The Next Reel Film Podcast

Is this a case where the book and film stand as separate but equal entities? How great (and frightening) is Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman? Why didn’t this film get more awards notice? And who is this mysterious Davis anyway? Tune in to this week’s show to get answers to these questions and more!

Show Notes

“There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman. Some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me. Only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours, and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable, I simply am not there.”

Bret Easton Ellis’ book “American Psycho” was published in 1991 under much controversy. The initial publisher cancelled the contract because of “aesthetic differences” with the content. The new publisher wouldn’t release it in hardback until 2012. Several countries refused to release it and many only released it shrink-wrapped, only available to those over 18. Such controversy often spurs more in Hollywood to nab the property for cinematic adaptation, and even though Edward R. Pressman secured the rights right away, it still took nearly a decade to get the film made. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Mary Harron series with her 2000 film American Psycho.

We talk about the dark satire of the book and how it is easy to misread satire in such a bloody violent film, but how the film’s humor really helped it come through more. We look at the way Christian Bale takes on the role of Patrick Bateman and some of his influences in the role. We talk more about getting the book to the screen and the various hands attached at points in time. We debate the unreliable narrator throughout the movie and our interpretations on what’s real vs. what’s not. We discuss the use of pop culture and how that ties to Bateman’s personality. We compare the film to Wall Street which is an interesting one especially as Oliver Stone had been on board as director at one point. And we ponder the existence of the mysterious Davis...

It’s a strong film and certainly a favorite of ours, albeit a difficult one to watch. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.