The book that inspired this film is considered one of the most controversial of all time. It's been banned by many libraries, schools, etc. It was without a doubt that the film would feature some scandal over the graphic sexual and violent nature of the novel, written by Bret Easton Ellis. Suprisingly, the scandal around this film revolved around a non-violent orgy scene in which the main character, Patrick Bateman (played superbly by Christian Bale) is looking at his physical form in a mirror and flexing his stuff. This film was not as graphic as it could have been, which is a good thing. It makes it a better film instead of just a slasher flick.
Anyway, on to a brief summery of the plot. Patrick Bateman is young, good looking, well educated, and basically rich. However, what his powerful friends and beautiful fiancee (Reese Witherspoon) don't know is that Bateman has a terrible American dream which he fulfills with lust and murder. A local detective (Willem Defoe) starts to notice things are amiss and begins to look into Bateman's lifestyle when a co-worker goes missing. Things pick up from here and it goes totally insane.
I love this film! It's one of the better black comedies to come around in recent years (Election, Very Bad Things, and Fight Club come to mind). It's stuff you don't want to laugh at (Bateman's chainsaw escapade) and stuff you do (his analysis of Whitney Huston, Huey Lewis, and Phil Collins). Reading the book, I found that this film transposed well onto the screen and I was satisfied. My only complaints revolve around the supporting actors where I felt more work could have been given. Witherspoon, Dafoe, and others don't have much to do and could have been given more to run with. The ending also throws some for a loop, but I found it enjoyable. A decent flick. Note: There are two versions, a rated and un-rated. The only difference is that of a few seconds in the orgy scene. I personally, prefer the un-rated.
Video: 8/10
A terrific transfer, little to gripe about. Nothing to show off either...
Audio: 8/10
Again, a nice tranfer. Note the chainsaw scene, it's a ride.
Extras: 5/10
An all too brief featurette and interview with Bale. Also enclosed are production notes, cast and filmmaker bios, and a trailer. Where are the commentaries? Bale and Co. could have been a blast to listen to! Even Ellis, why not have an author commentary or interview? Give us something! However, I do give Universal credit for putting out an un-rated cut.
Overall: 7/10
Not a bad purchase for the film. Make sure you get the un-rated and see the movie before purchasing. It's a love/hate thing.
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