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A wealthy New York investment banking executive hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, gratuitous fantasies.
[Recurring line] Patrick Bateman: I have to return some videotapes.
Patrick Bateman: Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Paul Allen: They're OK. Patrick Bateman: Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor. Paul Allen: Hey Halberstram. Patrick Bateman: Yes, Allen? Paul Allen: Why are there copies of the style section all over the place, d-do you have a dog? A little chow or something? Patrick Bateman: No, Allen. Paul Allen: Is that a rain coat? Patrick Bateman: Yes it is! In '87, Huey released this, Fore, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to be Square", a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself. [raises axe above head] Patrick Bateman: Hey Paul! [he bashes Allen in the head with the axe, and blood splatters over him] Patrick Bateman: TRY GETTING A RESERVATION AT DORSIA NOW, YOU FUCKING STUPID BASTARD! YOU, FUCKING BASTARD!
Patrick Bateman: 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, and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable... I simply am not there.
Patrick Bateman: I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?
Patrick Bateman: There are no more barriers to cross. All I have in common with the uncontrollable and the insane, the vicious and the evil, all the mayhem I have caused and my utter indifference toward it I have now surpassed. My pain is constant and sharp, and I do not hope for a better world for anyone. In fact, I want my pain to be inflicted on others. I want no one to escape. But even after admitting this, there is no catharsis; my punishment continues to elude me, and I gain no deeper knowledge of myself. No new knowledge can be extracted from my telling. This confession has meant nothing.
Patrick Bateman: You're a fucking ugly bitch. I want to stab you to death, and then play around with your blood.
Patrick Bateman: Ask me a question. Club Patron: So, what do you do? Patrick Bateman: I'm into, uh, well, murders and executions, mostly. Club Patron: Do you like it? Patrick Bateman: Well, it depends. Why? Club Patron: Well, most guys I know who are in Mergers and Acquisitions really don't like it.
Patrick Bateman: I live in the American Gardens Building on W. 81st Street on the 11th floor. My name is Patrick Bateman. I'm 27 years old. I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I'll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.
Patrick Bateman: Howard, it's Bateman, Patrick Bateman. You're my lawyer so I think you should know: I've killed a lot of people. Some girls in the apartment uptown uh, some homeless people maybe 5 or 10 um an NYU girl I met in Central Park. I left her in a parking lot behind some donut shop. I killed Bethany, my old girlfriend, with a nail gun, and some man uh some old faggot with a dog last week. I killed another girl with a chainsaw, I had to, she almost got away and uh someone else there I can't remember maybe a model, but she's dead too. And Paul Allen. I killed Paul Allen with an axe in the face, his body is dissolving in a bathtub in Hell's Kitchen. I don't want to leave anything out here. I guess I've killed maybe 20 people, maybe 40. I have tapes of a lot of it, uh some of the girls have seen the tapes. I even, um... I ate some of their brains, and I tried to cook a little. Tonight I, uh, I just had to kill a LOT of people. And I'm not sure I'm gonna get away with it this time. I guess I'll uh, I mean, ah, I guess I'm a pretty uh, I mean I guess I'm a pretty sick guy. So, if you get back tomorrow, I may show up at Harry's Bar, so you know, keep your eyes open.
ATM Machine: Feed me a stray cat.
Patrick Bateman: Do you know what Ed Gein said about women? David Van Patten: Ed Gein? The maitre 'd at Canal Bar? Patrick Bateman: No, serial killer, Wisconsin, the '50s. Craig McDermott: So what did he say? Patrick Bateman: "When I see a pretty girl walking down the street, I think two things. One part wants me to take her out, talk to her, be real nice and sweet and treat her right." David Van Patten: And what did the other part think? Patrick Bateman: "What her head would look like on a stick... " [laughs]
Patrick Bateman: I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.
Patrick Bateman: New card. What do you think? Craig McDermott: Whoa-ho. Very nice. Look at that. Patrick Bateman: Picked them up from the printer's yesterday. David Van Patten: Good coloring. Patrick Bateman: That's bone. And the lettering is something called Silian Rail. David Van Patten: It's very cool, Bateman, but that's nothing. Look at this. Timothy Bryce: That is really nice. David Van Patten: Eggshell with Romalian type. What do you think? Patrick Bateman: Nice. Timothy Bryce: Jesus. That is really super. How'd a nitwit like you get so tasteful? Patrick Bateman: [Thinking] I can't believe that Bryce prefers Van Patten's card to mine. Timothy Bryce: But wait. You ain't seen nothin' yet. Raised lettering, pale nimbus. White. Patrick Bateman: Impressive. Very nice. David Van Patten: Hmm. Patrick Bateman: Let's see Paul Allen's card. Patrick Bateman: [Thinking] Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a watermark. Luis Carruthers: Is something wrong, Patrick? You're sweating.
Patrick Bateman: Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Christy, take off your robe. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. Sabrina, remove your dress. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Sabrina, why don't you, uh, dance a little. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Christy, get down on your knees so Sabrina can see your asshole. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. Sabrina, don't just stare at it, eat it. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.
Patrick Bateman: I'm fucking serious. It's fucking over, us, this is no joke. I don't think we should see each other any more. Evelyn Williams: But your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends. I really don't think it would work. You have a little something... Patrick Bateman: I know that your friends are my friends and, uh... I've thought about that. You can have 'em.
Evelyn Williams: You're inhuman. Patrick Bateman: No... I'm in touch with humanity.
Patrick Bateman: He was into that whole Yale thing. Donald Kimball: Yale thing? Patrick Bateman: Yeah, Yale thing. Donald Kimball: What whole Yale thing? Patrick Bateman: Well, for one thing, I think he was probably a closet homosexual who did a lot of cocaine. That whole Yale thing.
Patrick Bateman: Come on, Bryce. There are a lot more important problems than Sri Lanka to worry about. Timothy Bryce: Like what? Patrick Bateman: Well, we have to end apartheid for one. And slow down the nuclear arms race, stop terrorism and world hunger. We have to provide food and shelter for the homeless, and oppose racial discrimination and promote civil rights, while also promoting equal rights for women. We have to encourage a return to traditional moral values. Most importantly, we have to promote general social concern and less materialism in young people. Luis Carruthers: [feigning tears] Patrick. How thought-provoking.
Patrick Bateman: I'm on a diet. Jean: What, you're kidding, right? You look great... so fit... and thin. Patrick Bateman: Well, you can always be thinner... look better. Jean: Then maybe we shouldn't go out to dinner. I wouldn't want you to lose your willpower. Patrick Bateman: That's okay. I'm not very good at controlling it anyway.
Waiter: Would you like to hear today's specials? Patrick Bateman: Not if you want to keep your spleen.
Patrick Bateman: [after being kicked in the face by Christie the call girl] Not the face! You bitch! Not the fucking face, you piece of bitch trash!
[Just after breaking up] Evelyn Williams: Where are you going? Patrick Bateman: I am just leaving. Evelyn Williams: But where? Patrick Bateman: I have to return some videotapes.
Patrick Bateman: Hey, I'm a child of divorce, gimme a break!
Jean: What's that? Patrick Bateman: Duct tape. I need it for... taping something.
Luis Carruthers: Patrick? Is that you? Patrick Bateman: No Luis. It's not me. You're mistaken.
Patrick Bateman: Don't you want to know what I do? Christie: No. No, not really. Patrick Bateman: Well, I work on Wall Street... for Pierce & Pierce. Have you heard of it? [the girls shake their heads. Patrick's jaw tightens] Christie: You have a really nice place here, Paul. How much did you pay for it? Patrick Bateman: Well, actually, that's none of your business, Christie. But I can assure you, it certainly wasn't cheap.
Patrick Bateman: I think, um, Evelyn that, uh, we've lost touch. Evelyn Williams: Why? What's wrong? Patrick Bateman: My need to engage in homicidal behaviour on a massive scale cannot be corrected but, uh, I have no other way to fulfill my needs.
Patrick Bateman: [voice-over] There is a moment of sheer panic when I realize that Paul's apartment overlooks the park... and is obviously more expensive than mine.
Patrick Bateman: Paul Allen has mistaken me for this dickhead Marcus Halberstram. It seems logical because Marcus also works at P&P and in fact does the same exact thing I do and he also has a penchant for Valentino suits and Oliver Peoples glasses. Marcus and I even go to the same barber, although I have a slightly better haircut.
Patrick Bateman: That's a very fine chardonnay you're drinking. I want you to clean your vagina.
Craig McDermott: If they have a great personality and they're not great looking... then who fucking cares? Patrick Bateman: Well, let's just say hypotetically ok? What if they have a great personality? [pause, all laugh] Patrick Bateman: I know, I know. [all in unison] Patrick Bateman, Craig McDermott, David Van Patten: There are no girls with good personalities. David Van Patten: A good personality consists of a chick with a little hard body, who will satisfy all sexual demands without being too slutty about things, and who essentially will keep her dumb fucking mouth shut. Craig McDermott: The only girls with good personalities who are smart or maybe funny or halfway intelligent or talented, though god knows what the fuck that means, are ugly chicks. David Van Patten: Absolutely. Craig McDermott: And this is because they have to make up for how fucking unnattractive they are.
[Looking at Paul Allen's business card] Patrick Bateman: Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God, it even has a watermark!
Luis Carruthers: Patrick, where did you get that overnight bag? Patrick Bateman: [Throws dead body in the trunk and slams it] Jean Paul Gaultier.
Patrick Bateman: I don't want to get you drunk, but, ah, that's a very fine Chardonnay you're not drinking.
Donald Kimball: Huey Lewis and the News. Great stuff! I just bought it on my way here. You heard it? Patrick Bateman: Never. I mean I don't really like singers. Donald Kimball: Not a big music fan, huh? Patrick Bateman: No, I like music. Just they're... Huey's too black sounding for me.
Patrick Bateman: I know my behavior can be... *erratic* sometimes.
Patrick Bateman: Evelyn, I'm sorry. I just, uh... you're not terribly important to me.
David Van Patten: They don't have a good bathroom to do coke in. Craig McDermott: Are you sure that's Paul Allen over there? Timothy Bryce: Yes. McDufus, I am. Craig McDermott: He's handling the Fisher account. Timothy Bryce: Lucky bastard. Craig McDermott: Lucky Jew bastard. Patrick Bateman: Jesus, McDermott, what does that have to do with anything? Craig McDermott: I've seen that bastard sitting in his office, talking on the phone to the CEOs, spinning a fucking menorah. Patrick Bateman: Not a menorah. You spin a dreidel. Craig McDermott: Oh, my God. Bateman, do you want me to fry you up some fucking potato pancakes? Some latkes? Patrick Bateman: No. Just cool it with the anti-Semitic remarks. Craig McDermott: Oh, I forgot. Bateman's dating someone from the ACLU. Timothy Bryce: The voice of reason... the boy next door. [looks at restaurant bill] Timothy Bryce: Speaking of reasonable, only $570...
[to Al, a homeless person] Patrick Bateman: Get a god-damn job Al.
Patrick Bateman: Did you know that Ted Bundy's first dog, a collie, was named Lassie? [laughs] Jean: Who's Ted Bundy?
Patrick Bateman: I think if you stay, something bad will happen. I think I might hurt you. You don't want to get hurt, do you? Jean: No. No, I guess not. I don't want to get bruised.
Patrick Bateman: I'm at a loss. He was part of that whole..."Yale thing"... you know? Donald Kimball: What do you mean... Yale thing? Patrick Bateman: Well, I think for one that he was probably a closet homosexual. Who did a lot of cocaine... that Yale thing.
Patrick Bateman: You're dating Luis, he's in Arizona. You're fucking me and we haven't made plans. What could you possibly be up to tonight?
Patrick Bateman: Did you know that Whitney Houston's debut LP, called simply Whitney Houston had 4 number one singles on it? Did you know that, Christie? Elizabeth: [laughing] You actually listen to Whitney Houston? You own a Whitney Houston CD? More than one? Patrick Bateman: It's hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it's not too late to better ourselves. Since, Elizabeth, it's impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It's an important message, crucial really. And it's beautifully stated on the album.
Timothy Bryce: [after snorting "cut" cocaine] It's a fucking milligram of sweetener. I want to get high off this, not sprinkle it on my fucking oatmeal. Patrick Bateman: Definitely weak, but I have a feeling that if we do enough of it we'll be okay. Club Patron: [leans over from another booth] Will you keep it down? I'm trying to do drugs! Timothy Bryce: Fuck you! Calm down. Let's do it anyway. That is if the FAGGOT in the next stall thinks it's okay! Club Patron: FUCK YOU! Timothy Bryce: HEY FUCK YOU! Sorry, dude. Steroids. Okay, let's do it.
Patrick Bateman: New York Matinee called it "a playful but mysterious little dish".
Courtney Rawlinson: Stop it, I'm... Patrick Bateman:
David Van Patten: What are you so fucking zany about? Patrick Bateman: I'm just a happy camper! Rockin' and a-rollin'!
Patrick Bateman: Mistletoe alert!
Patrick Bateman: Pumpkin, you're dating the biggest dickweed in New York. Pumpkin, you're dating a tumbling, tumbling dickweed. Courtney Rawlinson: Patrick, stop calling me pumpkin, OK?
Patrick Bateman: [excusing himself from Detective Kimball] Listen, you'll have to excuse me. I have a lunch meeting with Cliff Huxtable at the Four Seasons in 20 minutes.
Evelyn Williams: What does Mr. Grinch want for Christmas? And don't say breast implants again.
David Van Patten: [re: business card] Good coloring. Patrick Bateman: That's 'Bone'.
Patrick Bateman: Hamilton, have a holly-jolly Christmas.
Jean: Make someone happy. Have you ever wanted to? Patrick Bateman: I'm looking for, uh... [Puts nail gun to the back of Jean's head] Patrick Bateman: I guess you could say I just want to have a meaningful relationship with someone special.
[repeated line] Patrick Bateman: I'm not here.
Patrick Bateman: 'Oh Africa Brave Africa'. It was... a laugh riot.
Craig McDermott: }: I'm not really hungry, I just need to have reservations somewhere.
Patrick Bateman: Not quite blonde, are we? More of a dirty blonde.
[about Paul Allen's mysterious disappearence] Patrick Bateman: The world just opens up and swallows them. Donald Kimball: Eerie. Very eerie.
Courtney Rawlinson: Will you call me before Easter? Patrick Bateman: Maybe.
Patrick Bateman: Just cool it with the anti-Semitic remarks.
Patrick Bateman: [voiceover] I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Espace, since I'm positive we won't have a decent table. But we do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.
Patrick Bateman: [voiceover] When I get to Paul Allen's place, I use the keys I took from his pocket. There is a moment of sheer panic when I realize that Paul's apartment overlooks the park and is obviously more expensive than mine. I calm myself and move into the bedroom, where I find his suitcase and start to pack.
Patrick Bateman: [with prostitutes] We're not through yet.
Paul Allen: This is really a beehive of, uh, activity, Halberstam. This place is hot, very hot. Patrick Bateman: Listen, the mud soup and the charcoal arugula are outrageous here. Paul Allen: Yeah, well. You're late. Patrick Bateman: Hey, I'm a child of divorce. Give me a break. [studies menu] Patrick Bateman: Hmmmm, I see they've omitted the pork loin with lime Jell-O. Patrick Bateman: [looks across the room] Is that Ivana Trump over there? Jeez, Patrick, I mean Marcus, what are you thinking? Why would Ivana be at Texarkana?
Patrick Bateman: [in bed] Don't touch the watch.
Patrick Bateman: Your compliment was sufficient, Luis.
Donald Kimball: [about Paul Allen] And where did he go to school? Patrick Bateman: Don't you know all this? Donald Kimball: I just wanted to know if you know.
Patrick Bateman: Jean, I'm not going to make it... I'm not going to... make it... to the office this afternoon. Jean: [alarmed] What is it, Patrick? Are you all right? Patrick Bateman: Stop sounding so fucking... sad! *Jesus*!
Evelyn Williams: You hate that job anyway. I don't see why you don't just quit. Patrick Bateman: Because I want to fit in.
Patrick Bateman: [to Christie] Do you take credit card? Just joking.
Jean: Are you dating anyone? Patrick Bateman: Maybe. I don't know... Not really.
Courtney Rawlinson: Listen Patrick, can we talk? Patrick Bateman: You look... marvelous. There's nothing to say.
Patrick Bateman: What's wrong with that? It's totally disease-free.
Patrick Bateman: [to drycleaner] If you don't shut your fucking mouth, I will kill you.
Evelyn Williams: What about the past? Patrick Bateman: We never really shared one.
Patrick Bateman: I killed Paul Allen. And I liked it.
Patrick Bateman: [Impersonating Paul Allen's voicemail] Hi, this is Paul Allen. I'm being called away to London for a few days. Meredith, I'll call you when I get back. Hasta la vista, baby.
[at Paul Allen's apartment, empty and painted white] Real estate agent: You saw the ad in the Times? Patrick Bateman: No... Yeah, I mean yeah, in the Times. Real estate agent: There was no ad in the Times. I think you should go now.
Patrick Bateman: I hope I'm not being cross-examined here. Donald Kimball: Do you feel that way? Patrick Bateman: No, not really.
Timothy Bryce: Don't you know anything about Sri Lanka? About how the Sikhs are killing like tons of Israelis over there?
Patrick Bateman: Pumpkin, you're dating an asshole.
Patrick Bateman: Wasn't Rothschild originally handling the Fisher account? How did you get it? Paul Allen: Well, Halberstram, I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill ya.
Donald Kimball: I'm sorry. I should've made an appointment. Was that anything important? Patrick Bateman: Oh, that? Just mulling over business problems, examining opportunities, exchanging rumors, spreading gossip.
Patrick Bateman: I'm leaving. I've assessed the situation, and I'm going.
Patrick Bateman: Negative. Cancel it.
[repeated line] Patrick Bateman: Just say no.
Elizabeth: [to Christie the prostitute] What do you do? Patrick Bateman: She's my... cousin. Elizabeth: Mm-hmm. Patrick Bateman: She's from... France.
Patrick Bateman: [faking a conversation on the phone] Now, John, you've to wear clothes in proportion to your physique. There are definite dos and don'ts, good buddy of wearing a bold striped shirt. A bold stripe shirt calls for solid colored or discreetly patterned suits and ties. [pause] Patrick Bateman: Yes, always tip the stylist 15%. Listen, John, I've gotta go, T. Boone Pickens just walked in. [laughs] Patrick Bateman: Just joking. No, don't tip the owner of the salon. Okay John? Right? Got it.
Timothy Bryce: He makes himself out to be a harmless old codger, but inside... inside... Patrick Bateman: [voice-over] ... "but inside" doesn't matter. Craig McDermott: "Inside," yes, "inside... " - believe it or not, Bryce, we're actually listening to you... Timothy Bryce: Come on, Bateman, what do you think? Patrick Bateman: Whatever.
Timothy Bryce: God, I hate this place. It's a chick restaurant. Why aren't we at Dorsia? Craig McDermott: Because Bateman won't give the maitre d' head. [Bateman chuckles sarcastically and flicks a toothpick at McDermott]
Craig McDermott: Cheer up, Bateman. What's the matter? No shiatsu this morning?
Patrick Bateman: [narrating] I'm fairly certain that Timothy Bryce and Evelyn are having an affair. Timothy is the only interesting person I know. I'm almost completely indifferent as to whether Evelyn knows I'm having an affair with Courtney Rawlinson, her closest friend. Courtney is almost perfect looking. She's usually operating on one or more psychiatric drugs; tonight I believe it's Xanax. More disturbing than the drug use, though, is the fact that she's engaged to Luis Carruthers, the biggest dufus in the business.
Timothy Bryce: Gorbachev is downstairs. McDermott went to sign a peace treaty between the United States and Russia. He's the one behind Glasnost. Young Woman: He said he was in mergers and acquisitions. Timothy Bryce: You're not con-fused, are you? Young Woman: No, not really. Caron: Gorbachev is not downstairs. Timothy Bryce: Caron's right. Gorbachev's not downstairs. He's at Tunnel.
Donald Kimball: I just have some questions about Paul Allen and yourself. Patrick Bateman: Coffee? Donald Kimball: No, I'm okay. Patrick Bateman: Apollinaris? Donald Kimball: No, I'm okay. Patrick Bateman: Can you bring Mr...? Donald Kimball: Kimball. Patrick Bateman: Mr. Kimball a bottle of Apollinaris. It's no problem. Patrick Bateman: So, what's the topic of discussion?
Waiter #1: Our pasta this evening is squid ravioli in a lemon grass broth with goat cheese profiteroles, and I also have an arugula Caesar salad. For entrees this evening, I have swordfish meatloaf with onion marmalade, rare roasted partridge breast in raspberry coulis with a sorrel timbale. Waiter #2: ...and grilled free-range rabbit with herbed french fries. Our pasta tonight is a squid ravioli in a lemon grass broth, and the fish tonight is a grilled...
Victoria: [referring to the bloodstains on Bateman's sheets] What are those? Patrick Bateman: Oh, uh, it's - cranberry juice. Uh, cran-apple.