American Psycho: Why Critics Missed Its Masterpiece Despite 68% on Rotten Tomatoes

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Despite being hailed as one of the top psychological horror films from the past 25 years, “American Psycho” didn’t receive the critical acclaim it deserved. Christian Bale delivered an outstanding performance as the ruthless serial killer yuppie, Patrick Bateman, in this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ notorious novel. This movie stood out among the early 2000s films for its innovative portrayal of consumer culture’s all-encompassing nature and its stark depiction of gruesome murders. As a cult classic, “American Psycho” served as a mirror to society, reflecting its darkest aspects back onto itself.

Although many consider American Psycho to be among Bale’s finest films, it holds a 68% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Conversely, audiences have given it an impressive 85%. This dark comedy tells the story of a narcissistic New York investment banker with a hidden life as a serial killer, directed by Mary Harron. Initially, some critics were unimpressed, but today, American Psycho is often hailed as a modern classic and a remarkable adaptation of the previously thought-unfilmable novel.

Why American Psycho’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Is So Low

The Excessive Violence Of American Psycho Was Too Much For Some Critics

The novel and movie adaptation of American Psycho stirred up a great deal of controversy upon their debut, due to their graphic portrayal of violence and unflinching exploration of themes like murder, misogyny, and moral corruption. Despite Christian Bale’s captivating portrayal of Bateman, some critics misunderstood the materialism, self-absorption, and avarice at the story’s core and missed the insightful satire that American Psycho aimed to deliver.

Films that are highly divisive will often receive lower ratings from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, as those who dislike the movie may express their dissatisfaction more intensely in their reviews. As a film not intended to appeal to everyone, the unusual characters created by Easton, the directing style of Harron, and Bale’s performance made it easy for viewers to misinterpret the film. However, in the time since its release, the reputation of American Psycho has flourished, with its satirical commentary on consumerism, toxic masculinity, and identity being increasingly recognized and appreciated.

American Psycho Is So Much Better Than Its Rotten Tomatoes Score Suggests

Christian Bale Delivered One Of His Greatest Performances As Bateman

The primary reason for the low Rotten Tomatoes rating of “American Psycho” was a misunderstanding among critics, who perceived its over-the-top portrayal of violence as an endorsement instead of a critique. In fact, the film is a chilling portrayal of the emptiness of the corporate world, with Bale’s character embodying a man devoid of humanity, finding pleasure only in consumerism and acts of brutality. By presenting a challenging examination of capitalist society without explicitly stating its message, “American Psycho” compels viewers to grapple with the darkness embedded within this system and consider how it erodes our capacity for empathy.

The movie “American Psycho,” released in the early 2000s, is a sharp, thought-provoking thriller that surpasses its rating in terms of impact. With an engaging script, outstanding acting, and a message that remains strikingly relevant today, it’s highly recommended for those who haven’t watched it yet. Critics at the time might not have been ready to appreciate how accurately Christian Bale portrayed the cold, heartless side of modern corporate America, or how closely his terrifying performance mirrored the grim reality behind the glossy facade of wealth, status, and power.

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2025-06-06 14:10