. Do we dare say that we cheer him on while he rips apart these women to satisfy his animal instincts? I would make the leap to say that we do indeed love how ruthless he is. It challenges you on a personal level – how does this character sit with you?

It is intriguing to watch Christian’s characters transformation throughout this film. He slowly becomes more and more disgusted with the people of the world, and then the world in general. It’s an emotion that resonants with all of us. The fake hypocrites that we deal with everyday have no problem floating through existence, not questioning, or changing to the garage filtrations in our society. For me, this film is a subtle battle cry for the “normal person” to stand up and make a difference. I love the irony in that the main character is that which he despises and hates so much – people who wear masks. He cannot become them, so he must destroy them. Wearing masks: is also a reoccurring theme throughout the film that you should look for.

Also, the 1980’s soundtrack is melded together with the film. In fact, so meticulously so that it becomes a character as well I would argue. You’ll never think of Phil Collins the same way after seeing this film. Watch this movie on a night when you’re mad at the world. Christian will take it out on them for you.

Rating: 8.75/10