American Psycho

Uma crítica da superficialidade do estilo de vida e dos valores deformados dos homens de negócios de Wall Street, instalada num divertido slasher thriller com tons de comédia cínica negra. O desempenho de Bale como o sociopata é ótimo, o filme tem bom aspeto e é energicamente editado, mas parece tão superficial e frio como o tema criticado. As cenas de sexo, por exemplo, surpreendem com a sua sinceridade, mas não são tão pessoais e definidoras de carácter como, digamos, em Shame. Parece que só querem surpreender e chocar nas águas do mainstream com um elenco de estrelas. (30/06/2021)

// - I can’t believe that Bryce prefers Van Patten’s card to mine. // - But wait. You ain't seen nothin' yet. Raised lettering, pale nimbus. White. - Impressive. Very nice. Hmm, let’s see Paul Allen’s card. // Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a watermark. // (25/05/2011)

A probe into the mind of a member of a certain animal species from Wall Street who revels in expensive formal suits and designer goods, slaps on all sorts of menthol, moisturizing and peeling masks, regularly visits tanning salons, blathers about nothing in his circle of friends passing it off as serious deep musings. His measure of success is, among other things, the appearance of his business card, which he likes to compare with his equally afflicted friends, and to be free and cool, he goes to parties to snort coke. In fact, he is so bored with his emotional emptiness that he entertains himself in a quite "original" way, he kills. Those empty-minded suits sometimes make you so sick that the murders aren't even that disgusting in comparison. And to be honest, the murders are the least interesting thing about the whole movie. (14/07/2003)

American Psycho is from a group of movies that can be rated from one to five stars. From a technical standpoint, it is a decently executed piece with good camerawork, editing, and especially strong acting. Most of the actors are giving their all, and it is almost a pity that these performances cannot be seen in a stronger film. Even in small roles, quality actors appear, such as Chloë Sevigny in the role of a secretary. However, the problem lies with the content, which is superficially impressive but internally empty and decadent. Typical scenes take place in high society environments, nightclubs, where glamorous beauties mingle with yuppie elites in elegant frames. All in all, it is a kitschy affair that fairly faithfully corresponds to the style of Ellis's literary source, but for me, it is quite indigestible. Overall impression: 40%. (16/06/2006)

An intentionally controversial thriller. Do I mind? Not at all. Bale is fantastically convincing in the role of the psychotic financier Bat(e)man and so is the portrayal of that high society world. Of course, I’ve no idea how realistic it is, but I know that I don’t have even the slightest desire to live it first hand. (23/12/2009)