American Psycho…Best or Worst of Bale

I have had countless conversations about film actors/films in general, but nothing sparks a debate like Bale’s acting in American Psycho – the first time I caught this film was a late night cable venture, sans cocktails. Another Scottsdale soiree that frequently has me checking my pulse for signs of a beat – talk about valley of the dolls – this place is a mortuary for the living. Taking in the first few minute of the movie I found myself slack jawed, and smiling at what I considered to be some of the worst film acting I had ever seen – I think it was the scene where he was explaining the virtues of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of all” a knuckle gargling number one smash, that always made me wretch – in fact, I found the dialogue and delivery so stilted, so ridiculous, so repulsive, so just…wrong, I changed channels…but then something interesting happened – although I feigned disgust for a decided few moments, I returned to view the remains – I never broke away…In retrospect, I think what I witnessed was acting brilliance, a form of character removal so desperate, so absurd, it became compellingly comical. I wouldnt call it Bale’s best work- would you call it his worst? No doubt he’s proven himself a committed actor, if you’ve ever witnessed The Machinist – you’ll understand what I’m talking about – NOW THATS COMMITTED! ARE YOU WILLING TO DIE FOR YOUR ART…this man just might be.

The character’s rant on the ills of 80′s America has become for me and most of my friends a bi-polar experience – most agree it was a compelling to watch – most are undecided on its genius…

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