Main Plot

Set in the 1980s, the film follows a wealthy New York City investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. The narrative explores themes of consumerism, identity, and the superficiality of the elite class. The protagonist's obsession with materialism and status is evident through his meticulous grooming routines and fixation on designer brands. As the story unfolds, his violent tendencies escalate, blurring the lines between reality and his psychotic fantasies. Key events include a series of gruesome murders that highlight his descent into madness, juxtaposed with his interactions in the corporate world, where he remains undetected due to the homogeneity and self-absorption of his peers. The film critiques the moral vacuity of the era, using dark humor and satire to underscore the emptiness of the protagonist's existence. Throughout the film, the protagonist's internal monologue reveals his detachment from humanity and increasing paranoia. The ambiguous ending leaves viewers questioning the nature of his actions and the reality of his experiences, emphasizing the film's exploration of identity and the masks people wear in society. The narrative ultimately serves as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the loss of individuality.

Characters

• Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker, leads a double life as a psychopathic killer, exploring themes of identity and societal excess.
• Justin Theroux plays Timothy Bryce, a colleague and friend of Patrick Bateman, who embodies the superficial and materialistic lifestyle of 1980s Wall Street.
• Josh Lucas plays Craig McDermott, a colleague and friend of Patrick Bateman. He represents the superficial, materialistic culture of Wall Street in the 1980s.

Ending Explained

In the film's conclusion, the protagonist, Patrick Bateman, experiences a psychological unraveling, culminating in a series of violent acts. He confesses to his lawyer, Harold Carnes, over the phone, detailing numerous murders, including that of Paul Allen. However, when Bateman confronts Carnes in person, Carnes dismisses the confession as a joke, claiming he had dinner with Allen in London, suggesting Allen is still alive. This revelation casts doubt on the reality of Bateman's crimes. Throughout the film, Bateman's grip on reality is tenuous, and the ending amplifies this ambiguity. The narrative suggests that Bateman's violent fantasies may be just that—fantasies. The film leaves viewers questioning whether Bateman actually committed the murders or if they were figments of his imagination, fueled by his psychosis and the superficial, morally bankrupt society he inhabits. The ending underscores themes of identity and the elusiveness of truth. Bateman's confession goes unnoticed, highlighting the indifference and self-absorption of those around him. The film closes with Bateman acknowledging that his confession has meant nothing, reinforcing the notion of his existential void and the pervasive emptiness of his world. This ambiguity challenges viewers to interpret the reality of Bateman's actions and the nature of his madness.