American Psycho is a psychological thriller film released in 2000, based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. Christian Bale portrays Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker with a dark secret. Bale's performance in this film is widely praised for his ability to portray the duality of Bateman's character, seamlessly transitioning between charming and charismatic to psychotic and violent. American Psycho is a gripping and disturbing exploration of the dark side of human nature, and Bale's portrayal of Bateman is a standout in his career.