American Psycho is a movie released in 2000, directed by Mary Harron, and based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. The film follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, successful investment banker in New York City during the late 1980s. Bateman, portrayed by Christian Bale, is a narcissistic, psychopathic individual who commits a series of brutal murders and engages in other disturbing behavior.
The movie has been the subject of much debate and interpretation since its release. Some have seen it as a commentary on the excesses and shallowness of the 1980s and the culture of Wall Street. Others have analyzed it as a critique of masculinity and the pressures that men face in a patriarchal society.
Regarding the latter interpretation, some argue that American Psycho can be viewed as a commentary on the "war on men" in today's world. This concept refers to the idea that men are facing increasing challenges and discrimination in areas such as education, employment, and family life. Supporters of the "war on men" argument claim that men are being unfairly targeted and demonized by feminists and progressive activists.
However, this interpretation of American Psycho is not necessarily supported by the film itself. While it is true that the character of Patrick Bateman is male, the movie does not present him as a sympathetic figure or a victim of society. Instead, Bateman is shown as a cold-blooded killer who is obsessed with power, wealth, and status. He engages in acts of violence and cruelty towards women, as well as men, and shows no remorse for his actions.
Moreover, the movie does not present a simplistic view of masculinity or gender relations. Several female characters are shown as strong and independent, while some of the male characters are depicted as weak or ineffectual. The film's portrayal of masculinity is complex and multifaceted, and it does not lend itself to simple generalizations about men or women.
In conclusion, American Psycho is a complex and challenging movie that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. While it is possible to view the film as a commentary on the challenges that men face in contemporary society, this interpretation is not necessarily supported by the movie's content. Instead, American Psycho presents a nuanced and unsettling portrait of a disturbed individual and raises questions about the nature of identity, power, and violence.