This document analyzes the opening sequence of the film American Psycho. It summarizes that the sequence is set in Patrick Bateman's apartment, where he wakes up appearing normal but is implied to be subhuman by his 1000 stomach crunches. Scenes cut between him showering with many products and putting on moisturizers, all while narrating his routine calmly. The sequence aims to mislead the viewer into thinking he is normal at first, playing with the theme of misconception. Through his obsessive routine and narration, clues suggest he is actually a psychopath. Various shots and camera techniques are also analyzed for their symbolic meanings and how they establish the psychological thriller genre.

1. American Psycho opening
sequence analysis

2. • In this opening sequence is set in Patrick Bateman’s apartment. He wakes up
and appears calm and settled which would make the viewer think that he
leads a normal life. The concept of misconception is a common theme in
pyschological thrillers. Bateman then performs his stomach crunches and
through is monolgue states that he can “do 1000 now.” This almost implicates
how he is somewhat subhuman. The scene then cuts to a view of Patrick
Bateman in the shower using a variety of gels and soaps. Another cut is used
and Bateman is seen putting on his moisturizers in the mirror. Throughout the
clip, he seems calm and collected, he always seems in control and knows his
extensive daily routine off by heart.
• This opening sequence establishes the thriller genre and inaugurates the
narrative and character. Through the voice over, the viewer can interpret the
fact that this man is a psychopath when he the describes his personality. The
fact that the man is so anal about his morning routine allows the viewer to see
that he is obsessively compulsive, another tendency of a psychopath.

3. • The audience would be attracted by this opening sequence due to the
fact that this movie is a thriller but the opening scene contrasts with the
thriller genre. This creates a surreal atmosphere and the audience would
want to know what happens next. Furthermore, the fact that the casting
is of a nude handsome man would attract the attention of many female
viewers.
• Thriller is a popular genre for film within mainly young adults aged 18-25.
However, the sub-genres of thriller attracts all different kinds of
audiences. For example, action thrillers target a predominantly male
audience from ages 16-25. This pyschological thriller targets males ages
18+, as they can perhaps relate further to the character.

4. • In this opening sequence is set in Patrick Bateman’s
apartment. He wakes up and appears calm and settled
which would make the viewer think that he leads a normal
life.The concept of misconception is a common theme in
psychological thrillers. Bateman then performs his
stomach crunches and through is monologue states that
he can “do 1000 now.”This almost implicates how he is
somewhat subhuman.The scene then cuts to a view of
Patrick Bateman in the shower using a variety of gels and
soaps.Another cut is used and Bateman is seen putting on
his moisturizers in the mirror.Throughout the clip, he
seems calm and collected, he always seems in control and
knows his extensive daily routine off by heart.

5. Cinematography
The first shot is a tracking shot that sets
the scene as it slowly moves into Patrick
Bateman’s bedroom. This establishing
shot coincides with Bateman’s calm
demeanor.
The following shot is a static long
shot where Patrick is seen for the
first time. However, the viewer still
cannot see his face which adds a
sense of mystery to the film

6. This shot is a medium close up that also
shows a reflection. There is also the use
of eye line match as the viewer can see
the Les Miserable poster that Patrick is
also looking at. This shot is perhaps
implying that Bateman is reflecting on
himself.
This point of view/ eyeliner match shot
shows Bateman reaching for his eye
mask in the fridge. This then changes to
a medium shot as Patrick places the
mask on his face. The concept of a mask
is often associated with a hidden identity
which is also a key theme is
psychological thrillers.

7. A wide angle shot is used to establish the view
from Patrick’s apartment and to perhaps
emphasize is stretching and elongated leg. The
camera then moves to a medium shot to show
further details of Patricks muscular body
A cut is then used to show a medium long
shot of Patrick in the shower. This cut adds
a sense of disjointedness that contrasts
with the continuous monologue.

8. A close up shot is used to show Patricks
ablutionary products. This coincides with
the dialogue as he lists them in the
narrative.
Another cut is used when a
medium shot shows various
reflections of Bateman in the
mirror. This could imply that
Bateman has various
personalities.

9. Towards the end of the opening
sequence, the first close up of Bateman
is established. This allows the viewer to
further comprehend how cold hearted
the character is.
Patrick Bateman then starts to peel this layer
of moisterizer off his face which is a clear
metaphorical image for Batemans opposing
personalities.

10. My response
• If I decide that the genre of my opening sequence is also a psychological thriller,
this research will be useful for me. The mise en scene used in this opening
sequence plays a significant role in establishing the genre. The fact that Bateman is
depicted normally, but is somehow subhuman is implied by his dresscode and
props.