Mary Harron’s American Psycho dives deeply into a murderous breakdown…

Based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel and directed by Mary Harron American Psycho is a classic for a reason.

Harron, who’d already hit the scene as a groundbreaking director with I Shot Andy Warhol, really goes all out with this film. Especially with how she captured camera angles (e.g. the face mask removal scene) that really made the audience feel…off. Disturbed, even.

Harron also seemed to really encourage Bale’s mania with the character, showcasing how quickly he was losing it.

Finally her direction with the camera and lighting really pulled the viewer into a bleak mental landscape. The dark city, the 80’s opulence and hedonism, and the solitude that Bale’s character is experiencing are all showcased really well.