Decoding the Dark Allure- ‘American Psycho’ and the Intricacies of the Rules of Attraction
Is the Rules of Attraction Connected to American Psycho?
The Rules of Attraction and American Psycho are two films that have left a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape. Both explore the dark side of human nature and delve into the psyche of their protagonists. While they share some thematic similarities, the connection between them is not immediately apparent. This article aims to analyze the potential connections between these two films and shed light on their shared themes.
Firstly, both films feature protagonists who are seemingly normal individuals on the surface, but possess a dark and sinister side. In The Rules of Attraction, the three main characters, played by James Van Der Beek, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe, are college students who engage in a series of hedonistic escapades. On the other hand, American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman, portrayed by Christian Bale, is a Wall Street executive who maintains a facade of normalcy while indulging in a life of violence and murder. Both characters exhibit a deep-seated dissatisfaction with their lives, which leads them to engage in extreme behaviors.
Secondly, both films examine the concept of identity and the struggle to maintain a sense of self. In The Rules of Attraction, the characters are constantly searching for their place in the world and trying to define who they are. This search for identity is further complicated by their drug use, promiscuity, and general disregard for societal norms. Similarly, American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman struggles with his identity, as he tries to balance his public persona as a successful businessman with his private life of violence and debauchery. The film raises questions about the true nature of identity and the extent to which one can control their own image.
Moreover, both films explore the theme of the corrupting influence of wealth and power. In The Rules of Attraction, the characters are drawn to wealth and materialism, which ultimately leads them down a dangerous path. American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman is a prime example of how wealth and power can corrupt an individual, as he uses his wealth to indulge in his violent and hedonistic desires. Both films suggest that the pursuit of wealth and power can lead to the erosion of one’s moral compass.
Lastly, both films utilize the concept of the unreliable narrator to challenge the audience’s perception of the protagonist. In The Rules of Attraction, the audience is left to question the reliability of the characters’ accounts of their actions, as they often contradict each other. Similarly, American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman is an unreliable narrator, as his descriptions of his own crimes are often exaggerated or twisted. This unreliable narration adds to the films’ dark and unsettling atmosphere, as the audience is never quite sure what to believe.
In conclusion, while The Rules of Attraction and American Psycho may not be directly connected, they share several thematic similarities that make them intriguing films to compare. Both explore the dark side of human nature, the struggle for identity, the corrupting influence of wealth and power, and the unreliable narrator. These shared themes contribute to the films’ enduring appeal and make them worth studying as part of the broader context of modern cinema.
