American Psycho

Welcome back to the second part of the four-part series of essays discussing whether or not Patrick Bateman was, indeed, a psychopath. We will be exploring personality disorders, specifically looking at antisocial personality disorder. Click here to read part one. Patrick Bateman is a self-absorbed, pop-culture obsessed, materialistic, greedy, young man who feigns social niceties and political correctness yet has no issue saying what he really feels when he believes no one is listening. He has…

you ever wondered how or why you may empathize with fictional characters, labeled antiheroes, created in the realms of TV and movies? The influence and appeal that these characters have on American culture and society are shaped through what each character symbolizes as well as values. In the 1960 thriller Psycho, the anti-hero Norman Bates was introduced to society. Norman, in this movie, is a middle-aged serial killer who justifies his wrongdoings by “becoming” his mother. In his eyes, it is…

Vanity is the root of all evil. To what extent is this true of American Psycho and Dorian Gray? Compare and contrast how the protagonist are presented in both novels. Both Bret Easton Ellis and Oscar Wilde use protagonists Patrick Bateman and Dorian Gray to explore whether an excessive amount of love towards one's self can lead to an inevitable decline in mental stability. Gray and Bateman, although from different eras, are presented as men who have been placed above others in society because of…

As Patrick Bateman said “I feel lethal. On the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.” Throughout the film American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron, there is a never-ending presence of discomfort. With each scene that plays out, the viewer gets to travel down deeper into the mind of a very disturbed individual. When putting Patrick Bateman through the lenses of psychology, it is evident that he suffers from narcissism and shows evidence of being schizophrenic. Ultimately…

The current modern American horror films we have today are complicated creations of visual and technological marvels but do not have the cinematic quality of movies of old. In the past “modern horror is probably equaled among American film genres only by the western from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s” (Waller). As older followers of the genre examine the progression of horror they note “the genre has by no means disappeared” (Waller) but the genre is changing. The archaic form of censorship…

6) Psycho http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054215/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 I never thought black and white could be so gooooooood. I love this movie because it has so much meaning behind it. The beginning is one of the most powerful sense of its time. A women being undress on screen was a big no no. Then a trusted secretary women stealing 40 thousand dollars then running with it out of town. The director wanted to show that women at the time could do what men could do. That they weren't any different. I…

is difficult to depict a character or concept only partially understood. Psycho took this perplexing subject and executed it respectfully and appropriately. It was the pioneering film of the psychological thriller genre, and it is still looked upon as a masterpiece. Throughout history, when does the first person to try something get it exactly right? Not often. Is Psycho actually as morally impressive as many claim? Psycho…

thriller genres. Inspired by French and Italian films, Alfred Hitchcock set out to produce a film that will not only break from current Hollywood trends but transform the entire film industry. Hitchcock’s 1960 film, “Psycho,” is considered the leading film from the New American Era, that pioneered many elements for the horror and psychological thriller genres. The film’s sharp visual effects, suspenseful tunes and fascinating plot were all factors that contributed to the films massive and…

American Psycho was published in 1991 by Bret Easton Ellis. Ellis completely captured the life in New York during the 80s. He used specific details to capture the essence of the 80s with the partying, clothes, and gadgets used in everyday life. American Psycho is about Patrick Bateman, a businessman who lives in New York City. Bateman enjoys - like others - eating at fancy restaurants, wearing the fanciest clothes, and going out with women and his coworkers; however, unlike others in this time…

or to keep to audience on the edge of their seat. Many would argue, that Alfred Hitchcock was the master of this craft, as he manipulated frames and distorted reality to leave audiences in a constant state of indecisiveness. From the most popular Psycho, to the ever terrifying Birds, Hitchcock knew how to captivate and intrigue viewers. Universal Cable Pictures’ Executive VP of Development, Dawn Olmstead said, “Long after his death, Alfred Hitchcock continues to be one of the most celebrated…