SILVER

Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) has it all: a successful career as a Wall Street banker, a meticulously cared-for physique, a gorgeous blonde girlfriend — and, oh yeah, an insatiable craving for murder. Director Mary Harron and co-writer Guinevere Turner’s wickedly funny yet horrifying adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial novel is a send-up of male narcissism, unfettered capitalism and American consumerism that seems even more relevant 25 years later. Bale’s career-making performance as Bateman is key to the film’s success, as he plays the part with a deadpan seriousness that reminds you that, for some, the act of killing is as normal as one’s skincare routine. Bolstered by a stellar supporting cast, the film also features Justin Theroux, Chloë Sevigny, Reese Witherspoon, Jared Leto and Willem Dafoe. DIR/SCR Mary Harron; SCR Guinevere Turner, from the novel by Bret Easton Ellis; PROD Edward R. Pressman, Chris Hanley, Christian Halsey Solomon. U.S./Canada, 2000, color, 102 min. RATED R