I-:
Bale’s twisted performance makes 'Psycho’a satirical journey
By Samuel McKewon
Senior editor
“American Psycho” was nearly an
Oliver Stone film starring Leonardo
DiCaprio. I shiver at the thought.
Not because either are without
talent. Stone’s had his days (but if he
keeps up his dizzying editing tactics,
they’re numbered). DiCaprio has
undeniable acting prowess.
But it’s hard to see the adaptation
of Bret Easton Ellis’ bloody novel any
other way than director Mary
Harron’s vision. Harron made an
eccentric little pictur^ called “I Shot
Andy Warhol” in 1996. “American
Psycho” surpasses that movie in
ambition by leaps and bounds. And,
in the main event, as serial killer
Patrick Bateman, Christian Bale is up
for the challenge. This role will rock
et-launch his career.
1 ne most controversial movie oi
the year is a big success, a not-so
twisted gem mixing pathos and satire,
nearly perfect, too juicy to see just
once. And Bale’s performance is a
beauty all its own, a total surprise,
considering his resume of English
period dramas and softball roles in
movies such as “Little Women.”
There’s enough word of ntauth
out there to know Ellis’s novel chron
icled the mental fireefall of Bateman,
a 27-year-old Wall Street shark
straight out of the 1980s, who dabbles
in investing, fine dining, pop music
analysis, wire hanger torture and the
occasional chainsaw murder of pros
titutes.
It’s a clunky, overly graphic novel
- pages and pages of gruesome mur
der detail overwhelm what’s meant to
be an attempt at Dostoyevsky - with
several tracks and sidetracks. Harron
pares all the clutter out, squeezing out
a lean 104-minute version of the
essential facts, along with a female
point of view.
It’s actually preferable to the
novel, as Bateman, obsessing over his
hair care, skin care, clothes and furni
ture ensemble to the point of mad
ness, is the butt of his own joke.
Harron doesn’t much like “PB,” and it
shows. Which doesn’t mean
Bateman’s character is without virtue.
He’s just very, very confused about
many things.
iNarratea irom nis point oi view,
Bateman introduces us to his life of
finer things, which includes his
women (Reese Witherspoon and
Samantha Mathis, among many oth
ers), his money and more important
than either, his bone-colored business
card. Alas, his mates’ cards are just as
fine, even better. Bateman, no matter
what, cannot separate himself from
the pack.
And so he indulges his anger in a
series of murders. Women, prefer
ably. But one man, Paul Allen (Jared
Leto), has Bateman particularly
peeved. Paul won’t hear the end of
“Hip to be Square,” by Huey Lewis
and the News, without a taste of
Bateman’s rage.
Though he’s established the char
acter well to that point, Bale shoots
Bateman into overdrive in the scene.
It looks effortless, but the logistics of
the scene, which involves three
rooms, a raincoat, a long soliloquy
from Bateman on Huey Lewis and
finally, the murder itself, is a triumph
of film.
And Bale, who must do an
impromptu shimmy in the middle of
it all, sinks into the moment. And
there are more moments to come.
The murders pile up. A police
detective (Willem Dafoe) has ques
tions about Paul Allen’s death. But the
movie, all done through Bateman, has
better things in mind, like the three
some scene chopped down to avoid
the NC-17 rating. It’s still effective for
what it’s worth, a fine example of the
narcissism that only Bateman pays
attention to.
But Harron, along with co
screenwriter Guinevere Turner, is
smart enough not to send the
Bateman character off on an island, as
Stone probably would have done.
Rather, she makes him just like the
rest of his chums, and he’s constantly
misidentified as a Davis, a Marcus, a
Tom.
Here, then, is the interesting
premise of the filmmakers pitting
themselves against their own main
character, the result surprisingly
clear. At no time is Bateman a clear
protagonist. But we’re not rooting
against him, either.
As the movie develops, reality
becomes more and more stunted.
Dafoe’s character seems too amiable.
Plus, he already knows everything.
And his story isn’t matching up with
Bateman’s. Nor is anyone else’s.
“American Psycho” begins to reveal
its real colors in the last 20 minutes.
The shift could have been done
slightly better. The end is meant to be
chilling; it’s hard to say if it ever gets
there for everyone, though there’s one
haunting moment where Bateman
walks into an empty, freshly painted
apartment that he remembers differ
ently.
it s pan oi wnat maKes Amencan
Psycho” work so well, this altered
reality, which was there all along,
even in the opening credits. As the
oddball events unfold onscreen, it’s
hilarity, a commentary on late-‘80s
high society and its detachment from
the world. But there’s more to it. Or
less, depending on how you see it.
In my view, Harron’s vision is a
fairly straight shot. Its overlying
structure hangs in the air of every
shot, in Bale’s dramatic gyrations, in
American
Psycho
STARS: Christian Bale,
Willem Defoe, Reese
Witherspoon, Samantha
Mathis
DIRECTOR: Mary Harron
RATING: R (graphic
violence, strong sexual
content)
GRADE: A
FIVE WORDS: A two
leveled, entertaining gem.
the dead-on imitation of 1980s fash
ions and media stars.
“American Psycho” takes place in
its own self-contained universe with
fragments of truth tossed in. It comes
together in another mistaken identity
conversation at thfe very end, followed
by a moment of quiet, where Bateman
seems to conjure up the words for his
summation. The moment is paced
perfectly, and it leaves plenty of beg
ging questions.
See “American Psycho” once for
its surface joys and Bale’s star-mak
ing performance. Then see it again for
all its tiny revelations. To be honest,
the movie’s complexity! expected.
It’s the sheer entertainment, the first
time viewing, that was such a sur
prise.
Daily Nebraskan $5.25/15 words
20 Nebraska Union M T A XT^TT^ T^\ O $3.50/15 words (students)
■ I /% L/ L. I Ll I Ll I m W $0.15 each additional word
V>LA^ulr IIjUu \0o“headlme
dn@unl.edu Deadline: 3 p.m. weekday prior
200s For sale
‘98 VOLVO S70 T5. Loaded, 52K, beautiful, wholesale
$22,500.402-489-9100,434-9110..
• 19924WD Geo Tracker, hard-top. 90.000K, $2,500
OBO.
• 1983 Yamaha Virago 750, red 1,250 OBO.
438-8831._ '
‘85 Buick Century. 4-door, well
but needs muffler. Must go this wi
firm, 474-0751, PJ. ✓
‘88 Olds Delta $2500 OBO. Call 742-6272.
‘91 Ford Tempo GL, blue, auto, 4-door, 82K, AIL, great
condition, runs great, must sell, $2,000 OBO,
436-0616.,.
‘96 Geo Metro, low miles with some extras. 423-1189
or 540-5620.
Adoption
A caring California couple (financially secure) desires to
adopt a white baby. We will provide a loving and se
cure home and future for your child. Help with medical,
legal and living arrangements will be provided. Com
pletely legal. Your child will live a happy, fulfilling life.
Call Debbie toll free at 800-658-2756.
ADOPTION
STAY AT HOME MOM
A white California couple, offering their love and securi
ty, wish to adopt newborn. Expenses paid. Legal and
confidential. Please call Robyn, 1-800-939-1009.
Thank you.
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Breast Enlargement
Safe, effective, and affordable. Please visit
www.figureplus.com, 1-888-603-9800. Distributor
ships also available.
Auto Accidents & DWI
Other criminal matters, cal Sanford Pollack, 476-7474,
Sullivan Law Offices P.C.
Bankruptcy, divorce, immigration. Timothy Paul Sulli
van, Attorney at Law. 3200 ‘O’ St. Suite 2.435-3200.
For all your insurance needs: auto, home, health, life
and business, call Jim Wallace at American Family
Insurance. 1340 L St., Lincoln, NE 68508 or call
402-474-5077.__
Need Help Moving?
Moving help within Lincoln or Nebraska for home furni
ture, office or merchandise. By the hour. NR Express
Movers. 470-2970.__
Summer Storage
Advance Self Storage. Safe, secure and low, low rates!
CaR 464-8829.
Free
Pregnancy Test
Birthright is a confidential helping hand. Please call for
appointment or more information, 483-2609. Check
out our website www.birthright.org.
• ;• ' * > :** • •• • ' ' [/■}
400s Reusing
Looking for a place to live? www.hbusinglOl.net...
Your move off campus! Free roommate sublet listings.
May - August
Room available in near new 4BH duplex M/F. $250+
utilities. 17th and South. 476-4108. Ask for Rob or
leave message.
One female roommate needed by May. Rent:
$230/month. CaH 325-9569
One female roommate. May-August 1. Walk to campus.
$23S/month plus 1/4 utilities. 435-7361.
Roommate wanted for house in Havelock area. Immedi
ate availability $250+ 1/3 utilities. 325-8145 evenings
or leave message.
3 Bedroom, Belmont area, close to campus,
$725/month + utilities + deposit. No pets. Call
402/464-3348 after 2 p.m.
3BR, northwest, living and family rooms, 2 stall garage.
$880. N/S, N/P. Call Julian, 432-7030 or Rembolt
Homes, 488-9222.
4 bedroom with rec room, 2 bathrooms, W/D, CA,
parking. 2 blocks to Harper Hall. $800.489-9294.
4 bedroom. 2 bath. Washer/dryer. Newly remodeled.
A/C. $800. No pets. 2763 E Street. 432-6264.
400 Terrace Road, 3 bedroom, A/C, garage, fence yard,
references, no pets, $850. 483-4887,483-7720.
408 “A* large, 5 bedroom, AC, oak fenced yard, pet
$30. $1200. 1042 “F” 3 bedroom $650, pet $30.
423-4560.
$900. 5BR, 2BA, central air, new carpet, new paint,
dishwasher, W/D, no pets. 3735 Cleveland. Available
now. 4 months or 1 year lease. 580-1121.
1426 N. 23rd. (23rd and Holdrege.) Very nice five bed
room. Two baths. Spacious. Parking. Near UNL $950.
432-0644.
4200 Balwin, 6 bedroom, 2 bath, A/C, nice. Available
8/1 $900 440-8046,440-2248.
4-5 bedroom, 2825 ‘R’, 1,1/2 bath, C/A, WD, DW,
nice, $875, flexible lease, 488-5446.
Great houses close to UNL available in May or earlier.
13? 0644:
• 1237 Court, 3BR, $650
• 1438 N. 21,4BR, $800
• 1541 N. 26,5BR, $900
•1426 N. 23,5BR, $950
Newer 4 bedroom, 2 garage, 2 bath, family room.
$1,050 a month, no pets. Available in May. 432-0115.
Nice, clean, 3+2 ranch house. 2 bath, 2 kitchens. Cen
tral air. Washer/dryer. No pets. One block to East Cam
pus. 1345 N. 39th. $900.432-6264.
Two to five bedroom houses near UNL Available May
or August. Air conditioning. Washer/dryer. 432-6644.
We Love Students!
Avoid noisy apartment complexes!
Great 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes near UNL. A/C,
washers, dyers, dishwashers. Reserve for summer or
fall now, and relax! 423-1535.
2 male roommates needed for 4BR duplex. Close to
campus. $235/month+ utilities, excluding water.
Available May 1. Call 484-7737, ask for Clint or Troy.
Near new 3 bedroom townhouse. All appliances includ
ing washer/dryer. Double garage, 5 minutes to campus.
Call Julie, 440-5958.
1801 “B”, 1 bedroom, fireplace, bay window, $350, pet
$30. Also, 1042 “F" 3 bedroom, $650, pet $30.
423-4560.
2131 D or 3010 Center. 4BR, 2 bath. Fireplace, all ap
pliances, double garage. $1150. August move-in.
430-6328.__
3224 Mohawk, 1BR, central air, garage, $395 + depos
it. References. No pets. 483-4887 or 483-7720.
Newer 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 garage, family room, fire
place, no pets or smoking. Available for May and Au
gust. Reserve yours now! $875, 432-0415.
Newer
Close to campus, nice, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, garage,
W/D, all appliances, $795. HIP, 465-8911.
NEWER-CAMPUS
3 BR, 2 Bath, washer/dryer, garage. Available May.
$740.(402)438-3393.
SUBLEASE MAY-AUGUST
Efficient newer 3BR, 2 bath, 2 car garage, W/D, all ap
pliances, between campuses. $795.923 N 30th.
742-5047.
Wowl Take your pick! 4BR, 2 bath, $825 or 3BR, 2.5
bath, 2 stall garage, backs to park, $1125 N/S, N/P.
Call Julian. 432-7030 or Rembott Homes at 488-9222.
HSunny and Cheerful!!
1 Bedroom 2000 J St Clean $310
4 Bedroom, 2 baths, garage 5350 Cooper $795
No Smokers or Pets 440-3000
***Efficiency Apartments***
Close to City Campus
Water, Heat, and Gas Paid
Available now. Call 477-4490.
‘STUDIO*
Efficiency in B-plex between campuses, appliances,
patio, parking, super clean, 2627 Vine, $285.00,
489-4857.'
2 bedroom, dean, furnished, free cable, $390+. Laun
dry room, a/c, 1-year lease, 931 G St. 435-0608 after
12pm.
BEST PART TEEIIE JOB IN TOWN!!!
Flexible Hours
Work as few as 8 or up
s to 40 houis per week
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Blocks from Campus
$250.00 hiring bonus
Call or stop by today 3:00 pm- 9pm
and start tomorrow!
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JRW SALES TELEMARKETING
_1625 “P” STREET 436-3070_
2 BR, fireplace. Near east campus, bus routes.
Available May 10. 325-0491.
3 BR 3 bath, close to downtown, AW/D and security,
$735, N/S N/P. Call Julian. 432-7030 or Renbolt
Homes at 488-9222.
4 BEDROOM/2 BATHS
Built for students. Recently built. Washer/dryer fur
nished. Low utilities, parking. Must seel Reserve now
for August or May. Call Phoenix Properties 474-5327.
♦ 700 S. 17th FURNISHED ♦
Available now. 2BR $410 and 1BR $360, includes
utilities heat/cabie. Laundry. 488-6707,450-8895.
Commercial
Investment Properties
SELECT A HOME
TODAY
Move-In May 1st
NORTH LINCOLN
Fountain Glen 436-3452
Highland View 436-3483
Northridge Heights
436-3415
Efficiencies start $390
1 Bedrooms start $440
2 Bedrooms start $550
3 Bedrooms start $635
WEST LINCOLN
Lakeview Park 436-3464 '
Folsom Ridge 436-3422
Efficiencies start $440
1 Bedrooms start $465
2 Bedrooms start $585
3 Bedrooms start $720
Select Options Available:
• Loft, Den, or 2 story floorpians
• Controlled Access Entries
• Laundry facilities, W/D hook-up or W/D units in
the apartment
• Clubhouses with Outdoor Pool
a Fitness Facilities
www.rentcip.com
Equal Housing Opportunity
■3501 Baldwin, 4-plex, 2 BR, nicely decorated, clean,
parking. No smoking or pets. Open mid-May for sum
mer or year lease. $450.423-4323 or 483-4600.
4910 Madison, 1 bedroom, A/C, references, no pets,
$390. Call 483-4887 or 483-7720.
1BR, 2338 E St., mostly graduate students, all new
paint, appliances, microwave, ceiling fans. Reserved
parking, no smoking/pets, $395. Call 432-3686.
Claremont Park Apartments
9th & Claremont 474-7275
Now leasing for August 2000.1,2,3,4 BRs. Walk to
campus._
Clean 1 BR apartment, newly remodeled kitchen and
bath, rent $295 plus electric. For more information call
Melody or Pat, 402-434-2610 or hearing impaired/TDD
402 434-2613.
Flexible Leases. 640 S. 12th, $320. 2312 R, $325
432-2288.
★ ★ ★ ★
We’re extending the Housing Fair $pecial. Qualify and
lease an apartment for 1 year and recieve last month
rent FREE! 1 year too long...we'll deduct $50.00 from
the first month’s rent on summer and fat! term leases.
Swim, tan, bike to class, from our tree-nestled 1-2
bedroom community.
Jones Properties-640 South 20th-475-7262
i • » t i »m s
One, two, three bedroom apartments available.
438-0946.
Renting for August
2 bedroom, all electric air, laundry, parking, FREE CA
BLE, NO PETS/SMOKING. $460/month 1900 Knox.
477-7684.
Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, central air,
dishwasher, off-street parking, on site laundry. Close
to campus. Reasonably priced. 465-8911.
* Super Clean 1 BR*
Near campus, 3 or 6 month leases, Gas/water/trash
paid, appliances, dishwasher, 3 closets, laundry,
off-street parking. $365,2504 Vine St. 489-4857._
dfla> Century
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