Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Bill Sage, Chloe Sevigny, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis

A fair-to-decent film adaptation of Ellis's controversial novel, replete with the author's attraction and repulsion to materialism and self-indulgence. Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) plays your basic homicidal maniac who works Wall Street by day and slices and dices acquaintances by night. He boasts a perfectly sculpted, seemingly invincible, fat-free body, which not only contrasts with the weakness of his victims but literally embodies the immaculate and strict appearances he values. This representation includes his food--either highly processed fitness formulas or highly precious nouvelle cuisine. The delicate yet devilish food styling in the opening credits is something to swoon over.

(by Rebecca L. Epstein)