Christian Bale’s iconic portrayal of the psychopathic killer, Patrick Bateman, in American Psycho has left an indelible mark. Bateman’s unsettling personality and exaggerated internal monologues, brilliantly executed by Bale, elicit both discomfort and a sense of plausibility. Surprisingly, to infuse authenticity into his character, Bale drew inspiration not from a notorious serial killer but from renowned actor Tom Cruise.
In moments when Patrick Bateman deviates from his serious and villainous demeanor, he adorns a wide grin and adopts an artificially cheerful manner of speaking. This peculiar behavior creates an eerie impression that Bateman is not merely human but rather an observer studying human behavior and attempting to mimic it. Bale’s meticulous approach to portraying Bateman is evident, as he meticulously crafted the character’s behavior.
Christian Bale Took Inspiration From Tom Cruise’s Interviews
During a conversation, director Mary Harron recounted a significant moment when Christian Bale reached out to her, revealing his source of inspiration for American Psycho: a David Letterman interview featuring Tom Cruise. Harron vividly described Cruise’s demeanor as displaying an “intense friendliness” devoid of depth behind his eyes, which greatly captivated Bale.
Recognizing the inherent fit between Cruise’s energy and the unsettling corporate environment portrayed in American Psycho, Bale believed it would authentically complement his character. Tom Cruise consistently exudes an intense and exuberant demeanor, characterized by his wide grin and exaggerated movements.
Opinions diverge regarding the authenticity of his seemingly forced display of happiness, reminiscent of Patrick Bateman’s unsettling behavior. While some perceive Tom Cruise’s demeanor as genuinely enthusiastic, others interpret it as unnatural. Nevertheless, the undeniable unnaturalness in his conduct resonated with Christian Bale, who deemed it an ideal fit for the portrayal of Bateman in American Psycho.
Christian Bale Mimicked Tom Cruise’s Mannerism For His Role
While Patrick Bateman’s aggression clearly distinguishes him from Tom Cruise, echoes of Cruise’s persona can be observed in American Psycho. A striking resemblance emerges when Bateman, preparing to murder a drunken associate, showcases a big grin and wide-eyed expression akin to Cruise. Additionally, Bateman’s passionate discussions, particularly regarding music, mirror Cruise’s intense delivery during his Letterman interview, blurring the line between authenticity and forced enthusiasm.
While American Psycho may inadvertently evoke resemblances to Tom Cruise, it is highly unlikely that the film intentionally intended to associate him with a serial killer. Christian Bale’s portrayal and narrative bear no personal animosity towards Cruise.
However, it is worth noting that Cruise’s involvement in the Scientology movement has led to a divisive perception among certain audiences. Conversely, numerous individuals who have collaborated with Cruise attest to his genuine kindness, describing him as one of the most amiable individuals they have encountered. Thus, opinions regarding Cruise’s character remain subjective and varied.
American Psycho is available for streaming on Hulu.
Source: CBR
