Parents' Guide to American Psycho

Movie 2000 R 102 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

Jeffrey Anderson By Jeffrey Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 18+

Bloody, gruesome black comedy that's not for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 18+?

Any Positive Content?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 31 parent reviews

Parents say the movie presents a dark and complex narrative that revolves around a character leading a double life, which portrays themes of materialism and insanity. While some viewers appreciate the performances, particularly by the lead actor, others find the explicit content and disturbing imagery challenging, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.dark themesstrong performancesdisturbing imagerynot for kidssatirical elementscomplex narrative
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age 15+

Based on 100 kid reviews

Kids say it’s a highly entertaining film that combines dark humor with a critique of materialism and narcissism prevalent in the 1980s, although it does have significant sexual content and violence. Many reviews indicate that while blood and murder are present, the graphic elements are often off-screen and more implied than explicitly shown, making it manageable for mature teens who understand its satirical nature, but parents are advised to consider their child’s maturity level regarding the explicit scenes.mature themessatirical humorimplied violenceexcessive sexual contentparental guidanceideal for older teens
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What's the Story?

Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) makes a lot of money in some kind of financial job that doesn't seem to require much work. Instead, he spends time drinking with friends, snorting cocaine, keeping up appearances with his fiancée Evelyn Williams (Reese Witherspoon), sleeping with other women, and -- oh yes -- indulging his psychotic urges to kill people, going so far as to invite prostitutes, and even his loyal secretary (Chloe Sevigny) to his apartment for some deviant behavior. Things take a turn for the worse when a cop (Willem Dafoe) begins investigating the disappearance of one of Patrick's acquaintances. But even then, Patrick can't seem to stop, pursuing his devilish hobby until the breaking point.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 31 ):
Kids say ( 100 ):

Adapted from a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, AMERICAN PSYCHO largely misses some of the book's more pointed critical and satirical points, going more directly for dark comedy and shocking horror. It's too bad that director Mary Harron and her co-screenwriter, actress Guinevere Turner (who plays one of Patrick's victims), couldn't have given it a fresher, more feminist spin. As it is, the movie's depiction of a young, wealthy culture looks almost as appealing as it does repellent.

Fortunately, the way the movie mixes these ingredients makes it subversively fun to watch. Certain scenes -- especially when Patrick listens to banal pop music (Phil Collins, Huey Lewis and the News, etc.) while preparing for his murders -- push the envelope so far that the only breaking point is laughter. And Christian Bale's performance helps a great deal; he's never been so fearless in a role, or so in touch with a character's darkest fears and desires. However, many movie fans will not like the twist ending.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's bloody violence. Does it seem to go over the top? What reactions do these scenes cause? Laughter? Squeals? Shock?

  • How does the movie connect sex with violence?

  • What does this movie say about the male body image? Does Patrick represent an impossible physical ideal to live up to? What does he mean when he says he could still improve his looks?

  • What does this movie have to say about money, materialism, and consumer culture? What do these people spend their money on? Do they seem happy?

  • Why do these characters drink so much, in addition to smoking and taking drugs? What are they looking for? What other options do they have?

Movie Details

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