American Pycho Into analysis
Lighting:The scene first starts of with high-key lighting flooding Patrick's apartment, to portray a natural and authentic portrayal of imagery. Subtle shadows that are generated from the high key lighting exhibit the reflection of Patrick's face onto the “Les Misérables’’ poster that contributes to the Mise en scene. During Patrick's exercising routine, although it is high key-lighting, it is more restrained in terms of brightness to formulate stronger shadows coming from the blinds. The soft lighting in this scene forms a serene and relaxed atmosphere which contributes to the overall understanding of the somewhat materialistic simplicity of Patrick's everyday unperturbed lifestyle. The atmospheric aspect is further portrayed in the scene where he is in the bathroom. The lighting in this scene, contrasts well against the black tiles in his bathroom, highlighting and making his well built body more conspicuous. The lighting used particularly in the bathroom, produces a subtle contrast of light and darker areas on parts of Patrick's face and body.
Sound and Music
The opening extract is accompanied with the non-diagetic sounds of classical background music and a narrative voice over intertwined with the diagetic sound effects within the scenario such as the closing of the fridge and the fall of water from the shower ect. The classical background music is parallel to the scene and is very gentle, yet also soothing. This contributes to the relaxed feel that seems to dominate the opening extract. The falling of water also strongly compliments to this. The background classical music can be seen as stereo-typically fitting into the idea that the main character is quite affluent and also that he is middle to upper-class. As classical music is generally associated with this type of class and idea of affluence, which these two factors certainly seem to fit in with the character (according to also to his flat and his well spoken accent). Furthermore, the background music compliments the elegance and somewhat gracefulness that seems to be portrayed in the opening extract.
Use of Camera
The scene starts of with a long shot to establish the scene setting, showing a modern yet glamorous apartment.
There is a close up of Patrick's reflection against the “Les Misérables” poster. Close-ups in general, are very intimate shots as it takes us into the mind of the character, which enables the audience to understand and read the character, in this shot, the reflection on such an iconic poster references the possible similarity- ‘The Miserables’. There is a long shot showing Patrick indulging in his fitness routine. The long shot shows the imagery in a somewhat life-size form corresponding to a realistic distance. It then cuts to a medium shot of him exercising as there is no longer a need to establish the surrounding as it was done with the long shot. The mid-shot then allows the viewer to focus more on the character and to show the detail of action. There is a long shot of Patrick in the shower that tracks inwards to a medium shot, once again to establish the surrounding and location of the scene. As well as during his shower routine and product application, there are several close-up shots to display particular reference or importance to the object being used throughout the extract. This concentrates on a specific detail of the object and draws attention to it. The close up of Patrick while he peeling of his mask, makes huge reference to the status of his personality and conjoins with all the other products he uses for vanity purposes, which emphasises the external superficiality of Patrick as he ‘peels away’ his somewhat identity. Once the mask has been fully removed, the camera is still for a few moments to highlight the intended dramatical effect of not only his actions but also his claims and statements. “There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman; some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me: only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze…I simply am not there.”
Editing
The scene starts with an establishing shot introducing the location, giving the audience the first portrayal of Patrick Bateman’s life. There are several shot reverse shots throughout the scene that maintains the continuity of the shots and also give fine detail. This is particularly powerful when showing Patrick's usage of his products, which demonstrates the shear amount that he uses. This also enforces the idea that Patrick is incredibly image conscious and takes pride in his appearance. This can also give the idea to the audience that Patrick is incredibly vain. We see a series of elliptical editing. A prime example is while Patrick performs his exercising routine. This causes an ellipse in plot and story duration, we also see this while he is in the shower and putting on his facial products. The voice over that dominates the opening of the scene is used to introduce the character in very intricate detail as it is further knowledge to the audience aside from the establishment of the scene and the character. The voice over also ascertains the audience that Patrick’s routine (which is related to the voice over) that it is performed habitually. It is also very factual and straightforward despite the extensiveness of his routine. The voice over is associated with the actions of Patrick.
Mise En Scene
The décor of Patrick's apartment is very modern and minimal, yet luxurious. It symbolises his wealth and a reference to the time it is set in. The emptiness and the reduced white colour scheme amplify the dominant mood of the film, stressing the sterility and impersonality that is closely linked to Patrick character himself. There are several frames containing black painted canvases. This objectifies the possible indifference of Patrick's style and personality, and can be seen as a linked-element to Patrick's mental state of mind; filled with darkness and bleak imagery in comparison to the minimal modern space that surrounds him. His intensive and detailed routine is also complimented by the organised state of his house, such as the neatly placed towels in his bedroom, and contributes to the idea that Patrick is a perfectionist. Patrick bears only White Calvin Klein boxers throughout the scene, excluding when he is in the shower. This further justifies his vanity. With his well sculpted body, this has obviously taken a lot of effort to maintain- (such as daily fitness routine). His haircut is modernly styled yet it also ceases to preserve a business like attribute as it is carefully gelled back. His facial expressions right from the outset is very serious with a hint of confidence and self assurance.
