Section 2: Research into examples of comparable media products- American Psycho Screening Notes

American Psycho begins with a plain white background and the credits appearing on screen in simple black writing. Sudden sounds begin slowly as drops of what looks to be blood drip on the screen. The white background contrasts with the red and black that relate to codes and conventions of a typical thriller. This acts as an attention grabber. As the drips appear on screen close up, the audience will assume it is blood but won’t know what it is off- this immediately makes people want to carry on watching. The sudden sounds become more frequent as do the drips. They begin to splash as the titles come on and start a more regular run of music and dropping. Other images are then shown such as a knife and it chopping food, as it looks less and less like blood the audience will be confused and again want to watch on. Food on a plate is then shown and someone taking it to a table. The food is very elegant and looks expensive, the music also changes to violins and a sophisticated tune. The shot of table and people all seem to be in a posh restaurant, this is set up in this way because it already tells us about the main character- that he has a high standard of living. The shot of the waiter in a bow tie again shows this. Almost two minutes in you have only saw food and people’s hands it makes the opening scene mysterious and intriguing or the viewer.

Patrick Bateman in on screen costume

Four men sat round a table are then introduced to the viewer, one being the main character of Patrick Bateman and his three other male friends. The four come across as wealthy and rich to be in a place eating such foods, and being waited on in that way. Their costumes say a lot about them also- all wearing suits with slick back hair to gain the sophisticated wealthy look. The long shot of them talking, eating, smoking, and swearing gives off a certain arrogance they seem to have and tells a lot about their personalities even though they have only been on screen a few seconds.

The next scene starts with a camera entering a room, fast paced and to the sounds of a musical tune played by a piano. It looks as if somebody is walking into the room. The setting is very modern and lean, the main colours are white and cream and everything is tidy. We then are introduced to the character of Patrick Bateman properly, as he introduces himself. The narrative is an over voice of him telling us about his detailed rigid morning routine.  As he speaks, he is doing what he says such as moistorising his face ect. This is a good visual for the viewers as it’s easy to follow and tells us a lot about him, that he is OCD about routine, tidiness and looking after himself. This is later taken further in the film. It is clear about who he is and the shot of him in the mirror, peeling back the face mask is metaphorical of him peeling back his life whilst telling us about it. As in the codes and conventions of thrillers, it is an average man and his morning routine however it is interesting to watch.