American Psycho-
Uncut Killer Collector's Edition
(Lion's Gate Region 1 NTSC DVD)
(2000)
review by Bil Withonel

Back in the spring of 2000, I watched a trailer for a movie called "American Psycho." Knowing that it was a controversial book, and with a movie on the way, I went out and bought it so I could read it before opening day. WOW, in a word. Not so much "WOW, what a fantastic book!" but more like "WOW, I can see why there was controversy." The book is a 250-plus page splatter fest, with enough gore and graphic sex to rival home-movie-night at Jerry Lee Lewis' house. The book is narrated in the "first person present" (you see it through the main character's eyes, as it's happening) and the author spares no detail as his character dissects street bums and befouls prostitutes. With all the graphic sex and violence, I wondered "HOW are they going to make a movie out of THIS?"  The book is one big metaphor for how selfish and over the top the 80's were, especially in New York City . What's more frightening; a serial killer, or a society too wrapped up in itself to even care that there's a killer among them?

Partrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is an American success story. He has a beautiful girlfriend (Reese Witherspoon), makes money hand over fist at his father's investing firm, and keeps himself busy by leading a double life as a deranged serial killer. Everything is the best in Patrick's world. From his CD collection, to his business cards, right down to the well polished axe which he'll use to butcher someone he thinks might have one up on him. Obsessed with being, having and looking the best, Patrick looks down on everyone around him, boiling inside of him a rage that can only be quenched with brutal murder. Is this only all going on in his head? Is he really killing these people? Or is it all just in his imagination? Is there REALLY a Patrick Bateman? Or is Patrick Bateman just someone else's Alter Ego? Or is all this REALLY happening, and no one can be bothered from their own business to even notice? This is all left for interpretation.

This new KILLER COLLECTORS edition includes many new extras that the first release did not have. A commentary track, which was noticeably absent before is now available, as well as some deleted scenes. Also included are several "essays" which are very similar to the "I LOVE THE 80's" specials from VH1 (and even include some of the same people) reflecting back on the actual book, making the movie, and what life was actually like in NEW YORK CITY in the 1980's. Fans of the movie PARTY MONSTER will be happy to see the REAL James St. James (who was portrayed by Seth Green in the film) giving his usual flamboyant commentary in one of the essays.

I was a big fan of the movie and got to see it a few times while it was in theaters. I've heard some criticisms about how it "wasn't true enough to the book" (to be fair, Patrick's insanity is a lot more evident in the book, with often very comical episodes) while others thought "It was all a dream! That's STUPID!" Personally, I view this movie for what it is... a time piece, looking back on the world and ourselves in a decade that gave us "LIVE AID" but also gave us AIDS and Reaganomics. If that's not enough for you, then come up with a scarier image than a man wearing only tennis shoes running after you with a chainsaw through an apartment complex.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to return some videotapes.