Bret Easton Ellis’ novel “American Psycho” is considered a classic of modern literature, and the film adaptation of the same name has become a cult favorite over the years. The movie’s screenplay, written by Mary Harron and Guinevere Turner, is often praised for its dark humor, satirical tone, and vivid characterizations. But what makes the American Psycho script great? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the elements that make the screenplay stand out, from its incisive social commentary to its use of unreliable narration and graphic violence. Join us on a journey through the mind of a killer as we explore the artistry behind this unforgettable script.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: What is The First Line of American Psycho?
The first line of the American Psycho movie, which is based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, is actually a voice-over by the main character, Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale. The line is:
“My name is Patrick Bateman. I’m 27 years old. I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. Each day, I wake up before the sunrise and I go for a run.”
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: Why The First Line is Important to The Film
The first line of the American Psycho movie, spoken by the protagonist Patrick Bateman, is significant because it immediately establishes his character and sets the tone for the rest of the film. By stating his name and age, and describing his strict personal routine, Bateman seems like a successful and disciplined young man. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that he is also a psychotic killer, obsessed with his own appearance and status, and consumed by his own violent urges.
The contrast between the polished exterior and the disturbing interior of Bateman’s psyche is a central theme of the film, and is hinted at in the very first line. By portraying Bateman as a seemingly normal and successful person at first, the film creates a sense of unease and tension, as the audience becomes increasingly aware of the darkness lurking beneath the surface.
In addition, the first line of the movie also establishes the use of voice-over narration as a stylistic device throughout the film, which further emphasizes Bateman’s subjective perspective and his distorted view of the world. Overall, the first line of American Psycho is a key element in the film’s masterful storytelling, setting up the audience’s expectations and drawing them into Bateman’s disturbing world.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: What is Patrick Bateman’s Best Dialogue?
Patrick Bateman has many memorable dialogues in the American Psycho movie, but one of his most famous and chilling monologues is the one in which he describes his musical preferences while preparing to kill a victim. The dialogue goes:
“Do you like Huey Lewis and the News? Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste, but when Sports came out in ’83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He’s been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor.
Hey Halberstram? Why are there copies of the Style section all over the place? Do you have a dog? A little chow or something?
No, Allen.
Is that a raincoat?
Yes it is!
In ’87, Huey released this, Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is “Hip to be Square,” a song so catchy, most people probably don’t listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it’s not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends, it’s also a personal statement about the band itself.”
This dialogue is significant because it reveals Patrick Bateman’s obsession with materialism, conformity, and his distorted sense of reality. He appears to be a highly cultured and articulate person, discussing music and art with a colleague, but his underlying sadistic and violent tendencies are also evident. The juxtaposition of the mundane conversation about music with the gruesome act of murder that follows makes this dialogue all the more disturbing and unforgettable. It is a powerful example of how the American Psycho movie portrays its protagonist as a seemingly normal and successful person, while gradually exposing the madness that lies beneath the surface.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: What is The Famous Line From American Psycho?
One of the most famous and memorable lines from the American Psycho movie is the following quote spoken by Patrick Bateman, the film’s protagonist:
“I have to return some videotapes.”
This line is repeated several times throughout the movie, often in situations where Bateman is trying to make a quick exit or avoid an awkward social interaction. The line has become iconic and is often referenced in popular culture as a shorthand for a flimsy or implausible excuse to get out of a situation.
The line is significant because it reflects the movie’s satirical tone and its commentary on the superficiality and materialism of 1980s culture. Bateman’s obsession with image and status is so all-consuming that he often resorts to empty, meaningless statements in order to maintain his facade. The line is also memorable because of its ambiguity, which leaves the audience wondering whether Bateman is actually going to return the videotapes, or whether it is simply a cover for his increasingly bizarre and violent behavior.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: What Mental Illness Did Patrick Bateman?
The exact mental illness of Patrick Bateman, the protagonist of American Psycho, is not explicitly diagnosed in the novel or the movie. However, it is clear that Bateman displays a number of symptoms that are consistent with several mental disorders, including psychopathy and narcissistic personality disorder.
Bateman exhibits a lack of empathy, remorse, and conscience, as well as a disregard for social norms and the rights of others, which are hallmark characteristics of psychopathy. He is also preoccupied with his own appearance, status, and power, and shows a sense of entitlement and grandiosity that are typical of narcissistic personality disorder.
Additionally, Bateman experiences a number of delusions, hallucinations, and dissociative episodes, which suggest that he may also be suffering from a severe form of psychosis or dissociative disorder.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: The Exploration of the Dark Side of the Human Psyche
The exploration of the dark side of the human psyche is a major theme in the American Psycho script. The character of Patrick Bateman is portrayed as a psychopathic and narcissistic individual, with a violent and sadistic streak that he is able to conceal from those around him. Here are some key points to consider when discussing this theme in the script:
- The portrayal of Patrick Bateman’s violent tendencies: The script depicts several scenes in which Bateman engages in violent and sadistic behavior, including the infamous scene in which he murders a homeless man with an axe. These scenes are intended to shock and disturb the audience, and to illustrate the extent of Bateman’s depravity.
- The exploration of the underlying aggression and cruelty in human nature: The script suggests that Bateman’s behavior is not unique to him alone, but is rather a manifestation of the darker aspects of human nature that are present in all of us. This is reflected in the scenes in which Bateman interacts with other characters, many of whom are also shown to be petty, selfish, and cruel.
- The exploration of identity, reality, and mental illness: The script also delves into the themes of identity and reality, and suggests that Bateman’s violent tendencies are a manifestation of his own inner struggles and conflicts. The use of unreliable narration, inner monologues, and delusions helps to create a sense of Bateman’s distorted view of reality, and suggests that his mental illness is a key factor in his violent behavior.
- The use of cinematic techniques to create a sense of unease and tension: The script uses a variety of cinematic techniques to create a sense of unease and tension, including the juxtaposition of mundane and violent scenes, and the use of music and sound to create a sense of foreboding. These techniques help to create a sense of immersion in the world of the story, and to draw the audience into Bateman’s disturbed and disturbing psyche.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: The Narrative Techniques Used to Create a Disturbing and Compelling Character
The American Psycho script employs a number of narrative techniques to create a disturbing and compelling character in Patrick Bateman. Here are some key points to consider when discussing these techniques:
Unreliable narration
The script uses unreliable narration to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty around Bateman’s actions and motivations. The audience is never quite sure what is real and what is imagined in Bateman’s world, and this helps to create a sense of unease and tension.
Inner monologues and delusions
The script also uses inner monologues and delusions to give the audience insight into Bateman’s thought processes and to create a sense of his distorted view of reality. This helps to create a sense of immersion in Bateman’s mind, and to make him a more complex and compelling character.
Juxtaposition of mundane and violent scenes
The script often juxtaposes mundane and violent scenes to create a sense of contrast and to emphasize the absurdity of Bateman’s actions. This technique helps to create a sense of unease and tension, and to underscore the themes of the script.
Detailed descriptions of fashion, music, and other cultural artifacts
The script includes numerous detailed descriptions of fashion, music, and other cultural artifacts that are central to Bateman’s world. These descriptions help to create a sense of immersion in the world of the story, and to emphasize the shallow and superficial nature of the 1980s culture that Bateman inhabits.
Use of humor and satire
The script uses humor and satire to undercut the seriousness of Bateman’s actions and to create a sense of detachment from the violence. This technique helps to create a sense of unease and tension, and to underscore the commentary on the emptiness and hollowness of the culture of excess.
Deconstructing What Makes the American Psycho Script a Masterpiece: What is The Main Message of The American Psycho Script?
The American Psycho script contains several key messages, themes, and critiques, including commentary on the materialism, superficiality, and excess of 1980s American culture, as well as the darker aspects of human nature and the human psyche.
One of the main messages of the script is a critique of the shallow and image-obsessed consumer culture of the 1980s, which is exemplified by the character of Patrick Bateman and his obsession with material possessions, fashion, and status symbols. The script suggests that this culture leads to a superficial and soulless existence, where people are valued based on their appearance and possessions, rather than their inner qualities.
Another key message of the script is a critique of the violence, aggression, and cruelty that are often hidden beneath the surface of civilized society. The script portrays the character of Patrick Bateman as a seemingly normal and successful person, who is able to conceal his violent and sadistic tendencies from those around him. This suggests that anyone, regardless of their social status or background, has the potential for extreme and dangerous behavior.
Finally, the script also explores the themes of identity, reality, and mental illness. Patrick Bateman’s inner struggles and conflicts highlight the tenuous and often unstable nature of personal identity, and the script suggests that the human psyche is capable of profound and disturbing transformations.
Overall, the American Psycho script is a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a critique of contemporary society and the human condition, while also providing a chilling and unforgettable portrait of a disturbed and dangerous individual.
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