MovieChat Forums > American Psycho (2000) Discussion > Theory: He wasn't that rich and he wasn'...

Theory: He wasn't that rich and he wasn't that successful

posted 3 months ago by holly61 (901)
2 replies | jump to latest

His Dad had money but wasn't giving it out to him so easily. He was renting a nice apartment but doesn't own it nor does he own any property.

He doesn't seem to be particularly successful in his job and he's not hard working. This is why he hates Paul - Paul in my opinion is much wealthier, self made wealth. He is hard working, engaging and has made a name for his self around town which is why he's able to get into "Dorcia". Paul is basically on his way to the top, becoming a millionaire.

Patrick can not stand him for this reason. Patrick isn't anything like Paul, he's a guy who's Daddy got him a job and will never be more than his father's son.

[–] daveyh (587) 2 months ago

thing is, if the murders are a fantasy, you've got to wonder what other aspects of his life/identity are also only in his head. He could not be rich or successful, either in his own right or through family money, or be the well dressed, athletic handsome guy he projects to be - it would have been funny if he'd looked in a mirror of his American Gardens building appartment towards the end of the movie and the audience could see an overweight, pasty-faced slob staring back , with what appeared to be a scruffy cramped garret in the background.

[–] holly61 (901) 2 months ago

The movie is deceptive. We're not watching what we think we are. He may look like an attractive man to us the audience but could look like something else very different...

So I would say you are right. Most of the movie is fantasy and aspiration from an insecure person.