American Psycho Still Slashes Through Pop Culture 25 Years Later

The evolution, impact, and future of American Psycho.

It’s been 25 years since American Psycho shocked audiences with its razor-sharp satire, unsettling violence, and unforgettable portrayal of Patrick Bateman—an investment banking executive by day and a deranged serial killer by night. Directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial 1991 novel, the film premiered on April 14, 2000, and has since carved out a permanent spot in pop culture history.

American Psycho, starring Christian Bale in a career-defining performance, was initially met with mixed reactions due to its brutal content. However, over time, the film gained a cult following for its dark humor, social commentary, and Bale’s chilling transformation into Bateman. The cast included Reese Witherspoon, Jared Leto, Willem Dafoe, Samantha Mathis, and Chloë Sevigny.

The movie had a sleek style and soundtrack.

It featured tracks from David Bowie, Huey Lewis and the News, and New Order—helped define its era. On a $7 million budget, American Psycho grossed over $34 million worldwide, proving its staying power despite the controversy surrounding it.

Before Bale landed the role, big names like Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio were attached to the project at different points, adding to the mythos of what could’ve been. The legacy turned odd in 2002 when a direct-to-video sequel titled American Psycho 2 was released. It starred a then up-and-coming Mila Kunis and barely tied into the original, drawing criticism from fans and Ellis himself.

A new generation is getting ready to meet Patrick Bateman all over again. A remake is officially in the works, with director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name, Bones and All) at the helm. Austin Butler (Elvis) has been cast as the new Bateman, setting the stage for a stylish and intense reimagining of the psychopathic executive.

As the original film turns 25, it remains a brutal mirror of consumer culture, toxic masculinity, and the thin line between sanity and madness. Whether you’re into sharp suits or sharper axes, American Psycho still demands your attention—and maybe even a reservation at Dorsia.

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