Is the American Psycho Remake a Genius Move or a Total Mistake?

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Summary

  • Lionsgate’s American Psycho remake isn’t as bad as skeptics think, due to fresh take on source material. (106)
  • New film could explore uncharted storylines from the original novel and address troublesome characterization. (100)
  • Director Luca Guadagnino’s unique vision could breathe new life into the psychological thriller genre. (88)

The news that a beloved cult classic film like “American Psycho” is being remade often meets with resistance, and this has been true for Lionsgate’s upcoming project. However, contrary to widespread belief, this remake might not be as detrimental as it initially appears to a skeptic, and it deserves a second glance from those who are critical.

The 2000 movie, which is well-loved in pop culture, notably for Christian Bale’s memorable performance as Patrick Bateman, continues to resonate strongly even today. Some might find the notion of Lionsgate remaking “American Psycho” unnecessary. Yet, before dismissing it as a mere money-making scheme, it’s crucial to examine who is involved and why this potential remake could potentially succeed.

Is American Psycho Getting Remade?

A Fresh Take On The Original Novel

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d like to clarify that the forthcoming American Psycho film isn’t exactly a remake. You see, the 2000 movie was already an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel with the same title. In essence, this upcoming project is more like a fresh interpretation or reimagining of the original source material. It’s quite common in cinema; for instance, there have been numerous Little Women films based on the single novel, and iconic characters such as Batman and Superman have seen countless adaptations over the years.

Who Is Directing The New American Psycho?

The upcoming “American Psycho” film is slated to be helmed by Luca Guadagnino, who recently garnered success at film festivals with his work titled “Queer.” This 53-year-old Italian director is renowned for delving deep into each genre and transforming conventional narratives into unique, thought-provoking tales. For instance, he masterfully combined a sports drama with a romantic triangle in “Challengers” featuring Zendaya, while “Bones and All” turned a story about cannibals into an emotional road trip movie. Given his penchant for the unconventional, Guadagnino’s take on “American Psycho,” a psychological thriller, is bound to be anything but ordinary. It will be intriguing to see how he reimagines such familiar material with his distinctive vision.

What Is American Psycho About?

The movie “American Psycho” centers around Patrick Bateman, a dual personality character who works as an investment banker in New York City during the day and commits murders at night. Though it may seem like a standard slasher film, beneath the surface, it serves as a satire on capitalism and the fast-paced, competitive culture of hustling. Even 25 years after its initial release, this movie continues to resonate culturally, primarily because of its enduring themes and the iconic status of Christian Bale’s character in internet culture. Any new development related to this story would undoubtedly spark interest, but it’s almost guaranteed that hardcore fans of the original will express either approval or discontent.

Why Another American Psycho Film Might Work

More Stories To Be Told From The Novel

There are many untouched aspects from Bret Easton Ellis’ novel in the initial film, such as Patrick Bateman’s college girlfriend’s separate narrative, which was the only thing that unsettled him. To put it simply, the first movie might have been less intense than the novel’s richness. The upcoming film could aim to be more faithful to the book and offer an unpleasant viewing experience unlike any other by fully adapting the story.

Fixing The Patrick Bateman Problem

Additionally, the upcoming “American Psycho” film offers an opportunity to correct the problematic portrayal of its protagonist, Patrick Bateman. Originally, the story was intended as a critique of consumerism and harmful masculinity, yet Bateman has inadvertently gained popularity among certain groups who idolize him. Directors Guadagnino and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns might use this chance to redefine the heroic image associated with this questionable character.

Who Plays Patrick Bateman In The Remake?

Currently, Austin Butler appears to be the studio’s preferred actor for the main part, though names like Jacob Elordi are also in the mix. However, since nothing has been officially decided, there remains a possibility that more fitting candidates such as Glen Powell, Jake Gyllenhaal, or even Robert Pattinson could secure the role instead.

In this project, the actor chosen to play Patrick Bateman will encounter an unparalleled challenge. Matching Christian Bale’s performance may appear daunting, given that he was the first to embody the character on screen. Comparing it to his role as Batman might be a bit of a reach, but it’s undeniable that subsequent portrayals by Affleck and Pattinson have carved their own fan bases.

The Problem With Remaking American Psycho

Regardless of all the current circumstances, it’s undeniable that the forthcoming “American Psycho” remains one of Lionsgate’s riskiest ventures yet. The response on social networks has been decidedly negative, making it a challenge for the studio to generate authentic enthusiasm and anticipation. The book’s creator has kept his distance from the project news and voiced concerns about its viability. On his podcast, “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast,” he made clear that he is uninvolved in this production, should it even materialize.

Based on the information I’ve gathered, what you’re referring to appears to be a fabricated story intended to gauge public response… If it indeed exists, I want to clarify that I have no involvement or connection to it. I might potentially benefit financially if it goes ahead, but creatively, I am not involved in any capacity, and that is the extent of my knowledge on the matter.

The movie must also tackle issues such as deciding on which era it will be set, since many of the memorable and quotable lines from the original “American Psycho,” like “I have to return some DVDs,” or selecting Bateman’s preferred band, must be spot-on. Even with the numerous hurdles and high chances of impending failure, Lionsgate should still pursue the “American Psycho” remake – not for financial gain, but driven by creative motivation.

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2025-01-20 20:28