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James Francis's avatar

It's interesting how American Psycho's rep keeps changing, especially how pragmatic changes between the book and movie are now seen as symbolic and not because the book is borderline unfilmable. But I agree that the above interpretation makes sense.

I would add, though, that the gender angle was not the intent of the work. It's an overall social commentary, done in the tradition of Notes From The Underground, and (I suspect) influenced deeply by Barbarians At The Gate.

However, the movie is very different to the book in several aspects and I can totally see other symbolisms arise. It's just the nature of adapting what is a complex novel that isn't interested in wooing its audience (just like Notes). Though I disagree that the novel or movie was an analysis of the male gaze. I think that's something imposed by the audience (though that then still makes it a relevant symbolism).

I'm a bit shocked though that some groups idolise Bateman. Now that is totally missing the point of the work. Like people who fixate on the Brass Balls speech in Glengarry Glenn Ross. If you think Bateman should be a role model, you really need to check your values.

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Bram's avatar

The book and the movie aren't that different: they're both a depiction of the numbing shallowness of Wall Street life and the imagined escapism that ensued in the head of Bateman. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to return some video tapes.

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