Narrative Structure
The opening titles are set against a backdrop of falling blood drops, this is indication of what is to come yet It doesn't necessarily fit with the elegant music and upcoming scene. All seems initially quite well as Patrick Bateman (Main character) and friends discuss affairs at a privilege restaurant, showing Bateman is a upper class member of citizen and is socialising with what you may call "toffs" giving the audience back round info. This is leading the audience Into a somewhat false sense of security as we see now impending danger. Bateman then travels to a nightclub and we see the first sign of his psychotic behaviour. Whilst talking to a waitress he mutters of how he will brutally murder her before turning pleasant once more (the following day he goes to the dry cleaners with a set of bloodstained sheets, suggesting he committed this act and thus the first act is thought to have been committed but no confirmed as it hasn't been shown). Although brief we know now that there are clearly underlying issues and the viewer anticipates how these will be carried out. The next scene is Patrick describing his persona whilst carrying out a rigorous morning routine and with through his choice of words there is more proof that things are becoming sinister in his head and perhaps for those around him. His routine is unbelievably precise and detailed, taking great pride in his appearance but perhaps to a creepy extent. Coming across as isolated but embracing this and not content with others around him. His apartment is classy and modern reflecting his care in appearance. With all these factors combined the audience can't help but feel something seedy lurks in this characters background and that this immensely healthy image on the outside is a indication to dark on the inside. Then in the last moments of the scene he transfers from description to a brief but chilling account of how he is a "entity", and "simply not there" distancing himself from the edges of human sanity.
Sound
Music plays a key role in the opening part of the film, It is in theme with the upper class and high society lifestyle Bateman and his colleagues lead, piano based with a classy feel. Setting the scene and linking with Bateman's image well. Also it quite dramatic and is in theme with the images and showing of blood in the opening credits. In the routine scene the music is calm in sound yet fast piano playing with a repeated theme and rise and fall in tempo (notably lower when he speaks). As Bateman's dialogue changes to more sinister meanings the theme takes a change to and becomes a bit darker, in a lower key before ultimately tuning out and into a quite screech. This is parallel to the mood of the scene, steady and rhythmic then a twist at the end. In the card scene this technique is used again, the music come sin when Bateman is getting frustrated and is echoed and dark, with a slight beating drum in the distance.
Character Profile
Patrick Bateman (portrayed by Christian Bale-best known for Batman) is a complex character with a twisted set of values and moral views. He is a complete enigma and manages to display a image that keeps his bloodthirsty self at bay, until it is released in certain instances. Yet there is a constant insanity within the man and he appears to embrace this. He is not a stereotypical serial killer in film, his methods are tested and cunning. Luring people in with his false facade and then brutally murdering them. However in the opening scenes no murder has yet to take place and we can only judge Bateman on the occasionally "slip of tongue" he gives about his seedy and sinful ways. He is constantly smart and well groomed, adding to his convincing portrayal, and is usual well spoken and intelligent. Yet snippets of his delirious self are shown, e.g. when he is in the cleaners he openly shouts how he will kill the shop owner yet this is disregarded. "My mask of sanity is slipping away" a quote that suggest even Bateman himself is doubting himself and how he can go hiding his lust for killing. He seems to detest many aspects of life and is ignorant to those around him e.g. when his girlfriend is talking of marriage he has his headphones in and dismisses it with "I can't take time off work". Also his is very observational and present everything he says as spot on. A final point to make is when Patrick states "I want to fit in" indicating he sees himself as a outsider and backs my point made earlier about him seeming, inhuman.
Cinematography and Mise en scene
The shots in the routine scene are particularly interesting, a distant shot of his apartment gives the audience a feel of this man's lifestyle and then we cut to Bateman, close up of his reflection in a panting is used to good affect as it represents a duel personalty. Each action Bateman describes is shown in the scene e.g. the shampoo and a close up of him peeling off his facial mask is symbolic of his "mask of insanity". The props used e.g. the facial cream, ice pack etc are used well to create greater effect on the detail Bateman is going into. The other characters around Bateman are presented as fat cats of the business world and although intellectual we are given the view that they are below Bateman's superior knowledge, e.g. the way he judge's/accesses them in the office commenting on how he is alike some someone yet has "a slightly better haircut" and "this complete dickhead Marcus", suggesting the fickle and. The card scene being a fantastic example of this, in which they compare company cards (all very elegant), a very materialistic and snobby act yet one which highlights Bateman's fragile mind as he becomes notable disturbed that theirs are better, to the point where he physically sweats. The camera shows a close up on Bateman to reveal this and thus makes the scene even more intense.
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