I now appreciate an iMac (Apple)!

Tell me you don’t work in the discipline without telling me you don’t work in the discipline.

That's quite an in-depth analysis. If you don't mind, I'd like to tack on my own input on the subject matter. Another Brechtian technique used is the breaking of the fourth wall. Patrick Bateman often does this throughout the film, addressing the audience directly and reinforcing the film’s constructed nature. The first time is in the aforementioned morning routine scene, another is during the scene when Bateman is getting primped for the party, and in the final confession scene, which ends off the film. The visual and aural techniques employed in American Psycho also contribute to the Brechtian distancing effect. The deliberate dissonance created by juxtaposing graphic violence with an upbeat ’80s pop music soundtrack serves as a means of deliberate estrangement, compelling the audience to reflect on the artificiality of the depicted events. This technique is exemplified in one of the most iconic scenes from the movie, where Patrick Bateman kills Paul Allen. Allen sits drunkenly in Bateman’s apartment after Bateman pressures him to continue drinking from the previous restaurant scene. Bateman launches into another monologue about Huey Lewis and the News, critiquing their earlier works as “too new wave.” Meanwhile, he methodically sets up Allen’s murder-taking pills, grabbing an axe, and donning a raincoat. Allen even acknowledges the raincoat and copies of the Style section scattered around. Subsequently, Bateman introduces the album Fore and plays the song “Hip to Be Square” while dancing on over behind Allen, leading to the ultimate act of violence with the axe. It is worth noting that this scene deliberately uses harsh, bright lighting to add to the surreal and detached atmosphere of the scene. It highlights the stark contrast between the outward appearance of Bateman’s world and the gruesome reality of his actions. Bright lights typically convey a sense of normalcy, cleanliness, and order. In this context, it creates a disconcerting atmosphere because such a brutal and violent act is occurring in a space that outwardly appears to be ordinary and well-maintained. The choice of lighting underscores the theme of disconnection between appearance and reality. On the surface, Bateman’s life seems perfect and in line with societal expectations - he is successful, wealthy, and inhabits an upscale environment. However, beneath this facade lies a disturbing and violent reality, revealing the emptiness and moral bankruptcy within. Another scene featuring a juxtaposition of music is when we first see Bateman strolling to his office while listening to “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. The deliberate choice of the upbeat and cheerful soundtrack proves to be a masterful selection. This specific editorial song choice achieves a striking comic contrast, as the lighthearted tones of ’80s pop music sharply contrast with the dark thematic undercurrents of the story. The juxtaposition not only underscores the meticulous attention to detail in the film’s sound design but also serves as a brilliant device for highlighting the unsettling disparity between the soundtrack’s tone and the narrative’s grim subject matter. These Brechtian techniques work in tandem with the film’s narrative intricacies, enhancing the sense of alienation and encouraging viewers to engage with the film more critically and reflectively. In this kaleidoscope of deception, American Psycho transcends conventional narrative structures, skillfully weaving a tapestry of confusion and estrangement that mirrors Patrick Bateman’s unraveling sanity. The resulting experience is not just a descent into madness but a thrilling journey through the labyrinth of a mind that dances on the precipice of reality and delusion. Amidst the carefully constructed visual elements in American Psycho, Patrick Bateman’s wardrobe stands out as a pivotal component reflecting the film’s satirical commentary on 1980s yuppie culture. Every item of clothing Bateman wears is-not only authentic but also-meticulously chosen, embodying the excesses and materialism of the era. From his iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses to his Jean Paul Gaultier overnight bag (used to carry one of his victims), Valentino couture suits, Brioni ties, Rolex watches, and Oliver Peoples glasses, each piece of attire symbolizes not only the character’s affluence but also the obsessive attention to external appearances that define his world. Including these high-end, recognizable brands serves a dual purpose in the mise-en-scène. Firstly, it reinforces the film’s critique of consumerism and the superficiality of Bateman’s social milieu. The overt display of luxury brands becomes a visual representation of the characters’ obsession with material success and their detachment from genuine human connections. The emphasis on fashion as a status symbol contributes to the film’s broader exploration of the dehumanizing effects of excess. Furthermore, the authenticity of Bateman’s wardrobe adds a layer of irony to the narrative. In a world where appearances are meticulously curated, Bateman’s external perfection masks his internal emptiness and moral decay. The contrast between the impeccably tailored suits and the heinous acts he commits serves as a visual metaphor for the stark disparity between the surface-level glamour and the underlying brutality. By delving into the details of Bateman’s attire, the film’s costumes become an integral part of the satire, reinforcing that the characters are defined by their possessions rather than their humanity. This meticulous attention to fashion within the mise-en-scène contributes to the overarching message of American Psycho - a scathing critique of the soulless pursuit of wealth and status in 1980s America. In the opening monologue with Patrick Bateman, we are introduced to his apartment, his most important possession, with a tracking shot without action or distinguishable characters. The camera moves through the hallway and into his empty living room, then pans across the room to show how clean and meticulously arranged it is. This highlights Bateman’s connection to the space. Aspects of the mise-en-scène suggest Bateman has two sides: the wicked, murderous side and the social, charismatic side. For example, everything in the apartment is black or white, including two large paintings of mostly silhouetted human figures. You can see neither of their faces, adding to the movie’s theme of dehumanization. Only the first painting is visible in the first tracking shot of his living room, showing that one side of him is currently hidden.[] His kitchen is also completely stainless steel and reflective, like a morgue. As we witness Bateman’s meticulous skincare routine in the bathroom, the application of an herb mint facial mask becomes a poignant allegory for the theme of masks and concealed identities. This moment encapsulates the essence of someone profoundly disconnected, as he openly admits to being “simply not there.” The act of removing the mask serves as a powerful visual metaphor, symbolizing the unveiling of hidden layers of identity, quite possibly the most crucial image in the film. As the entire mask peels away in a singular motion, Bateman momentarily resembles a mannequin, starkly emphasizing his artificiality. However, the subsequent revelation of his handsome face unveils yet another layer-a deceptive mask that conceals the disturbing truths lying beneath. This visual narrative underscores the film’s exploration of duality and the complex interplay between appearance and reality within Bateman’s enigmatic character. In essence, American Psycho, both in its literary and cinematic forms, intricately weaves a narrative that delves into the fractured psyche of Patrick Bateman, a character symbolic of the excesses and superficiality of 1980s yuppie culture. Blurring the lines between reality and delusion, the story employs Brechtian techniques to distance the audience, urging them to critically engage with the fabricated nature of the narrative. The visual and aural elements, characterized by jarring contrasts and deliberate estrangement, underscore the film's overarching theme of the stark disparity between appearances and the gruesome realities beneath. From the meticulously curated wardrobe symbolizing the dehumanizing effects of materialism to the carefully constructed mise-en-scène embodying Bateman’s dual nature, American Psycho emerges as a thought-provoking exploration of identity, consumerism, and the hollow pursuit of success in a morally bankrupt society.

I think they said "Guys LIKE Gates and Allen" invented the computer... Sounded a little confusing though 🫠

Not a woman, that’s for sure.