American Psycho Explained: What It Really Means

The real American Psycho meaning is hard to explain, as the film’s deeply psychotic protagonist and ambiguous ending make its general message somewhat difficult to unravel. Based on the 1991 Bret Easton Ellis novel, American Psycho follows New York investment banker and unchecked serial killer Patrick Bateman. Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman is iconic and secured American Psycho a cult following that’s endured over two decades. Patrick Bateman indulges his most violent urges in American Psycho, acting on every sadistic impulse without any consequence in his Wall Street life.