Analyzing the Rumors of an American Psycho Remake: Understanding the Essence of the Original Christian Bale Film

The original movie American Psycho, starring Christian Bale and directed by Mary Harron in 2000, brilliantly satirizes 1980s "yuppie" culture. Based on Brett Easton Ellis' 1991 novel of the same name, the film follows Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker by day and a serial killer by night. The supporting cast includes Justin Theroux, Reese Witherspoon, Jared Leto, Chloe Sevigny, and Willem Dafoe.

Rumors suggest that Lionsgate is planning a remake of American Psycho. However, finding an actor to play the role of Patrick Bateman as flawlessly as Bale did may prove to be a challenge. More importantly, remaking the film raises questions about how it may affect the core themes and message of the original movie.

American Psycho is available to stream on Peacock.

Remaking American Psycho Plays Into The Original Movie's Themes

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman grinning and wearing sunglasses in American Psycho 2000 - Remaking American Psycho Plays Into The Original Movie's Themes

American Psycho delves into the issues of toxic masculinity, corporate greed, and consumerism. Through its portrayal of characters like Bateman, the film offers a sharp critique of Wall Street bankers in the 1980s. Despite being set in a specific cultural moment, the movie's themes remain pertinent today, making it a timeless piece of social commentary.

Remaking a classic film like American Psycho just for profit is a prime example of corporate greed and unnecessary consumerism that the movie itself criticizes. Ironically, the very idea of remaking American Psycho reflects some of its key themes. While not all remakes are a bad idea, the ongoing relevance of American Psycho makes it hard to see how a modern remake could bring anything new to the table. In the end, it seems like Lionsgate's motivation to remake American Psycho is purely to capitalize on nostalgia and make money.

An American Psycho Remake Would Continue A Concerning Movie Trend

Remaking such a classic film as a meaningless cash grab is exemplary of the exact kind of corporate greed and needless consumerism that American Psycho is concerned with critiquing and exposing. The act of remaking American Psycho in particular would contradict the whole point of its source material, which would make it impossible for the new film’s same expression to feel genuine or authentic at all. If Lionsgate’s remake of American Psycho ever comes to fruition, its very creation would be inherently hypocritical.

Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) Swinging an Axe in American Psycho - An American Psycho Remake Would Continue A Concerning Movie Trend

A potential remake of American Psycho would not only go against the core message of the original movie, but it would also contribute to the prevailing trend in the film industry. Nowadays, it's common to see studios relying on existing intellectual properties to create new franchises rather than taking risks with fresh and innovative ideas. This has led to an oversaturation of remakes, reboots, and sequels that lack originality and substance. Therefore, remaking American Psycho would simply add to the ongoing cycle of unoriginal and uninspired content.

Source: The Insneider

Editor's P/S:

The article raises valid concerns about the potential remake of "American Psycho." It argues that a remake would undermine the original film's critique of toxic masculinity, corporate greed, and consumerism. By remaking the movie for profit, Lionsgate would ironically embody the very issues that the film exposes. Furthermore, the article suggests that the remake would contribute to the trend of unoriginal and uninspired content in the film industry.

I agree with the author's sentiments. "American Psycho" is a classic film that brilliantly satirizes the excesses of the 1980s. It is a timeless piece of social commentary that remains relevant today. A remake would not only be unnecessary but could also potentially damage the legacy of the original film.