American Psycho

Patrick Bateman:
I don't want you to get drunk, but that's a very expensive glass of Chardonnay you're NOT drinking there. It isn't poisoned.

Patrick Bateman:
Harold, it's Bateman, Patrick Bateman. You're my lawyer so I think you should know: I've killed a lot of people. Some girls in the apartment uptown uh, some homeless people maybe 5 or 10 um an NYU girl I met in Central Park. I left her in a parking lot behind some donut shop. I killed Bethany, my old girlfriend, with a nail gun, and some man uh some old f*ggot with a dog last week. I killed another girl with a chainsaw, I had to, she almost got away and uh someone else there I can't remember maybe a model, but she's dead too. And Paul Allen. I killed Paul Allen with an axe in the face, his body is dissolving in a bathtub in Hell's Kitchen. I don't want to leave anything out here. I guess I've killed maybe 20 people, maybe 40. I have tapes of a lot of it, uh some of the girls have seen the tapes. I even, um... I ate some of their brains, and I tried to cook a little. Tonight I, uh, I just had to kill a LOT of people. And I'm not sure I'm gonna get away with it this time. I guess I'll uh, I mean, ah, I guess I'm a pretty uh, I mean I guess I'm a pretty sick guy. So, if you get back tomorrow, meet me at Harry's Bar, so you know, keep your eyes open.

Patrick Bateman:
You're a f***ing ugly b*tch. I want to stab you to death, and then play around with your blood.

Patrick Bateman:
I want you to clean your vagina.

Patrick Bateman:
I'm on a diet.

Jean:
What, your kidding, right? You look great... so fit... and thin.

Patrick Bateman:
Well, you can always look thinner.

Jean:
Then maybe we shouldn't go out to dinner. I wouldn't want you to lose your willpower.

Patrick Bateman:
That's okay. I'm not very good at controlling it anyway.

Patrick Bateman:
Not quite blonde, are we? More of a dirty blonde.

Patrick Bateman:
I like to dissect women. Did you know I'm utterly insane?

Patrick Bateman:
My need to engage in homicidal behavior on a massive scale cannot be corrected, but, ah, I have no other way to fulfill my needs.

Patrick Bateman:
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.

Waiter:
Would you like to hear today's specials?

Patrick Bateman:
Not if you want to keep your spleen.

Patrick Bateman:
I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

Patrick Bateman:
Do you know what Ed Gein said about women?

David Van Patten:
The maitre 'd at Canal Bar?

Patrick Bateman:
No, serial killer, Wisconsin, the '50s.

Craig McDermott:
So what did he say?

Patrick Bateman:
"When I see a pretty girl walking down the street, I think two things. One part wants me to take her out, talk to her, be real nice and sweet and treat her right."

David Van Patten:
And what did the other part think?

Patrick Bateman:
"What her head would look like on a stick..."

Patrick Bateman:
Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Christy, take off your robe. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. Sabrina, remove your dress. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Sabrina, why don't you, uh, dance a little. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Christy, get down on your knees so Sabrina can see your a**hole. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. Sabrina, don't just stare at it, eat it. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.

Patrick Bateman:
Wasn't Rothschild originally handling the Fisher account? How did you get it?

Paul Allen:
Well, Halberstram, I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill ya.

Evelyn Williams:
Where are you going?

Patrick Bateman:
I am just leaving.

Evelyn Williams:
But where?

Patrick Bateman:
I have to return some videotapes.

Patrick Bateman:
He was into that whole Yale thing.

Donald Kimball:
Yale thing?

Patrick Bateman:
Yeah, Yale thing.

Donald Kimball:
What whole Yale thing?

Patrick Bateman:
Well, he was probably a closet homosexual who did a lot of cocaine. That whole Yale thing.

Courtney Rawlinson:
Listen Patrick, can we talk?

Patrick Bateman:
You look... marvelous. There's nothing to say.

Patrick Bateman:
I don't think we should see each other.

Evelyn Williams:
But your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends. I don't think it would work. You have a little something...

Patrick Bateman:
I know that your friends are my friends and, uh... I thought about that. You can have'em.

Patrick Bateman:
There are no more barriers to cross. All I have in common with the uncontrollable and the insane, the vicious and the evil, all the mayhem I have caused and my utter indifference toward it I have now surpassed. My pain is constant and sharp and I do not hope for a better world for anyone, in fact I want my pain to be inflicted on others. I want no one to escape, but even after admitting this there is no catharsis, my punishment continuous to allude me and I gain no deeper knowledge of myself no new knowledge can be extracted from my telling. This confession has meant nothing.

Patrick Bateman:
Paul Allen has mistaken me for this d*ckhead Marcus Halberstram. It seems logical because Marcus also works at P&P and in fact does the same exact thing I do and he also has a penchant for Valentino suits and Oliver Peoples glasses. Marcus and I even go to the same barber, although I have a slightly better haircut.

Patrick Bateman:
Do you like Huey Lewis and the news?

Paul Allen:
They're OK.

Patrick Bateman:
Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in '83,I think they really came into their own, commercial and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consimante professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far much more bitter, cynical sense of humour.

Paul Allen:
Hey Halberstram.

Patrick Bateman:
Yes, Allen?

Paul Allen:
Why are their copies of the style section all over the place, d-do you have a dog? A little chow or something?

Patrick Bateman:
No, Allen.

Paul Allen:
Is that a rain coat?

Patrick Bateman:
Yes it is! In '87, Huey released this, Fore, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to be Square", a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself.

Patrick Bateman:
Hey Paul!

Patrick Bateman:
TRY GETTING A RESERVATION AT DORSIA NOW YOU F***ING STUPID BASTARD! YOU, F***ING BASTARD!

Patrick Bateman:
I have to return some videotapes.

Patrick Bateman:
You're dating Louis and he's in Arizona. You're f***ing me and we don't have plans tonight. What could you possibly be doing?

Patrick Bateman:
Get a god-damn job Al.

Evelyn Williams:
You're inhuman.

Patrick Bateman:
No... .I'm in touch with humanity.

Jean:
Make someone happy. Have you ever wanted to?

Patrick Bateman:
I'm looking for, uh...

Patrick Bateman:
I guess you could say I just want to have a meaningful relationship with someone special.

Patrick Bateman:
I think if you stay, something bad will happen. I think I might hurt you. You don't want to get hurt, do you?

Jean:
No. No, I guess not. I don't want to get bruised.

Courtney Rawlinson:
Stop it, I'm...

Patrick Bateman:
- on a lot of lithium?

Evelyn Williams:
You hate that job anyway. I don't see why you don't just quit.

Patrick Bateman:
Because I want to fit in.

Patrick Bateman:
Did you know that Ted Bundy's first dog was a collie named Lassie?

Jean:
Who's Ted Bundy?

Courtney Rawlinson:
Will you call me before Easter?

Patrick Bateman:
Maybe.

Patrick Bateman:
Ask me a question.

Daisy:
What do you do?

Patrick Bateman:
I'm into... well murders and executions mostly.

Daisy:
Do you like it?

Patrick Bateman:
It depends. Why?

Daisy:
Because most guys I know who work with mergers an acquisitions really don't like it.

Patrick Bateman:
Just say no.

Craig McDermott:
If they have a great personality and they're not great looking... then who f***ing cares?

Patrick Bateman:
Well, let's just say hypotetically ok? What if they have a great personality?

Patrick Bateman:
I know, I know.

Patrick Bateman:

David Van Patten:
There are no girls with good personalities.

David Van Patten:
A good personality consists of a chick with a little hard body, who will satisfy all sexual demands without being too slutty about things, and who essentially will keep her dumb f***ing mouth shut.

Craig McDermott:
The only girls with good personalities who are smart or maybe funny or halfway intelligent or talented, though god knows what the f*** that means, are ugly chicks.

David Van Patten:
Absolutely.

Craig McDermott:
And this is because they have to make up for how f***ing unnattractive they are.

Jean:
What's that?

Patrick Bateman:
Duct tape. I need it for... taping something.

Patrick Bateman:
Hey, I'm a child of divorce, gimme a break!

Patrick Bateman:
Just cool it with the anti-Semitic remarks.

Patrick Bateman:
Your compliment was sufficient, Luis.

Patrick Bateman:
I'm leaving. I've assessed the situation, and I'm going.

Patrick Bateman:
Come on, Bryce. There are a lot more important problems than Sri Lanka to worry about.

Timothy Bryce:
Like what?

Patrick Bateman:
Well, we have to end apartheid for one. And slow down the nuclear arms race, stop terrorism and world hunger. We have to provide food and shelter for the homeless, and oppose racial discrimination and promote civil rights, while also promoting equal rights for women. We have to encourage a return to traditional moral values. Most importantly, we have to promote general social concern and less materialism in young people.

Patrick Bateman:
I live in the American Gardens Building on W. 81st Street on the 11th floor. My name is Patrick Bateman. I'm 27 years old. I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I'll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.

Jean:
Are you dating anyone?

Patrick Bateman:
I dont know. Maybe... not really.

Bateman:
New card. What do you think?

McDermott:
Whoa-ho, very nice. Look at that.

Bateman:
Picked them up from the printer's yesterday.

Van Patten:
Good coloring.

Bateman:
That's "Bone". And the lettering is something called "Silian Rail".

Van Patten:
It's very cool, Bateman... but that's nothing. Look at this.

(Van Patten removes his card from its holder)

Bryce:
That is really nice.

Van Patten:
"Eggshell", with "Romalian" type. What do you think?

Bateman:
[beat] Nice.

Bryce:
Jesus. That is really super. How'd a nitwit like you get so tasteful?

Bateman:
[internal monologue] I can't believe that Bryce prefers Van Patten's card to mine.

Bryce:
But wait, you ain't seen nothing yet.

(Bryce removes his card from its holder)

Bryce:
Raised lettering, "Pale Nimbus". White.

Bateman:
Impressive. Very nice. [beat] Let's see Paul Allen's card.

(Bryce nervously reveals Paul Allen's card)

Bateman:
[internal monologue] Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God... it even has a watermark.

(Bateman seethes)

Carruthers:
Something wrong? Patrick? You're sweating.

McDermott:
If they have a great personality and they're not great looking... then who f***ing cares?

Bateman:
Well, let's just say hypothetically, OK? What if they have a great personality?

[pause, all laugh]

Bateman:
I know, I know. [in unison with the rest] There are no girls with good personalities.

Van Patten:
A good personality consists of a chick with a little hard body, who will satisfy all sexual demands without being too slutty about things, and who essentially will keep her dumb f***ing mouth shut.

McDermott:
The only girls with good personalities who are smart or maybe funny or halfway intelligent or talented, though god knows what the f*** that means, are ugly chicks.

Van Patten:
Absolutely.

McDermott:
And this is because they have to make up for how f***ing unattractive they are.

Bateman:
Do you know what Ed Gein said about women?

Van Patten:
Ed Gein? Maitre d' at Canal Bar?

Bateman:
No, serial killer, Wisconsin in the fifties.

McDermott:
So what did Ed say?

Bateman:
When I see a pretty girl walking down the street I think two things. One part of me wants to take her out and talk to her and be real nice and sweet and treat her right.

McDermott:
And what did the other part think?

Bateman:
What her head would look like on a stick. [chuckles]

Luis:
Hi, guys. I wanna get your opinion on something. It's my business card. I decided to get a new one, too.

[Luis removes his business card from the holder and shows it to McDermott, then Van Patten]

McDermott:
Very nice.

Van Patten:
Very nice, Luis.

Luis:
Thank you. [shows it to Bateman, who does not respond. Luis then leaves]

Van Patten:
Listen, what about dinner...

Bateman:
Is that all you ever have to contribute, Van Patten? What about f***in' dinner?!

McDermott:
Cheer up there, baby. What's the matter? No shiatsu this morning? [claps Bateman on the shoulder]

Bateman:
[shoves McDermott's hand away] Touch me like that, and you'll draw back a stump.

McDermott:
Hold on there, little buddy--!

[Bateman leaves and heads for the restroom where Luis is at. Donning a pair of leather gloves, he approaches Luis from behind and prepares to strangle him, but Luis turns around, sees Bateman, removes one of the gloves and kisses Bateman's hand.]

Luis:
[laughs] Patrick...why here? I've seen you looking at me. [traces a hand along Bateman's cheek, before pressing a finger to his lips and nose] I've noticed your...hot body. [chuckles, then moves in close] Don't be shy. You can't imagine how long I've wanted this - ever since that Christmas party - Arizona 206, you know, the one where you were wearing that red striped paisley Armani tie...

[Bateman, bewildered and disgusted, heads to one of the sinks and begins washing his hands - without even removing the gloves.]

Luis:
I want you. I want you, too!

[Bateman does not respond and heads for the door.]

Luis:
Patrick!

Bateman:
WHAT IS IT?!

Luis:
...Where are you going?

Bateman:
I've gotta return some videotapes. [leaves]

Bateman:
I think, um, Evelyn, that we've, uh, lost touch.

Evelyn:
Why? What's wrong?

Bateman:
My need to engage in homicidal behavior on a massive scale cannot be corrected, but, ah, I have no other way to fulfill my needs. I'm f***ing serious. It's f***ing over, us, this is no joke. I don't think we should see each other anymore.

Evelyn:
But your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends. I really don't think it would work. [fusses with his collar] You have a little something...

Bateman:
I know that your friends are my friends and, uh... I've thought about that. You can have 'em.

Evelyn:
What about the past? Our past?

Bateman:
We never really shared one.

Evelyn:
You're inhuman.

Bateman:
No...I'm in touch with humanity. Evelyn, I'm sorry, I just, uh...You're not terribly important to me.

Bateman:
Did you know that Whitney Houston's debut LP, called simply Whitney Houston, had four number one singles on it? Did you know that, Christie?

Elizabeth:
[laughing] You actually listen to Whitney Houston? You own a Whitney Houston CD? More than one?

Bateman:
[ignoring her] It's hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it's not too late to better ourselves. Since, Elizabeth, it's impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It's an important message, crucial really. And it's beautifully stated on the album.

Bryce:
[after snorting "cut" cocaine] It's a f***ing milligram of sweetener. I want to get high off this, not sprinkle it on my f***ing oatmeal.

Bateman:
Definitely weak, but I have a feeling that if we do enough of it we'll be okay.

Club Patron:
[leans over from another booth] Will you keep it down? I'm trying to do drugs!

Bryce:
F*** you! Calm down. Let's do it anyway. That is if the F*GGOT in the next stall thinks it's okay!

Club Patron:
F*** YOU!

Bryce:
HEY F*** YOU! Sorry, dude. Steroids. Okay, let's do it.

Bryce:
[watching Ronald Reagan on TV] How can he just stand there and lie like that? He makes himself out to be a harmless old codger, but inside... inside...

Bateman:
[internal monologue] ... "but inside" doesn't matter.

McDermott:
"Inside," yes, "inside..." - believe it or not, Bryce, we're actually listening to you...

Bryce:
Come on, Bateman, what do you think?

Bateman:
Whatever.

Patrick Bateman:
Look at that subtle off-white coloring; the tasteful thickness of it... Oh my God, it even has a watermark.

Patrick Bateman:
There is a moment of sheer panic when I realize that Paul's apartment overlooks the park... and is obviously more expensive than mine.

Patrick Bateman:
I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Espace, since I'm positive we won't have a decent table, but we do. The relief washes over me in an awesome wave.

kill all n*ggers