Christian Bale has given iconic performances in Hollywood, showcasing his versatility and acting prowess in the glam world. However, his work as Patrick Bateman, who leads a double life as a serial killer, brought him further into the spotlight, paving his way to shine in other spectacular projects.
Despite the movie garnering critical acclaim, especially for Bale’s sinister performance, it still gained polarizing reviews from audiences, with some hating the project due to its controversial themes and graphic content. But, the actor made sure to address the same in an old interview.
Christian Bale’s Take on His Controversial Project, American Psycho
Christian Bale won everyone’s hearts with his iconic performance in the 2000 movie, American Psycho. However, the project was not an easy choice for anyone since it is based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel which garnered attention for its graphic violence, leading it to censorship in multiple countries.
Even the author was unsure whether anyone would be adapting the movie as per Moviemaker.
“There was not a line, believe me, of people who wanted to produce this movie.”
However, it piqued producer Edward R. Pressman’s interest, who bought the film rights in 1992 with the intent of making the project.
While its pre-production phase was quite tumultuous, the movie was eventually released, garnering a mixed response from the critics.
When the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, no one was giving it the reactions that were intended in the movie, leaving audiences with mixed feelings about the same.
The film director expressed the audience’s reaction at the movie premiere, stating.
“The amount of hostility at Sundance really did take me aback. The audience just sat there and did not know how to react. Because this little group of us, the editor, me, Christian, a few other people—we were laughing away. We knew the scenes that are meant to be funny are funny.”
However, it still remains a proud project for the actor who stated per EW,
”I don’t understand anybody who can’t find the humor. It’s twisted and sick. But it’s so ridiculous. Come on!”
Despite their initial responses, the movie managed to find its right audience, eventually gaining cult status in Hollywood.
Christian Bale’s Reaction to Reading American Psycho Script
Given that the novel created quite a controversy in the industry at the time of its release, it even reached Bale’s ears who knew nothing about the original material. When the director sent the script to the Batman Begins actor to introduce him to the movie, he went up exploding in laughter.
The Machinist actor shared with Moviemaker,
“I had no idea what to expect. I had not read the book at that time. I had heard of the controversy, people calling for it to be banned, and I was not expecting what I read. As I read it, I was exploding with laughter. And I didn’t know if that was Mary’s intent.”
He further added,
“I spoke with her on the phone, and I said, ‘I’ve just got to get this over with, because this might end our conversation and insult you. But I find this to be one of the most ridiculous and hilarious scripts.’ And she went, ‘Bingo. That’s it. Please fly out to meet me.’”
Their hilarious bond over the script became one of the very reasons why the duo ended up creating something spectacular with it.
It is well known that the former was not the only choice for the lead role as Lionsgate was hellbent on hiring Leonardo DiCaprio for the role, ousting even the director for the same.
However, he left the project due to some creative differences with the new director, with the studio reinstating Harron in the director’s chair. She brought the British actor back, with the movie production eventually rolling. It became a box-office success, grossing over $34 million.
American Psycho is streaming on Lionsgate Play.
