American Psycho Ending Explained, What Happens at the End?
by Mathelene | Updated May 25, 2023
American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho is a psychological thriller film released in 2000, directed by Mary Harron and based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. The movie stars Christian Bale in the lead role as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker and serial killer living in New York City during the 1980s.
The film revolves around Bateman's double life, where by day, he appears as a successful, materialistic, and narcissistic businessman, obsessed with his physical appearance, designer clothes, and maintaining an image of perfection. However, by night, he indulges in his sadistic fantasies, preying on and brutally murdering various individuals, including women and colleagues.
American Psycho delves into the dark and twisted mind of Patrick Bateman, exploring themes of obsession, identity, and the dehumanizing effects of consumerism and capitalism. The movie combines elements of horror, satire, and black comedy, offering a disturbing portrayal of the protagonist's descent into madness.
While the film received mixed reviews upon its release, it has gained a cult following over the years for its thought-provoking themes and Christian Bale's standout performance. It is known for its dark humor, satirical commentary on the shallow nature of 1980s yuppie culture, and its graphic depictions of violence.
American Psycho Ending Explained
The ending of American Psycho is intentionally ambiguous and open to interpretation, leaving viewers with various possibilities and theories. Here's a breakdown of the ending and some common interpretations: In the final scenes of the film, Patrick Bateman confesses his crimes to his lawyer, Harold Carnes, who dismisses him and believes he is joking.
This suggests that Bateman's murders and violent acts may have been solely in his mind, existing only as delusions or fantasies. The movie then takes a surreal turn, leaving room for doubt about the reality of Bateman's actions. One interpretation is that the events depicted in the film are all in Bateman's imagination, serving as a commentary on the emptiness and superficiality of the materialistic world he inhabits.
This interpretation suggests that Bateman's psychopathic tendencies are metaphorical representations of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and consumerism. In this view, the ending implies that Bateman's crimes are symbolic of a larger societal issue rather than literal acts of violence.
Another interpretation is that Bateman's confession is genuine, but the world he inhabits is indifferent to his actions. The lack of consequences or acknowledgment of his crimes could be seen as a critique of the societal apathy and moral decay prevalent during the time period. This interpretation suggests that Bateman represents a corrupt and morally bankrupt society that turns a blind eye to its own atrocities.
There is also a theory that Bateman's confession to Carnes is a hallucination or a dream, further blurring the line between reality and delusion. This theory suggests that the entire film is a manifestation of Bateman's disturbed psyche, and the ending serves as a reflection of his fractured mental state.
Ultimately, the ending of American Psycho intentionally leaves room for interpretation, allowing viewers to engage in discussions about the nature of reality, identity, and the dark undercurrents of society. It invites multiple viewpoints and encourages speculation, making it a thought-provoking conclusion to the film.
American Psycho Summary
American Psycho is a psychological thriller film set in 1980s New York City and follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker. On the surface, Bateman appears to be a successful and confident businessman, obsessed with his physical appearance and the trappings of material wealth.
However, as the film progresses, it becomes apparent that Bateman is also a psychopathic serial killer. He indulges in sadistic fantasies and carries out brutal murders, primarily targeting women and colleagues. Bateman's violent acts are depicted in explicit detail, highlighting his disturbing obsession with control, power, and the infliction of pain.
Amidst his violent tendencies, Bateman navigates the shallow and materialistic world of Wall Street, where he engages in a constant battle of one-upmanship with his colleagues. He participates in excessive drug use, engages in casual sexual encounters, and obsesses over his image, all while maintaining a facade of normalcy and charm.
As the film progresses, Bateman's grip on reality begins to unravel, blurring the line between his violent fantasies and actual events. He becomes increasingly paranoid, experiencing hallucinations and losing his sense of self. The film delves into his deteriorating mental state, questioning the true nature of his actions and the boundaries between fantasy and reality.
The movie also explores themes of identity, consumerism, and the moral decay of society. It offers a satirical critique of the superficiality and narcissism prevalent in the 1980s yuppie culture, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The ending of American Psycho is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers with various interpretations and raising questions about the reality of Bateman's crimes and the extent of his madness.
What Does the Ending of 'American Psycho' Mean?
The ending of American Psycho is deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation, leaving room for multiple meanings. Here are a few possible interpretations:
Psychological Dissociation: One interpretation suggests that the ending represents Patrick Bateman's psychological dissociation. Throughout the film, Bateman struggles with his identity and a sense of reality, blurring the lines between his fantasies and actual events. The ending could indicate that Bateman's confession and the lack of consequences reflect his detachment from reality, highlighting the fragility of his mental state.
Critique of Society's Indifference: Another interpretation is that the ending critiques society's indifference to violence and moral decay. The fact that Bateman's lawyer dismisses his confession and doesn't take it seriously implies that the upper-class world Bateman inhabits is so wrapped up in its own shallow concerns that it fails to recognize or address the monstrous acts taking place. This interpretation suggests that the film comments on the moral bankruptcy and apathy of society at large.
Satirical Commentary on Consumerism: American Psycho is known for its satirical portrayal of the materialistic and image-obsessed 1980s yuppie culture. The ending could be seen as a critique of the emptiness and superficiality of that world. By presenting Bateman's crimes as exaggerated and almost comically over-the-top, the film satirizes the obsession with appearances and the dehumanizing effects of consumerism.
Unreliable Narrator: The film is presented from Bateman's perspective, and he is an unreliable narrator due to his mental instability. The ending may imply that Bateman's confession and his acts of violence are unreliable and distorted accounts, further blurring the line between reality and his twisted imagination. This interpretation raises questions about the reliability of the entire narrative and the true extent of Bateman's crimes.
American Psycho Trailer
American Psycho Ending Explained - FAQs
No, "American Psycho" is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction, adapted from the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis.
The ambiguous ending of "American Psycho" invites interpretation and discussion.
While "American Psycho" is a satirical portrayal of the 1980s yuppie culture, it exaggerates and heightens certain aspects for dramatic effect.