American Pimp

In 1987, we meet Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker in New York City, portrayed by Christian Bale. His life is marked by luxury and a commitment to maintaining his affluent image while engaging in superficial social interactions.

Bateman surrounds himself with affluent and vacuous acquaintances, including his fiancée Evelyn, played by Reese Witherspoon. Despite their status, he secretly harbors contempt for them, highlighting his deep-seated emptiness.

Bateman details his extravagant life, which includes exotic dining experiences and a meticulous personal regimen. His obsession with appearances is demonstrated through his morning workout routines and extensive music collection, featuring artists like Huey Lewis and the News.

Bateman's personal life becomes increasingly complex as he engages in an affair with Evelyn's friend, Courtney, while Evelyn himself is entangled with co-worker Timothy. Their interconnected relationships reflect the superficiality and betrayal prevalent in Bateman's life.

During a corporate meeting, Bateman and his colleagues engage in a vain display of their business cards, revealing their obsession with status. Bateman's rage is provoked when Paul Allen, portrayed by Jared Leto, presents a card he finds superior to his own.

Bateman's fury escalates into violence as he commits the first murder, killing a homeless man and his dog. This act signifies a tragic turning point in his psyche, showcasing the depth of his moral decay.

At a Christmas party, Bateman lures Paul into a deadly trap, impersonating a colleague to gain his trust. He brutally murders Paul with an axe while discussing the implications of 'Hip to Be Square', justifying his actions as a critique of corporate America.

After disposing of Paul's body, Bateman concocts a story to mislead his colleagues into believing that Paul has moved to London. This deception marks his descent further into lies and violence, compounding his internal chaos.

Bateman's unraveling continues as he is questioned by a private detective, Donald Kimball, about Paul's disappearance. The pressure intensifies, adding to Bateman's paranoia and fragmented psyche.

Bateman invites two prostitutes to his apartment, where his sadistic tendencies are unleashed. The encounter turns violent, further illustrating his detachment from humanity and deepening his psychological decline.

A chance encounter with colleague Luis Carruthers leads to further complications when Luis interprets an attempted murder as a sexual advance. This misunderstanding adds layers to Bateman's already complex web of manipulation and deceit.

Bateman’s violent tendencies culminate in a moment of passion as he kills his colleague Elizabeth during a brief encounter. This act symbolizes his complete descent into madness as he further isolates himself from reality.

Bateman experiences a psychological break, leading to his decision to end his engagement with Evelyn. This crisis reflects his internal struggle and illustrates the ultimate breakdown of his façade.

In a chilling moment, Bateman shoots a woman at an ATM after being provoked by a stray kitten. This senseless act of violence underscores his complete disconnection from morality and humanity.

Bateman attempts to unburden himself by confessing to his lawyer via voicemail. However, when he seeks out Harold to divulge his atrocities, Harold's laughter and disbelief leave Bateman realizing he may never face justice for his crimes.