essay on american psycho

American Psycho (film)

By mary harron, american psycho (film) analysis.

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American Psycho is essentially a movie about a man that, as the title describes, is a psychopath. He doesn’t hold back on the rage that consumes him as he goes on a killing spree, catalyzed by the greed, lust and jealously he feels towards the people around him. However, everyone that knows him thinks him a nice, stable human because of how composed he is.

It is not only a battle within Bateman, as he does actually not like the part of him that kills - he likes it while he is doing it - but does understand that it is wrong, as is shown when he tells everyone the truth. It is also a battle in the society, to not believe everything you see and understand. There might be more under the surface than originally thought. When Bateman finally confesses his crimes, perhaps realizing that the only way he can be controlled in behind bars, no one believes him.

The movie and the book alike have been told to be metaphors for the American capitalist market today, as well. This is because the people on top, just like Bateman is on top in his workplace, are killing those below, destroying what they have spent time building, as well as destroying the countries economy and environment. The difference is that everyone is aware of this phenomena - though similarly to Bateman’s case - no one tries stopping them and they go unpunished.

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American Psycho (film) Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for American Psycho (film) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Study Guide for American Psycho (film)

American Psycho (film) study guide contains a biography of Mary Harron, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About American Psycho (film)
• American Psycho (film) Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for American Psycho (film)

American Psycho (film) essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of American Psycho (film) by Mary Harron.

• Abject Addictions: A Neoliberal Nightmare in American Psycho and Trainspotting
• Predator and Prey Themes in American Psycho and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde