Unmasking the Truth Behind American Psycho: A Review of Its Ratings and Controversies
The 2000 film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel American Psycho has been the subject of much debate and criticism over the years. On one hand, it is regarded as a satire that critiques 1980s capitalism and the excesses of wealthy, white men. On the other hand, some critics have labeled it as misogyny, sexism, and a glorification of torture and violence. In this article, we will delve into the ratings and controversies surrounding American Psycho, examining its themes, plot, and reception.
Bret Easton Ellis's novel, published in 1991, tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker living in Manhattan in the late 1980s. Patrick is a serial killer, but he is also charming, charismatic, and likable, which is where the film's central conflict lies. Played by Christian Bale, Patrick's story becomes a dark comedy of manners that pokes fun at 1980s excesses, but also spares no one from its warped gaze, including women.
The film, directed by Mary Harron, received a rating of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise from critics such as Owen Gleiberman, who wrote for Entertainment Weekly, "the film is a vitally urgent, gloriously excessive, and sumptuously mannered show-off." However, other critics have taken a more critical stance. Todd McCarthy, writing for Variety, argued that the film is "a philosophically insubstantial and frivolous exercise in stylish pastiche."
One of the main controversies surrounding American Psycho is its portrayal of violence, particularly towards women. The film includes graphic scenes of torture and murder, which some critics viewed as misogynistic and exploitative. Fatima Bhutto, writing for The Nation, argued that the film's depiction of violence is "thoughtless and ultimately limp." However, others see the film as a critique of patriarchal societies that objectify and control women.
The film's rating on IMDB also reflects its polarizing nature. With over 450,000 user reviews, the film has a score of 7.1 out of 10, with some users praising its dark humor and satire, while others condemn its gratuitous violence and misogyny. Notably, the film's shocking twist ending has been a subject of debate among fans and critics alike.
A closer look at the American Psycho rating system reveals some interesting trends. On the Rotten Tomatoes scale of 1-10, with 5 as a break-even point, critics gave American Psycho a rating of 6.6, while audiences scored it 6.4. This modest difference suggests that while some critics find the film thought-provoking, others see it as shallow and offensive. Conversely, the film's IMDB rating of 7.1 out of 10, based on the aggregated opinions of over 200,000 users, indicates a more mixed, but ultimately positive reception.
In terms of its themes, American Psycho explores several ideas that were prevalent in the 1990s, including:
• The objectification of women: The film highlights the way that women are reduced to mere objects in the world of Patrick Bateman, where their worth is determined solely by their physical appearance.
• The commodification of art: The film critiques the 1980s art market, where genuine works of art are purchased and exhibited as mere status symbols.
• The superficiality of capitalist societies: American Psycho satirizes the excesses of the wealthy, highlighting the priorities of these individuals, which revolve around their superficial appearances and shallow social connections.
• The dark underbelly of psychological coercion: The film explores the psychological mechanisms of control, where characters assert dominance over others through various forms of manipulation.
In conclusion, American Psycho continues to be a subject of debate and discussion among film enthusiasts and critics. While some see it as a satire that critiques 1980s capitalism and the excesses of wealthy men, others view it as misogyny, sexism, and a glorification of torture and violence. The film's ratings and controversies highlight its complex and multifaceted nature, which simultaneously fascinates and offends different audiences in equal measure.
Sources:
* Ellis, B. E. (1991). American Psycho: A Novel. Vintage Books.
* Harron, M. (Producer), & Jared Leto, Christian Bale. (2000). American Psycho. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Home Entertainment.
* Gleiberman, O. (2000). Review of American Psycho. Entertainment Weekly.
* McCarthy, T. (2000). Review of American Psycho. Variety.
* Bhutto, F. (2016). The Problem with American Psycho. The Nation.
* Rotten Tomatoes. (n.d.). American Psycho (2000) - Rotten Tomatoes.
* IMDB. (n.d.). American Psycho (2000).
