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Both Bret Easton Ellis adaptations were released within two years of each other: 'American Psycho' is a movie I wasn't too sure about the first time around: It was an excellent recreation of 80s yuppie culture and Christian Bale was awesome for the most part (a bit of overacting towards the end) but I kept comparing its themes to 'Fight Club' thus allowing plot dynamics to get in the way of what's one of the funniest, most brutal satires ever written.
Mary Harron's take on the novel is sharp and merciless in the way it depicts self-obsession to the point of delusional psychosis, an ultimate banality that leads nowhere and destroys the individual. After seeing it for the second time, free of having to figure out what has happening, I realised American Psycho's outrageous style and cynical, pitch-black humour owes a lot more to Gore Vidal's 'Myra Breckinridge' than it does 'Wall Street' or 'Fight Club'.
Christian Bale is great as Marcus Halberstam
They're so many great moments, and here's one that I'm sure you all know, not only is it one of the best scenes in this movie, but one of the best scenes ever.
'The Rules Of Attraction' was a different kind of beast, in that it mocked the vicious & vacuous misadventures of Camden College students; Roger Avery’s adaptation focused on drug dealing, sleazy lothario Sean Bateman (Patrick’s brother!) and a twisted love triangle that soon becomes a love pentagon from which no one can escape unscathed.
Great dialogue and characterisation that encourages audience revulsion at the empty sexual decadence and self-destructive arrogance of its protagonists. James Van Der Bland (or Beek, if you prefer) actually makes an effort here and though he acts the same I did forget Dawson, which is something. Shannyn Sossamon, Ian Somerhalder and Jessica Biel as Laura's slutty roommate Lara are all good despite some melodramatic or overacted scenes.
Some cat with a little too much time on their hands, made this good music mash up of 'The Rules Of Attraction' set to Placebo's 'Every Me & Every You' (originally on the 'Cruel Intentions’ soundtrack). Worth a look.
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I loved American Psycho, but I hated Rules of Attraction. I even tried to sell it along with another crappy movie on ebay for like $2.99 and it didn't sell.
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I read the book America Psycho one summer. Well it certainly left it's mark, one of the most graphic, voilent, explicit books i've ever read. Made me feel quite sick in some parts lol. But saying that, it's one of the best books I have ever read. I watched the film years ago, so can't remember alot about it, although I remember that I was quite impressed with Christian Bales' interpretation of Patrick Bateman, but not really impressed with the film.
The Rules of Attraction, I haven't seen at all, so will have to look out for it.
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