Taken from the 1991 book by Bret Easton Ellis, which was recalled by the publisher, Simon & Schuster, at the last moment, the movie of American Psycho should perhaps have suffered the same fate, if what some reviewers say is true.
The book, however, did find a publisher. And the movie will find viewers, out of curiosity if nothing else. It concerns an '80s yuppie psychopath, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who spends lots of time "offing" (killing) hookers, the homeless and an occasional co-worker. A Wall Street hotshot, he is fed up with the materialistic life and can't quite get his bearings, apparently, without bearing on others.
His biggest problems in life are getting the best table at a trendy restaurant and other such weighty matters. He shares his trendy table with his unfaithful fiancee, Evelyn (Reese Witherspoon, who reportedly does a fine job with a difficult part).
The story, if any, derives when Bateman kills a co-worker and gets into a bit of trouble.
On the brighter side, the camera work of Andrzej Sekula is called "at times, breathtaking."
The movie is directed by Mary Harron, who received much praise for I Shot Andy Warhol. It is rated R for strong violence, sexuality, drug use and language.
It started Thursday at Market Square East Theater.