Beneath the facade of success lies a dangerous alter-ego.
Watch the original version of American Psycho
Prologue:
The New York skyline illuminates the night sky, a symbol of success and power. Amidst the towering buildings, lies the heart of the financial district, where the rich and powerful gather to reign supreme. It is here we find Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker, with looks that could only belong to a GQ model.
But behind that perfect facade, there is something far more sinister. Patrick harbors a deep-seated, uncontrollable rage, and he knows that he is close to losing control. It is a cold and calculated malice that he keeps hidden from his co-workers and friends.
Patrick is consumed by his obsession with materialistic items, and he is willing to do anything to acquire them. He seeks out only the best in fashion, food and lifestyle, but his obsession is fueled by something much darker. He needs to quell his inner demons with blood and violence.
Chapter 1: The Perfect Image
Patrick Bateman walks down Wall Street, taking in the beauty of the city. He wears a perfectly tailored suit and sports a stunning hairstyle that would make any model envious. His outward appearance is immaculate, something he has prided himself on for years. He is the epitome of what everyone in the city aspires to be, rich, powerful and stunningly good-looking.
As he walks through the streets, he is approached by a homeless man, who begs him for money. Patrick is repulsed by the man’s appearance and shoves him aside. His disgust for anything that is not perfect further fuels his inner rage.
In his office, his colleagues praise him for his impeccable style and appearance. They envy his body, his expensive watch, his car and his girlfriend, Evelyn. In their eyes, Patrick is the perfect man, someone who has it all.
However, Patrick knows that the image he portrays is just that, an image. His mind is plagued by violent thoughts that only grow stronger with time. He relishes in the power he holds over others, the control he can exert over his victims with his bare hands.
As Patrick ends his workday, he heads to the gym, where he carefully selects weights to tone his muscles. He works himself to exhaustion, vowing to himself that he will become even more magnificent than he already is. But for Patrick, the only way to achieve perfection is through bloodshed.
As he leaves the gym, he finds himself back on the streets, where he sees the homeless man again. This time, he doesn’t hesitate to attack him, beating him with his bare fists until the man is lying motionless on the ground. It is the release he had been seeking, and he feels a sense of satisfaction as he walks away, leaving the man to suffer and die.
But for Patrick, this is just the beginning. His twisted mind has already started to plot his next kill, and he knows that it won’t be long before he loses control completely. He is the American Psycho.
Chapter 2: The Club
Patrick Bateman stood in front of the large mirror in his spacious bathroom, meticulously fixing his hair as he stared at his reflection. He was dressed in a tailored suit, an expensive watch on his wrist and a gold tie clip to complete the ensemble, everything perfectly coordinated. The routine was like an obsession for him, the constant need to perfect his appearance and the perception of others that he had everything under control.
It was Friday night, and he planned on hitting the clubs with his close circle of friends, all of them prominent figures in the finance industry. Patrick was a successful investment banker, but beyond that, he was also a man who appreciated the finer things in life. He longed for the lavish lifestyle that money could buy and made sure that everyone knew it.
As he walked out of his apartment, he could hear the city coming alive. It was a place where anything could happen, and Patrick loved that feeling of unpredictability. He met up with his friends, all dressed to impress, and headed towards a trendy nightclub that he had heard a lot about.
The music was pulsating, and the drinks were flowing as they entered the club. Patrick’s senses were heightened, and he could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He danced with the women, ordered the finest champagne for his friends, and snorted lines of cocaine in the restroom. The night was still young, and he was just getting started.
As the night progressed, Patrick’s behavior became more erratic. He became increasingly aggressive on the dancefloor, pushing people around and yelling for the music to be turned up. His friends began to notice a shift in his demeanor, but they shrugged it off as him just letting loose and having a good time.
But things took a dark turn when Patrick stumbled upon a man who he deemed to be unworthy of being in their presence. The man was dressed in tattered clothing, clearly not belonging to the affluent crowd that Patrick mingled with. In his mind, this man was the embodiment of everything he despised.
Patrick pulled the man aside, offering him a drink. He began to interrogate him, asking him how he could afford to be in the club. His tone became more aggressive and sinister with each passing moment. The man, sensing danger, tried to leave, but Patrick grabbed him by the arm, pulling him into a secluded corner.
From the outside looking in, the two men appeared to be having an animated conversation, but what was transpiring could not be further from the truth. Patrick’s true nature was slipping out of control as he began to imagine torturing and killing the man before him. He took a pen out of his pocket, lightly tapping it against the palm of his hand as he envisioned it as a weapon.
The man sensing his impending doom, made a move towards the door, but Patrick struck him down with a swift blow to the head. The man lay lifeless on the ground, and Patrick stood above him, relishing in the violence that he had just inflicted.
As he walked out of the club, covered in blood, something within him changed. He felt a sense of euphoria, knowing that in that moment, he was in complete control. The lines between his reality and twisted fantasies had blurred, and he reveled in it.
The walk back to his apartment was a blur, and he spent the rest of the night cleaning up the evidence of his crime. He was consumed by a sense of invincibility, convinced that he would never be caught. But little did he know that his actions would lead him down a path of self-destruction and unraveling. Patrick Bateman had just become a monster, and he was just getting started.
Chapter 3: Reflections
Patrick Bateman was staring into the mirror with an intensity that was almost frightening. Despite having a flawless appearance, he was searching for something that he couldn’t quite name. He was dissatisfied and uneasy, a slight tremble of nervous energy coursing through his body.
He turned his gaze to the reflection of his alter-ego, the one that he rarely acknowledged but that was always present, lurking beneath the surface. The other Patrick, the one that reveled in violence and sadism, was starting to make his presence known.
At first, it was small things. Patrick would have brief flashes of disturbing thoughts, ones that he would quickly push back down. But over time, those thoughts grew louder and more persistent, until he could no longer ignore them.
As he stared into the mirror, Patrick could see glimpses of his other self, the one that scared him so much. The one that had no regard for human life and took pleasure in causing pain. He had done his best to keep that part of himself contained, but now he feared that it was starting to take over.
He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the image of the other Patrick, but when he opened them again, the image was still there, staring back at him with a malevolent grin.
Patrick tried to shake the image from his mind, but it was like a parasite that had latched onto him, feeding on his fear and growing stronger with each passing day.
He began to have vivid hallucinations, seeing himself commit heinous acts of violence against innocent people. The visions were so real that he could feel the blood on his hands and the weight of the weapon in his grasp.
Patrick’s paranoia grew as he became convinced that people were onto him, that they knew his darkest secrets. He became increasingly isolated, cutting himself off from his friends and colleagues, afraid that they too would see through his facade.
One night, as he was walking home from a late-night meeting, he was jumped from behind by a group of muggers. They beat him senseless, leaving him in a pool of his own blood. The attack only served to fuel his paranoia and mistrust of others.
As he lay in his bed that night, nursing his wounds, Patrick felt a surge of anger and hatred rise up inside him. He began to plot his revenge, imagining all sorts of grisly scenarios in which he would make his attackers pay for what they had done to him.
But even as he dreamed up his revenge, Patrick knew that he was losing control. The other Patrick was getting stronger, and he feared that soon he would no longer be able to keep him contained.
The reflection in the mirror had become a constant reminder of the darkness that lurked within him. Patrick knew that he needed to find a way to deal with his inner demons before they consumed him completely, but he had no idea how to do it.
As he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, Patrick knew that something had to give. He couldn’t go on like this forever, teetering on the edge of madness. He needed help, but he was too ashamed to seek it out.
The other Patrick was waiting, biding his time, growing stronger with each passing day. Patrick knew that he had to find a way to confront him, to face his inner demons head-on. But the thought of doing so terrified him.
As he closed his eyes, attempting to find some peace in sleep, Patrick knew that he was running out of time. The other Patrick was getting closer and closer, and soon there would be no turning back.
Chapter 4: The Perfect Victim
Patrick stood in the shadows of a dark alley, his heart racing with anticipation. He had been stalking his prey for days, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. The homeless man he had been watching was sitting on a dirty, damp mattress, huddled under a thin, ragged blanket. Patrick could hear his labored breathing and the soft rustle of his clothes as he shifted in his sleep.
Patrick’s mind was filled with dark fantasies of violence and depravity. He had always felt a certain thrill from the thought of inflicting pain on others, and lately, those urges had been growing stronger. He knew that what he was planning was wrong, but the thought of the power he would feel once he had taken a life was too intoxicating to resist.
As Patrick crept closer to the sleeping man, he could feel his adrenaline pumping. His hands were shaking with both fear and excitement. He was close enough now that he could smell the sour, acrid stench of the man’s body. Patrick’s nose wrinkled in disgust, but he didn’t let it deter him.
With a sudden burst of energy, Patrick lunged forward, a knife glinting in his hand. The man was still groggy from sleep, and he didn’t have time to react before Patrick was on him, plunging the blade deep into his chest.
The man let out a strangled cry, his eyes wide with shock and pain. Patrick watched with satisfaction as the life drained out of him. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he felt a surge of power and elation that he had never felt before.
But his triumph was short-lived. As Patrick stood over the dead man, he suddenly realized the gravity of what he had done. He had taken a life without any reason or justification, and he felt sick to his stomach with the weight of his guilt.
For a moment, he considered turning himself in to the police, but the thought of being caught and punished was too terrifying to contemplate. He knew that what he had done was wrong, but he couldn’t bear the thought of losing the life that he had built for himself.
With a heavy heart, Patrick left the alley, his hands still shaking with the adrenaline of his violent act. He knew that he would never be the same again, and that the darkness that had always lingered at the edge of his consciousness had finally consumed him.
As he walked away, Patrick felt a strange sense of detachment from the world around him. He knew that he had crossed a line that he could never come back from, and that his descent into madness had only just begun.
Chapter 5: The Escape
Patrick Bateman sat nervously at his desk, his mind racing with thoughts of what had happened the night before. He couldn’t believe he had almost been caught by the police. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked around at his office, trying to think of a way out.
He knew he couldn’t stay in New York. If the police caught him, he would be locked up for life. But where could he go? He had no family or friends outside of the city. He was alone.
As he sat there, he tried to calm himself down. He couldn’t let his co-workers know that anything was wrong. He had to maintain his facade of sanity and control. But as the morning wore on, he could feel their eyes on him, watching his every move. He knew he had to get out of there.
He packed a bag with some clothes and cash and snuck out of the building. He hailed a cab and headed to the airport. He had no idea where he was going, but he knew he had to leave quickly.
As he sat on the plane, he tried to think of a plan. He had a fake ID and some cash, but that wouldn’t last forever. He needed to find a new identity, a new life. He thought about buying a ticket to Europe. He could blend in there, start a new life. But he didn’t have enough money for a one-way ticket.
As he landed in Chicago, he went to a hotel and checked in under a fake name. He knew he needed to lay low for a few days, figure out his next move. He tried to relax, but his mind wouldn’t stop racing. He was constantly looking over his shoulder, worried that the police were going to find him.
He turned on the news and saw his face on the screen. The police were searching for him, calling him a person of interest in a string of murders. He felt sick to his stomach. How had he let it get this far? He had always been so careful.
He decided to take a walk around Chicago to clear his head. As he walked down the street, he saw a man who looked exactly like him. He stopped in his tracks, watching as the man disappeared into a nearby building.
He followed the man inside, curious about who he was and why he looked so much like him. As he climbed the stairs, he felt his heart pounding in his chest. He had no idea what he was getting himself into.
As he reached the top floor, he saw the man sitting in a dark room, staring at a computer screen. The man turned to him and smiled.
“Hello, Patrick. It’s good to see you again.”
Patrick was confused. He had never met this man before. But as he looked closer, he realized that the man was him. Or at least, he looked exactly like him.
The man laughed. “Don’t be afraid, Patrick. I’m not going to hurt you.”
Patrick was frozen. He didn’t know what to do. He was trapped in a room with a doppelganger of himself, and he had no idea how he had gotten there.
The man stood up and approached him. “I know what you’re going through, Patrick. I know about your alter-ego. I have one too.”
Patrick was stunned. He had always thought he was alone in his madness. But here was someone who understood him.
The man continued. “I can help you, Patrick. I can give you a new identity, a new life. You can start over. But you have to trust me.”
Patrick hesitated. He didn’t know if he could trust this man. But he had no other options. He nodded his head.
The man smiled. “Good. We have a lot of work to do.”
Patrick spent the next few days with his doppelganger, learning how to create a new identity. They went over every detail, from his name to his backstory. It was like starting over from scratch.
As the days turned into weeks, Patrick felt himself slipping further into his alternate identity. He had never felt so alive. He was no longer Patrick Bateman, the boring investment banker. He was someone new, someone dangerous.
But as he looked in the mirror, he saw his old self staring back at him. He knew that he couldn’t escape his past forever. Eventually, the police would catch up to him. But for now, he was content with his new identity. He was free.
Chapter 6: The Betrayal
Patrick Bateman sat in his plush, leather chair, staring out the window of his corner office in Manhattan. His usually calm demeanor was replaced with anxiety as he waited for his friend and colleague, Luis Carruthers, to arrive. Luis had been acting strange lately, and Patrick knew it was only a matter of time before he found out his secret.
As he waited, Patrick replayed the events of the past few weeks in his mind. He had been more reckless than usual, indulging in his sadistic tendencies and taking risks that could have exposed him. But he couldn’t help it. The thrill of the kill was too intoxicating, and he craved it more and more each day.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Patrick straightened up in his chair and called out, “Come in.”
Luis entered the room, a somber expression on his face. Patrick could feel the tension in the air as Luis sat down in front of him.
“Patrick, we need to talk,” Luis said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“What is it?” Patrick asked, his heart pounding in his chest.
“I know what you’ve been doing,” Luis said, his eyes meeting Patrick’s.
Patrick felt his blood run cold. Had Luis figured him out? How much did he know?
“What are you talking about?” Patrick asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Luis leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Patrick’s. “I know about your alter-ego, Patrick. I know about your sick and twisted fantasies.”
Patrick felt like he had been punched in the gut. How had Luis found out? He had been so careful, so meticulous in covering his tracks.
“How…how did you find out?” Patrick stammered.
“It doesn’t matter,” Luis replied. “What matters is that you stop before you hurt someone else. Before it’s too late.”
Patrick’s mind raced. He couldn’t let Luis expose him. He couldn’t let his carefully constructed facade crumble.
“Listen, Luis,” Patrick said, his voice low. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re just…overreacting.”
But Luis wasn’t buying it. “No, Patrick. I know exactly what I’m talking about. I know that you’re sick. And I’m going to make sure that you get the help you need.”
Patrick felt a surge of anger and frustration. How could Luis do this to him? After all they had been through together, after all the secrets they had shared?
Suddenly, he realized there was only one way out of this. One way to keep his secrets safe.
He lunged at Luis, knocking him to the ground. “You’re not going to tell anyone,” he hissed. “You’re not going to ruin my life.”
They struggled on the ground, Patrick overpowering Luis with ease. He reached for the letter opener on his desk, plunging it into Luis’s chest over and over again.
Finally, Luis lay still, his eyes open but lifeless. Patrick stood up, breathing heavily. He looked down at the body, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him.
It was done. Luis would never tell his secret, never expose him. But the consequences of his actions were beginning to sink in. He had killed his friend, his colleague. He had crossed a line that he could never come back from.
Patrick knew he had to leave New York, leave everything behind. He grabbed his coat and walked out of the office, past the horrified looks of his other colleagues.
As he fled the city, Patrick couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next. Would he be caught? Would his secrets be exposed?
Only time would tell. But one thing was certain: Patrick Bateman would never be the same again.
Chapter 7: The Trial
The courtroom was buzzing with anticipation as Patrick Bateman was called to the stand. He had been dreading this moment for months, knowing that his carefully crafted facade was about to be exposed.
As he took his seat, he tried to calm his nerves and appear composed. The prosecutor began her questioning, starting with his background and education.
Patrick answered with ease, reciting his achievements and credentials with practiced precision. But as the questioning turned to his personal life and relationships, his facade began to crack.
The prosecutor asked about his relationship with Paul Allen, one of his colleagues who had gone missing months prior. Patrick had murdered Allen in a fit of jealous rage, but he couldn’t admit it now, not with the eyes of the world watching.
He stammered and stumbled over his words, trying to come up with an explanation. But the prosecutor was relentless, pressing him for details and contradictions in his story.
Finally, she asked him directly if he had anything to do with Paul Allen’s disappearance. Patrick froze, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a convincing lie.
But even as he opened his mouth to speak, he knew it was too late. The jury saw the hesitation, the fear in his eyes. They knew he was guilty.
The prosecutor leaned in, her voice low and menacing. “Tell us, Mr. Bateman,” she whispered. “What did you do to Paul Allen?”
Patrick felt the weight of the accusations bearing down on him. He could feel the eyes of the jury boring into him, the murmurs of the spectators ringing in his ears.
And then, in a moment of madness, he snapped. He leaped from his seat, his eyes wild with rage.
“I killed him!” he screamed. “I killed Paul Allen!”
The courtroom erupted in chaos as Patrick was dragged away, his confession echoing in everyone’s ears.
In the weeks that followed, the trial became a media sensation. People dissected Patrick’s every word and action, trying to understand what drove him to commit such heinous acts.
But for Patrick, there was only one truth: he was a monster, living an empty, hollow life fueled by his perverse desires.
As the trial came to a close and the jury delivered their verdict, Patrick realized that his time in the spotlight was over. He would fade into obscurity, forgotten by all but those he had hurt.
And in the end, that was the only justice he could hope for.
Chapter 8: The Revelation
The courtroom was packed with reporters, onlookers, and the families of the victims. Patrick Bateman sat at the defense table, his eyes fixed on the judge. He tried to maintain his composure, but his heart was pounding with fear. He knew that his alter-ego, the psychopathic killer who had plagued his mind for years, was about to be exposed to the world.
The prosecutor stood up to make his opening statement. He painted a vivid picture of the crimes that had been committed, detailing each murder with gruesome detail. The courtroom was silent as he spoke, the only sound the scratching of pens on notepads.
As the prosecutor finished his opening statement, the judge called for a recess. Patrick felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see his lawyer, who looked at him with a mixture of pity and disgust.
“Patrick,” he said, “we need to talk.”
Patrick knew what was coming. His lawyer was going to tell him that he was guilty, and that there was no hope of avoiding a conviction. He had known this day would come, but he had never been able to bring himself to accept it.
“I know,” he said softly. “I know I’m guilty. But I can’t help it. The urges, they’re too strong. I don’t know how to stop.”
His lawyer shook his head. “I’m sorry, Patrick. But regardless of why you did it, you still committed these crimes. And you have to face the consequences.”
Patrick felt a wave of despair wash over him. He had always believed that he was above the law, that he was untouchable. But now, faced with the reality of his situation, he realized that he was nothing more than a monster.
The courtroom was called back into session, and the witness stand was taken by one of Patrick’s former colleagues, who had worked with him at the investment firm. The prosecutor began to question her, asking about her interactions with Patrick and whether she had ever noticed anything unusual about his behavior.
The witness hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “There was something strange about Patrick,” she said. “He was always very quiet, very reserved. But there was a darkness to him that I couldn’t put my finger on. I just thought he was a bit odd, you know?”
The prosecutor nodded. “And did you ever see him act out in any way?”
The witness looked uneasy. “No, not really. But there were times when he seemed… off. Like he was in his own world, you know?”
The prosecutor pressed further, asking if the witness had ever heard Patrick express any violent or sadistic tendencies. The witness shook her head, but Patrick knew that it was only a matter of time before someone revealed the truth.
As the trial continued, more and more of Patrick’s colleagues and friends took the stand, each one revealing a piece of the puzzle that made up his life. They spoke of his obsession with material goods, his shallow worldview, and his tendency to become violent when faced with a challenge to his ego.
Patrick sat silent through it all, his mind racing as he realized the extent of the damage he had caused. He had always believed that he was in control of his alter-ego, that he could keep it contained and hidden from the world. But now, faced with the reality of his situation, he knew that he had been fooling himself all along.
The trial lasted for weeks, and as it drew to a close, Patrick began to feel a sense of resignation. He knew that he was going to be convicted, that he would spend the rest of his life in prison. But he also knew that he deserved it. The lives he had taken, the families he had destroyed, all because of his own twisted desires. He could never make up for what he had done.
The jury returned with a verdict, and the judge read it aloud. Patrick was found guilty on all counts, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. As he was led away in handcuffs, he looked one last time at the courtroom, at the faces of his former colleagues and friends. They looked back at him with a mixture of horror and disgust, and he knew that he had lost everything.
Chapter 9: The Aftermath
The city had never seen a trial like Patrick Bateman’s before. The wealthy investment banker, played by a master manipulator, had convinced everyone around him that he was a well-respected and successful individual. But as the gruesome details of his secret life were revealed in court, people started to question themselves and the society that had allowed someone like him to thrive.
The trial was long and grueling, filled with graphic descriptions of Bateman’s horrific crimes. His defense team attempted to argue that he was insane, but the evidence proved otherwise. The prosecution made a compelling case that Bateman was a cold, calculating killer who enjoyed torturing his victims.
Finally, after weeks of testimony, the jury reached a verdict. Bateman was found guilty on all counts, and the judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
As the news spread, people began to wonder how they could have been so blind. How could they have missed the warning signs that someone like Bateman was capable of such heinous acts? The truth was, they hadn’t wanted to see. They had been blinded by the allure of money and power, and they had turned a blind eye to the suffering of those around them.
Bateman’s family was devastated by the news. They had loved him, or at least the person they thought he was. They couldn’t believe that their son/brother/nephew had been capable of such evil. Some of them tried to reach out to him in prison, but he refused to see them. He was a different person now, and he didn’t want anything to do with his former life.
Bateman’s colleagues were also struggling to come to terms with what had happened. They had worked closely with him for years, and they had never suspected a thing. Some of them wondered if they had missed something, if there was something they could have done to prevent his crimes. Others simply tried to distance themselves from the scandal, moving on with their lives and hoping that people would forget their association with Bateman.
But the public wasn’t going to forget so easily. Bateman’s trial had exposed a dark underbelly of society that many people had suspected was there but had never seen so clearly. It was a reminder that the pursuit of money and power could lead some people down a path of moral decay, and that the consequences could be devastating.
As the years went by, Bateman became a footnote in history, a cautionary tale that parents told their children to warn them about the dangers of greed. But for those who had been touched by his crimes, he would never be forgotten. They would always wonder what could have been done differently, what signs they had missed. They would always carry a piece of Bateman with them, a reminder that evil could come wrapped in designer clothing and a charming smile.
Some scenes from the movie American Psycho written by A.I.
Scene 1
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Logline: A wealthy investment banker’s dark alter-ego threatens to unravel his perfect life as he spirals out of control in a sadistic game of manipulation and murder.
Setting: The bustling streets of New York City’s financial district.
Characters:
Patrick Bateman – A charming and successful investment banker with a dark alter-ego.
Evelyn Williams – Patrick’s beautiful and materialistic girlfriend.
Paul Allen – Patrick’s arrogant and competitive colleague.
Director: David Fincher
Scene 1: “Introduction”
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – DAY
We see an aerial view of the iconic skyline of New York City, bustling with activity.
CUT TO:
INT. PATRICK’S OFFICE – DAY
Patrick Bateman, a handsome and charismatic investment banker, sits at his desk, staring at his computer screen. He glances at himself in the reflection of his computer screen, adjusting his perfect hair and designer suit.
PATRICK
(to himself)
I am simply not there.
Evelyn Williams, Patrick’s beautiful and materialistic girlfriend, enters the room.
EVELYN
(with a smile)
Hey, handsome.
Patrick quickly composes himself, putting on his charming facade.
PATRICK
(smiling)
Hi, Evelyn. What brings you here?
EVELYN
(playful)
Just thought I’d surprise my favorite Wall Street guy.
PATRICK
(affectionately)
You always know how to make my day.
Evelyn sits on Patrick’s desk, looking around the office.
EVELYN
(excitedly)
So, what’s new with you? Any exciting business deals?
Patrick grimaces, hiding his true feelings.
PATRICK
(coolly)
Same old, same old.
EVELYN
(disappointed)
Boring. Well, I have some exciting news. Paul Allen invited us to his new apartment tonight.
PATRICK
(resentful)
Paul Allen? That smug bastard.
EVELYN
(smiling)
Come on, it will be fun. And who knows, maybe you can show him up with your killer style.
Patrick stares at Evelyn with a dark look in his eyes.
CUT TO:
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
Character Development:
– Patrick Bateman: Wealthy investment banker in his late 20s. Obsessed with materialistic items and his outer image. Struggles with deep-seated sadistic tendencies.
– Evelyn Williams: Patrick’s girlfriend and fellow socialite. Ambitious, superficial, and obsessed with status.
– Timothy Bryce: Patrick’s colleague and rival. Arrogant and manipulative.
Setting: A posh nightclub in the heart of New York’s financial district.
Dialogue:
Patrick: (sipping his drink) “I feel like I’m losing control, Evelyn. I need to do something drastic to maintain my perfect image.”
Evelyn: (rolling her eyes) “You’re always so dramatic, Patrick. Just relax and enjoy the night.”
Timothy: (approaching the couple) “Well, well, well. Look who it is. The dynamic duo.”
Patrick: (smiling thinly) “Hello, Bryce. Care for a drink?”
Timothy: (smirking) “Actually, I wanted to discuss some business with you, Patrick. I hear you’re up for the promotion.”
Patrick: (tensing up) “And what’s your point?”
Timothy: “Just that I think I’m more qualified for the position. Don’t want to see you embarrass yourself, old boy.”
Patrick: (gritting his teeth) “I’ll prove you wrong, Bryce.”
INT. POSH NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT
Patrick, Evelyn, and Timothy are surrounded by a sea of people dancing and drinking. Patrick is visibly uncomfortable as Timothy makes small talk with Evelyn.
TIMOTHY
(to Evelyn)
So, Evelyn, have you been doing any modeling lately?
EVELYN
(tosses her hair)
Actually, I just landed a new campaign with Calvin Klein.
PATRICK
(smiling thinly)
How impressive.
TIMOTHY
(leans in closer)
But enough about work. I wanted to discuss something with you, Patrick.
Patrick tenses up, sensing that Timothy is up to no good.
PATRICK
(hesitant)
What is it, Bryce?
TIMOTHY
(smirks)
I hear you’re up for the promotion. Must be exciting.
PATRICK
(gritting his teeth)
And?
TIMOTHY
leans in even closer
I just want you to know that I’ll be gunning for that position too.
Patrick’s eyes narrow as he stares at Timothy, his mind churning with thoughts of vengeance.
PATRICK
(through gritted teeth)
I’ll prove you wrong, Bryce.
EVELYN
(rolling her eyes)
Can we please talk about something more interesting?
TIMOTHY
(smiling)
Sure thing, Evelyn. How about we all do some shots?
Patrick downs his drink, his mind consumed with thoughts of Timothy’s demise.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 3
Characters:
1. Patrick Bateman: A wealthy investment banker with a secret psychopathic side
2. Evelyn: Patrick’s high-maintenance girlfriend
3. Marcus: Patrick’s colleague and only friend
4. Detective Kimball: A seasoned and observant detective
5. Homeless Man: A man targeted by Patrick for his twisted fantasies
Setting: New York City, Late 1980s
Dialogue:
Patrick: (muttering to himself) “I can’t keep up with this facade much longer. The visions are getting stronger, and I’m losing my grip.”
Evelyn: “What’s wrong, Patrick? You seem distant lately.”
Patrick: “It’s just work. I’m a bit stressed out.”
Marcus: “Hey, man. Want to hit up the club tonight? Blow off some steam?”
Patrick: (smiling) “Sounds like a plan.”
Patrick’s inner turmoil has reached its peak. He stares at his reflection in the mirror, admiring his chiseled physique and designer clothes. However, this moment of self-admiration is interrupted by a haunting vision of himself wielding a bloody knife.
Patrick’s breathing quickens, and he feels like he’s losing control. He pounds his fists against the mirror, shattering it into pieces. Suddenly, Evelyn rushes in, alarmed by the noise.
Evelyn: “Patrick! What happened? Are you okay?”
Patrick: (panting) “I don’t know. I can’t do this anymore.”
Evelyn: “Do what? You’re scaring me.”
Patrick looks at her with dead eyes and whispers, “I’m a monster.”
Meanwhile, Detective Kimball has been assigned to investigate the recent string of murders in the city. He becomes increasingly fixated on Patrick, finding inconsistencies in his story and noticing his unusual behavior.
As the scene ends, Patrick’s inner turmoil continues to escalate, and he becomes more determined than ever to satisfy his violent urges.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – ALLEYWAY – NIGHT
Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker, lures a homeless man into a dark alleyway.
HOMELESS MAN
(suspicious)
What’s going on, man? Why are we here?
PATRICK
(smiling)
Relax, my friend. I just want to talk to you.
The homeless man tries to make a break for it, but Patrick grabs him and slams him against the wall.
PATRICK (CONT’D)
(angrily)
Don’t try to run from me! You’re going to listen to me whether you like it or not!
HOMELESS MAN
(struggling)
Let me go! Please!
PATRICK
(intensely)
Do you know who I am? I’m a powerful man. I can do whatever I want. And I’ve decided that you’re going to be my perfect victim.
Patrick pulls out a knife, and the homeless man’s eyes widen in fear.
HOMELESS MAN
(pleading)
Please, don’t do this!
PATRICK
(sadistically)
Oh, I’m going to do a lot more than this.
He lunges at the homeless man with the knife, but the man manages to dodge out of the way.
HOMELESS MAN (CONT’D)
(struggling)
Help! Somebody help me!
Patrick chases after the man, but he slips on a piece of garbage and falls to the ground.
The homeless man takes this opportunity to flee, leaving Patrick alone in the alleyway with his twisted desires.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT
A homeless man wanders the streets alone, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger.
PATRICK BATEMAN emerges from the shadows, a twisted grin on his face.
PATRICK
(seductively)
Hey there, buddy. You look like you could use a hand.
The homeless man looks at Patrick, his suspicion growing.
HOMELESS MAN
What do you want?
PATRICK
Just to help you out. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink?
HOMELESS MAN
(skeptical)
I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Patrick puts his arm around the homeless man, pulling him close.
PATRICK
(whispering)
Trust me. I’m a good guy.
The homeless man hesitates, but ultimately decides to follow Patrick into a nearby alley.
INT. DARK ALLEY – NIGHT
Patrick leads the homeless man into the dark alley, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
HOMELESS MAN
(uneasy)
What’s going on?
PATRICK
(voice cold and cruel)
You’re going to be my perfect victim.
The homeless man tries to run, but Patrick is too quick. He grabs the man by the throat, choking him with all his strength.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT
A scream echoes through the night, sending chills down the spines of those who hear it.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. PATRICK BATEMAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Patrick frantically packs his belongings into a leather briefcase.
PATRICK
(to himself)
They know…they know.
He pauses, catching his breath.
PATRICK (CONT’D)
(to himself)
I need to get out of here.
Suddenly, there is a knock on the door.
PATRICK (CONT’D)
Who is it?
COWORKER #1 (O.S.)
It’s me, can I come in?
Patrick hesitates, but decides to let him in.
COWORKER #1
(entering the room)
The police are here. They want to talk to you.
PATRICK
(panicking)
What do I do?
COWORKER #1
(skeptical)
What did you do, Patrick?
Patrick lunges at his coworker, grabbing him by the collar.
PATRICK
(angrily)
You don’t understand. You can’t understand.
COWORKER #1
(frightened)
Let me go!
Patrick releases him, looking regretful.
PATRICK
(calmly)
I’m sorry. I just…I need to go.
COWORKER #1
(suspicious)
You’re not going to run, are you?
Patrick hesitates before shaking his head.
PATRICK
(resigned)
No. I’ll face the music.
He heads towards the door, but turns back to his coworker.
PATRICK (CONT’D)
(whispering)
Just promise me one thing.
COWORKER #1
(leaning in)
What?
PATRICK
(whispering)
Don’t tell anyone my secret.
He exits the room, leaving his coworker alone with his thoughts.
FADE OUT.
Scene 7
INT. COURTROOM – DAY
Patrick sits in the defendant’s seat, his eyes darting around the packed courtroom. The jury stares back at him, their expressions unreadable.
PROSECUTOR
(to Patrick)
Mr. Bateman, can you tell us where you were on the night of the murder?
PATRICK
I don’t remember.
PROSECUTOR
You don’t remember? You don’t remember killing someone?
PATRICK
I don’t remember anything.
The prosecutor glances at the jury, then back at Patrick.
PROSECUTOR
Isn’t it true that you have a history of violence, Mr. Bateman? That you’ve been in and out of mental institutions?
Patrick shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
PATRICK
That’s not relevant to this case.
PROSECUTOR
Isn’t it? It seems to me that it’s very relevant. You have a long history of mental illness, Mr. Bateman. Isn’t it possible that you could have committed this murder?
Patrick grits his teeth, his hands balling into fists.
PATRICK
I did not commit that murder.
The prosecutor raises an eyebrow.
PROSECUTOR
Then who did, Mr. Bateman?
Patrick’s eyes flicker with panic.
PATRICK
I don’t know. I don’t remember.
The prosecutor nods, then turns to the jury.
PROSECUTOR
Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you that Mr. Bateman is guilty of this heinous crime. He has a history of violence and mental illness, and he was found with the murder weapon in his hand. There can be no doubt that he is the killer.
The jury members scribble furiously on their notepads as the prosecutor takes his seat. Patrick slumps back in his seat, his mind whirring with fear and uncertainty.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 8
FADE IN:
EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS – DAY
Patrick’s family and friends exit the courthouse, their faces etched with sadness and disbelief. The media swarms them, shouting questions and flashing cameras.
REPORTER 1: Mrs. Bateman, how do you feel about your son’s conviction?
MRS. BATEMAN: (choking back tears) It’s just…unimaginable. We had no idea…
Patrick’s best friend, TIMOTHY, steps forward.
TIMOTHY: (fiercely) This isn’t the Patrick we knew. He was a caring and generous person.
REPORTER 2: Mr. Price, your testimony was a key factor in Patrick’s conviction. Do you feel any guilt?
PRICE: (somberly) Of course I do. But I had to do the right thing. I just wish I had realized sooner…
As the reporters continue to pummel them with questions, a figure emerges from the courthouse.
REPORTER 3: (whispering) Oh my God, it’s him.
Patrick, escorted by two guards, makes his way down the steps and into a waiting police van. His face is stoic, but his eyes are haunted.
As the van drives away, the crowd begins to disperse. Timothy lingers, staring after it longingly.
FADE OUT.
