Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody, gruesome black comedy that's not for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
American Psycho
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Based on 99 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a disturbing yet ironically humorous examination of materialism and narcissism, with a focus on its graphic sexual content and violence. While some viewers believe it is not as gruesome as anticipated, others warn that it contains excessive sexual scenes and themes of misogyny, making it more suitable for mature teens or adults who understand its satire.
- graphic content
- humor and satire
- mature themes
- not overly gory
- viewer discretion advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- In theaters : April 14, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : September 5, 2000
- Cast : Christian Bale , Reese Witherspoon , Chloe Sevigny
- Director : Mary Harron
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence, sexuality, drug use and language
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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