Film: American Psycho (2000) Subject: Patrick Bateman

Description of the Film

American Psycho is a 2000 satirical black comedy horror film directed by Mary Harron and written by Guinevere Turner, based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. The film follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy investment banker in New York City during the 1980s, who leads a double life as a serial killer.

Description of the Subject

Patrick Bateman is a young, wealthy, and successful investment banker who leads a seemingly perfect life. However, beneath his polished exterior, Bateman is a sadistic serial killer who murders people for pleasure. He is intelligent, charming, and manipulative, and he is able to hide his dark side from his friends and colleagues.

Characteristics of the Subject That Could Be Considered Criminal

Patrick Bateman is a serial killer, which is a crime. He also commits a number of other crimes, such as arson, assault, and battery. He is also a pathological liar and manipulator.

Overall Summary of the Subject

Patrick Bateman is a complex and fascinating character. He is intelligent, charming, and successful, but he is also a sadistic serial killer. He is a product of his environment, but he is also responsible for his own actions.

Is the Subject Mentally Ill (e.g., Psychotic) or Has a Mental Disorder (e.g., Psychopathy)

Patrick Bateman is likely a psychopath. Psychopaths are characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt; they are also manipulative and deceitful. Bateman exhibits all of these characteristics. He is unable to understand or care about the suffering of others, and he takes pleasure in inflicting pain. He is also able to lie and manipulate people with ease.

Rationale and Examples

Here are some examples of Patrick Bateman’s behavior that suggest he is a psychopath:

• He murders people for pleasure, without any remorse or guilt.
• He is unable to understand or care about the suffering of others.
• He is manipulative and deceitful.
• He lacks empathy.
• He has a grandiose sense of self-importance.
• He is shallow and superficial.
• He is impulsive and lacks self-control.

Conclusion

Patrick Bateman is a complex and fascinating character. He is intelligent, charming, and successful, but he is also a sadistic serial killer. He is likely a psychopath, as he exhibits many of the characteristics of psychopathy.