The film ‘American Psycho’ has been a cult classic since its release in 2000, and it continues to spark discussions and debates among viewers. One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is the character of Patrick Bateman, played brilliantly by Christian Bale. Bateman’s character has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing him as a symbol of toxic masculinity, while others view him as a psychopathic killer. However, the film’s director, Mary Harron, recently expressed her surprise at the fact that some viewers have missed the point of the film, especially in relation to the current political climate. In an interview with NME, Harron stated that ‘American Psycho’ is a gay man’s satire on masculinity, and it is disheartening to see some people not understanding the film’s true message.
For those who are unfamiliar with the film, ‘American Psycho’ follows the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful investment banker living in New York City during the 1980s. On the surface, Bateman appears to have it all – a high-paying job, a luxurious lifestyle, and a group of equally successful friends. However, as the film progresses, we see Bateman’s true nature – a narcissistic and sociopathic killer who takes pleasure in torturing and murdering people. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, and it is known for its dark humor and graphic violence.
One of the main themes of the film is the concept of toxic masculinity, which is the belief that men must adhere to certain societal expectations of being strong, dominant, and emotionless. Bateman embodies this toxic masculinity, as he is obsessed with his appearance, status, and power. He is also extremely violent towards women, viewing them as objects for his pleasure. However, Harron argues that this is not the only interpretation of Bateman’s character. She believes that the character is a satire on masculinity and that his actions are a commentary on the absurdity of societal expectations placed on men.
Harron’s comments come in light of the recent political climate, where toxic masculinity has been a hot topic of discussion. The rise of leaders like Donald Trump, who embodies the traits of toxic masculinity, has caused concern among many people. However, some of Trump’s supporters have failed to see the irony in their admiration for him and their love for ‘American Psycho.’ Harron states that it is baffling to her that some people have missed the point of the film and have failed to see the satire in Bateman’s character. She believes that the film’s message is more relevant now than ever, and it is essential for people to understand it.
Furthermore, Harron also addresses the criticism that the film is homophobic. Some viewers have argued that the film portrays homosexuality as something negative, with Bateman’s character being a closeted homosexual. However, Harron argues that this is not the case. She states that the film is a commentary on the fear and repression of homosexuality in the 1980s, and Bateman’s character is a victim of this fear. She also points out that the film has a significant number of LGBTQ+ characters, and they are not portrayed in a negative light.
In conclusion, ‘American Psycho’ is a film that continues to spark discussions and debates, even after two decades of its release. The character of Patrick Bateman has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing him as a symbol of toxic masculinity, while others view him as a psychopathic killer. However, the film’s director, Mary Harron, believes that Bateman’s character is a satire on masculinity and that his actions are a commentary on societal expectations placed on men. With the current political climate, where toxic masculinity is a growing concern, it is crucial for people to understand the film’s message and not miss the point. ‘American Psycho’ is not just a film about a serial killer; it is a thought-provoking and relevant commentary on society and its obsession with toxic masculinity.
