What happens when someone becomes the ultimate conformist, constantly re-inventing one's self to fit the moment? And what happens when that facade starts to crack? This is the theme of AMERICAN PSYCHO, based on the controversial novel by Bret Easton Ellis.

The film is set in the heyday of business excess - the late 1980s - where Reagenomics rule and one's worth is based on one's possessions. A group of young businessmen have lunch at the latest trendy restaurant, name-dropping and spreading gossip like the rich do (like they'd actually work for a living). Later, at the newest dance club, one of the "boys" threatens a rude bartender, with a smile of course. This is our protagonist, Patrick Bateman. As he readies himself for work the next day, Bateman's voice-over describes his excessive lifestyle that keeps him in line with everyone else - the apartment, the clothes, the daily rituals of staying young and beautiful. At work, Bateman basically does nothing but bark orders and listen to his Walkman; apparently, his father owns the company, so Bateman is set for life. His girlfriend Evelyn wants him to quit - he just wants to fit in. Bateman speculates at dinner if Evelyn is having an affair; after all, he is. (isn't everybody?) He lies about a high-class restaurant date to his mistress Courtney so she'll remain impressed with his social savvy. At a business meeting, Bateman plays along with a colleague who believes he's someone else named Markus. When the boys compare their new business cards, Bateman is upset when his doesn't "measure up." He takes out his displeasure by stabbing a street bum and stomping on his dog. He muses that he has all the characteristics of a human, but not a real emotion. He feels his "mask" is beginning to slip.

Under the charade of "Markus", Bateman has dinner with a condescending colleague named Paul. After their meal, Bateman takes the drunk Paul to his apartment, and while extolling the music of Huey Lewis, hacks Paul to death with an ax. After disposing of the body, Bateman goes to Paul's place and arranges things to look like Paul left on an emergency business trip. However, Paul's girlfriend hires a detective, Kimball, to investigate Paul's disappearance. Kimball chats with Bateman, who is unable to distract the private eye with his charm. When he returns to his apartment, Bateman works out to the melodious sounds of the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Later, Bateman picks up some hookers and films their ménage a' trios, gazing at himself in the mirrors while he waxes poetic about Phil Collins. The next day, his co-worker Louis embarrasses Bateman with his new business card; Bateman follows him into the man's room to strangle him. Louis believes it's a sexual advance, which freaks Bateman out. Returning to his office, he is further agitated when Det. Kimball is there. Seems there's some holes in Bateman's story. Bateman manages to convince Kimball he has no clue to Paul's whereabouts. At a dance club that night, Bateman charms his way into sex with a model; the next morning, he fingers a lock of her hair. Bateman asks his secretary Jean out to dinner. When she arrives at his place, they talk of "possibilities". Bateman sneaks behind her with a nail-gun, but a call from Evelyn puts a damper on his plans. Bateman can barely contain his rage, and his asks Jean to leave or "she may get hurt." Another session with Kimball increases Bateman's distress, so he arranges a second three-way. This time he kills the girls, chasing one down with a chainsaw. As she runs, the hooker reveals many corpses in the apartment's closets and even the refrigerator. Bateman ultimately impales the streetwalker with the saw. The very next day, Bateman breaks up with Evelyn, telling her she's not important to him. His life spinning out of control, Bateman readies himself for drastic action. How many more will die before the ultimate conformist can get his head together?

AMERICAN PSYCHO is regarded by some as a "notorious" movie, but I don't see why. Yes, there is an extreme amount of sex and blood, but no more than many other films in the genre. Perhaps people are disturbed by the idea that style may win out over substance. Because Bateman has no individual personality - he reinvents himself depending on the moment - his excesses are overlooked because "beautiful" people don't do those things, do they? It's a scary thought to believe that those considered "privileged" could get away with, well, murder. Christian Bale is incredible as Bateman, bringing a real sense of the desperation Bateman has to be accepted, and his deep self-hatred at what he's become. The entire cast is very believable reliving the time when society considered "greed is good"; the nods to the cultural icons and music of the time are very well played. The ending (which I admit I found a little confusing) makes you re-examine the entire duality of Bateman's character - is it live or is it Memorex?

Lion's Gate has reissued AMERICAN PSYCHO, which was initially a Universal release. The picture quality is first rate, and the sound is superb. Extras included on this DVD are a short "making of" feature and trailers for the film and its "unneeded-looks-like-a-piece-of-crap" sequel. There are English or Spanish subtitles options as well. The original Universal release included an interview with Christian Bale, which would have been nice to see. Also, Universal released the DVD in two versions: "R" and "Unrated" - Lion's Gate has issued only the "R" rated version. My reliable sources inform me that there were only minor differences between the two cuts (likely a smidge more blood in a scene or two), so you're probably not missing out on much with this reissue. Both versions are wide screen and Dolby Digital 5.1.

Although certainly not for all tastes, AMERICAN PSYCHO is nonetheless an interesting trek into the mind of a killer who could be...anyone. Remember that cheery though next time you're at the mall.