American Psycho's Bateman: A 25-Year Routine Analysis

Twenty-five years after its release, Mary Harron's American Psycho continues to fascinate and disturb. Beyond the shocking violence and satirical commentary on 1980s consumerism, the film offers a chillingly compelling study in routine and the carefully constructed facade of Patrick Bateman. This analysis delves into Bateman's daily routines, exploring how they reveal his psychopathy, anxieties, and the carefully cultivated image he presents to the world.

The Superficiality of Success: Bateman's Morning Ritual

Bateman's meticulously detailed morning routine serves as a microcosm of his entire life. His obsession with the perfect skincare regimen, the precise application of expensive products, and the meticulous selection of his business attire aren't merely signs of vanity; they're rituals designed to maintain a flawless, enviable persona. This performance is paramount; it's his armor against the perceived emptiness of his existence and the anxieties simmering beneath the surface.

Key elements of Bateman's morning routine:

• Precise Skincare: He meticulously applies a complex series of creams and lotions, highlighting his obsession with outward appearance and control. This ritual underscores his need for perfection, a need that extends to all aspects of his life, including his carefully orchestrated murders.
• High-End Fashion: His wardrobe is a testament to his wealth and status. He meticulously selects designer clothes, demonstrating an obsession with branding and the performance of success. The brands become a form of self-expression, substituting for genuine personality.
• The Business Suit: The suit itself transcends mere clothing; it is his uniform, shielding his true self from the world. It's a symbol of his professional identity, a carefully constructed persona he uses to navigate the cutthroat world of Wall Street.

The Controlled Chaos of Bateman's Day: Work and Leisure

Bateman's workday, ostensibly filled with business deals and corporate maneuvering, provides a cover for his brutal acts of violence. The structured environment of the office contrasts sharply with the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of his murders, highlighting the duality of his personality. His carefully planned schedule allows him to compartmentalize his life, maintaining a semblance of normalcy while indulging in his violent fantasies.

Contrasting elements:

• Business Meetings: These are portrayed as meaningless and superficial, reflecting the emptiness of Bateman's existence and the vapidity of the corporate world he inhabits. They are a distraction from, and a cover for, his true nature.
• Violent Acts: These are interjected between his mundane business activities, starkly contrasting the superficiality of his professional life with the brutal reality of his actions. The juxtaposition emphasizes the unreality of his world and his ability to compartmentalize.
• Leisure Activities: Even his leisure time is meticulously planned, reflecting his need for control. His evenings are filled with carefully chosen restaurants and meticulously planned social events, further reinforcing the image he meticulously cultivates.

The Unraveling of the Mask: Signs of Instability

Despite his attempts to maintain control, cracks appear in Bateman's facade throughout the film. These cracks, often subtle, suggest a deeper level of instability and a growing awareness of his own detachment from reality.

Subtle clues to Bateman's instability:

• Recurring Nightmares: These dreams hint at the dark undercurrents of his psyche.
• Increasingly Violent Fantasies: The escalation of his violence suggests a loss of control and a growing disregard for the consequences of his actions.
• The Unreliable Narrator: The ambiguous nature of the film's ending leaves the audience questioning the reality of Bateman's actions, highlighting the unreliability of his perspective and the instability of his mental state.

Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Bateman's Routine

Patrick Bateman's routines are not merely a stylistic choice; they are integral to the film's unsettling power. His meticulously planned existence reveals the emptiness of material success and the terrifying potential for violence that lies hidden beneath a polished veneer. Twenty-five years later, American Psycho remains relevant, prompting us to examine the masks we wear, the routines we follow, and the potential darkness hidden within the seemingly ordinary. The enduring appeal lies in the unsettling possibility that the seemingly successful and controlled individual might harbor a horrifying secret, concealed beneath layers of carefully constructed normalcy. The film's enduring power stems from its chilling exploration of this very possibility.