John Citizen, U.S.A. (1941) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of American Psycho (2000), directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel, leaves audiences in a state of deliberate ambiguity. Patrick Bateman, the wealthy, narcissistic investment banker and serial killer, confesses to his crimes, only for the world to dismiss him as delusional. The film suggests that Bateman's violent rampage may have been entirely in his head, or that his privilege and the superficiality of 1980s yuppie culture allow him to evade consequences. The final scene, where Bateman monologues about his inability to fit into society, underscores the film's themes of identity, consumerism, and existential emptiness.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of American Psycho occurs when Patrick Bateman, after a series of increasingly gruesome murders, leaves a rambling voicemail confession for his lawyer, Harold Carnes. However, when Bateman confronts Carnes in person, the lawyer mistakes him for someone else and dismisses the confession as a joke, even claiming to have had dinner with one of Bateman's alleged victims, Paul Allen. This moment is pivotal because it casts doubt on whether Bateman's crimes were real or figments of his imagination. The film deliberately avoids providing a clear answer, instead emphasizing the absurdity and moral vacuity of Bateman's world.
The final scenes further deepen the ambiguity. Bateman visits the apartment where he killed Paul Allen, only to find it cleaned and listed for sale. The real estate agent shows no recognition of Bateman or the horrors he claims to have committed there. This reinforces the idea that Bateman's actions may have been fantasies, or that his privileged social circle is so detached from reality that they simply ignore his atrocities. The film's closing shot - Bateman staring into his reflection in a restaurant window-culminates in his chilling monologue: “This confession has meant nothing.” This line encapsulates the film's nihilistic tone, suggesting that Bateman's search for meaning or notoriety is futile in a world that values appearances over truth.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Were Bateman's murders real?
- Yes: The film shows graphic, detailed killings, and Bateman's panic during the investigation suggests guilt.
- No: The lack of consequences, the clean apartment, and Carnes's dismissal imply they were hallucinations.
- Both: Some killings may have happened, while others were fantasies, blurring reality and Bateman's psychosis.
Why does no one believe Bateman?
- Social privilege: His wealth and status insulate him from scrutiny.
- Collective indifference: The yuppie culture is so self-absorbed that they ignore his crimes.
- Unreliable narrator: Bateman's mental instability makes his account untrustworthy.
What does the ending say about identity?
- Identity is fluid: Bateman's colleagues constantly mistake him for others, highlighting his lack of a true self.
- Consumerism erases individuality: The characters are interchangeable, defined by materialism rather than personality.
Personal Opinion:
American Psycho is a masterful satire that uses horror and dark comedy to critique 1980s excess and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The ambiguous ending is perfect-it forces the audience to grapple with the same questions of reality and morality that Bateman does. Christian Bale's performance is iconic, balancing charm and menace to create a character who is both repulsive and fascinating. The film's refusal to provide clear answers is frustrating but intentional, mirroring Bateman's existential crisis. While some may dislike the lack of resolution, I find it thematically rich, leaving a lasting impression about the emptiness of Bateman's world-and, by extension, our own obsession with status and consumption.
Final Thoughts:
The ending of American Psycho isn't meant to be solved; it's a mirror held up to the audience. Whether Bateman's murders were real or imagined, the film's true horror lies in its portrayal of a society that doesn't care either way. The final scenes-devoid of catharsis or justice-linger because they force us to confront uncomfortable truths about complicity, identity, and the banality of evil. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, as each watch reveals new layers to its critique of American decadence. Love it or hate it, American Psycho remains a provocative, unforgettable experience.