American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
#1American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
Posted: 6/6/16 at 10:54pm
So having seen 'American Psycho' and LOVING it, two things left me puzzled. It's been ages since I've seen the movie and don't really remember it. In one scene there is a number that features a Bi-Sexual orgy- Was this supposed to be actually happening or fantasy? And also the ending- I interpreted it as it was all in Patrick's Mind- But I think that was wrong- Did Patrick actually kill all those people? I'm still confused.
Darreyl with an L!
lucas_glenn
Understudy Joined: 11/5/14
#2American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
Posted: 6/7/16 at 3:07am
The author of the book has stated that although it is left to the interpretation of the viewer/reader, whether it was real or if he made it all up, the intention was that Patrick Bateman did actually murder everyone.
pickles2
Chorus Member Joined: 1/21/16
#3American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
Posted: 6/7/16 at 2:57pm
I haven't seen the movie but the orgy scene happens while he is really having sex with the 2 prostitutes. The rest of the people are just staging, though, as he sings about how common pleasures like sex can't excite him anymore. He needs to torture and kill. At least that's how I interpreted it.
VintageSnarker
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
#4American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
Posted: 6/7/16 at 3:37pm
I agree with pickles2's interpretation of background based on the theme. That is, I don't think all those people were in his apartment.
From what I understand, it differs with the book and the movie but just talking about the musical, I think it was all a fantasy. The musical really pushes the redemption/sympathetic angle. Spoilers...
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With the song from his mother and stories about when he was young. And the way he rejects Jean to "save" her from himself. He's portrayed as someone who wants break free from his constraints and wants to effect change on these big issues (the rant he goes on at the birthday dinner) but ultimately, he just gives in and gets married to the woman he can't stand. Rejecting Jean (and not having actually committed any of the murders) redeems him but by not choosing her, he does not earn his full redemptive happy ending. It reminds me a bit of Peer Gynt, but that might just because I saw them so close together.
perfectliar
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
#5American Psycho scene question (Spoilers)
Posted: 6/7/16 at 5:17pm
lucas_glenn said: "The author of the book has stated that although it is left to the interpretation of the viewer/reader, whether it was real or if he made it all up, the intention was that Patrick Bateman did actually murder everyone. "
I don't know where you read this, but here is an interview from earlier this year with Bret Easton Ellis that supplies a different answer:
"Since Patrick Bateman is an unreliable narrator, and it is unclear at the end, have you ever decided whether or not he actually is a killer?
No, I've never made a decision. And when I was writing the book, I couldn't make a decision. That was what was so interesting to me about it. You can read the book either way. He's telling you these things are happening, and yet things are contradicting him throughout the book, so I don't know."
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