Complete Guide to the Cast and Characters of American Psycho

Exploring the Cast of American Psycho

Christian Bale delivers a memorable performance at the helm of the American Psycho cast, a film released in 2000 that adapts Bret Easton Ellis’s provocative novel. The story centers around Patrick Bateman, a prosperous banking professional in New York City, who succumbs to his violent impulses despite his high-status lifestyle. American Psycho serves as a biting critique of materialism and toxic masculinity, personified by Bateman’s character, whose affluent exterior masks a chilling darkness within.

Set in the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s, American Psycho contrasts the opulent Manhattan landscape with Bateman’s sinister nature. Bale’s enthralling mix of dark charisma and quirky humor has positioned him as one of the most intriguing actors of modern cinema. The supporting cast features an impressive lineup, including actors who would go on to achieve Oscar fame.

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman

Date of Birth: January 30, 1974

Active Since: 1982

Character Overview: Patrick Bateman, the protagonist of American Psycho, is a man obsessed with his own perfection yet is trapped in an endless routine. His unsettling needs intensify as he turns to murder, leading to a rising body count and increasing tension around him as his meticulous facade begins to crumble.

Title	Role
Empire of the Sun (1987)	Jim Graham
Batman Begins (2005)	Bruce Wayne/Batman
The Fighter (2010)	Dicky Eklund
The Big Short (2015)	Michael Burry
Vice (2018)	Dick Cheney

Actor Insight: Christian Bale emerged as a formidable talent in Hollywood with his debut in Empire of the Sun. His portrayal in American Psycho cemented his status, leading to the iconic role of Batman in the Dark Knight trilogy. Bale has garnished accolades, including an Oscar for The Fighter and has received nominations for various films, including American Hustle and The Big Short. He is set to appear next as Frankenstein’s monster in The Bride!

Chloë Sevigny as Jean

Date of Birth: November 18, 1974

Active Since: 1992

Character Overview: Jean serves as Patrick Bateman’s secretary, portrayed by Chloë Sevigny. Her meek demeanor makes her a target for Patrick’s violence, although he hesitates to harm her, revealing brief hints of empathy.

Title	Role
Kids (1995)	Jennie
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)	Lana Tisdel
Dogville (2003)	Liz Henson
Big Love (2006-2011)	Nicolette Grant
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024)	Mary Louise “Kitty”Menendez

Actor Insight: Chloë Sevigny rose to fame after her impactful role in Kids and earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in Boys Don’t Cry. Her diverse films include Zodiac and Dogville, and she most recently starred in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

Reese Witherspoon as Evelyn Williams

Date of Birth: March 22, 1976

Active Since: 1991

Character Overview: Evelyn is portrayed as Patrick Bateman’s fiancée, though their relationship feels more transactional than genuine. Her character symbolizes a shallow and self-absorbed persona, as she fails to perceive the darkness lurking within Patrick.

Title	Role
Election (1999)	Tracy Flick
Legally Blonde (2001)	Elle Woods
Walk the Line (2005)	June Carter Cash
Big Little Lies (2017-)	Madeline Martha Mackenzie
The Morning Show (2019-)	Bradley Jackson

Actor Insight: Witherspoon’s career took off with films like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde. She earned an Oscar for her role in Walk the Line and has established a strong television presence with successes such as Big Little Lies and The Morning Show.

Jared Leto as Paul Allen

Date of Birth: December 26, 1971

Active Since: 1992

Character Overview: Paul Allen is Bateman’s charming rival, whose arrival triggers Patrick’s violent tendencies. After engaging in a night of drinking with Patrick, he becomes one of Bateman’s earliest victims, stirring a sinister investigation that pulls at the narrative strings of the film.

Title	Role
My So-Called Life (1994-1995)	Jordan Catalano
Fight Club (1999)	Angel Face
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)	District
Suicide Squad (2016)	Joker
Morbius (2022)	Michael Morbius

Actor Insight: Jared Leto gained popularity with his role in My So-Called Life and has since featured in prominent films such as Fight Club and Dallas Buyers Club, for which he won an Oscar. His recent work includes notable roles in Morbius and the acclaimed Blade Runner 2049.

Willem Dafoe as Donald Kimball

Date of Birth: July 22, 1955

Active Since: 1975

Character Overview: Donald Kimball plays the role of the investigator probing Paul Allen’s disappearance. His interactions with Patrick oscillate between suspicion and seemingly fabricated obliviousness, heightening the sense of dread throughout the movie.

Title	Role
Platoon (1986)	Sgt. Elias Grodin
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)	Jesus
Spider-Man (2002)	Norman Osborn / Green Goblin
The Florida Project (2017)	Bobby
The Lighthouse (2019)	Thomas Wake

Actor Insight: Willem Dafoe is renowned for his versatile roles, most prominently as Green Goblin in the Spider-Man series. With four Oscar nominations under his belt, Dafoe continues to display remarkable range in his performances across various acclaimed films.

Samantha Mathis as Courtney Rawlinson

Date of Birth: May 12, 1970

Character Overview: Courtney, who is engaged to one of Patrick’s colleagues, becomes embroiled in an affair with him. Her drug use and deep-seated obliviousness encapsulate a familiar yet chilling blend of excess and ignorance present in the film.

Title	Role
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)	Crystal
Super Mario Bros. (1993)	Princess Daisy
Broken Arrow (1996)	Terry Carmichael
The Punisher (2004)	Maria Castle
Billions (2019)	Sara Hammon

Actor Insight: Samantha Mathis has enjoyed a fruitful career, with her performances in films like Super Mario Bros. and Billions gaining acclaim. Her versatility allowed her to successfully transition between voice acting and on-screen roles.

Supporting Cast & Characters of American Psycho

Justin Theroux as Timothy Bryce: A charming colleague of Patrick, Timothy is suspected by Patrick to be involved with Evelyn. Theroux would later feature in The Leftovers and is also known for his role in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive.

Matt Ross as Luis Carruthers: Luis, described by Patrick as the biggest fool in their office, is planning to marry Courtney. Ross has taken on several supporting roles, including a notable role in Captain Fantastic which he also directed.

Stephen Bogaert as Harold Carnes: Serving as Patrick’s unpredictable lawyer, Bogaert’s character brings an element of tension, known for his work in The Umbrella Academy and the Stephen King adaptation It.

Bill Sage as David Van Patten: A member of Patrick’s social circle, David’s minor role in the film is played by Sage, an actor often affiliated with indie films, including Mysterious Skin and Simple Men.

Cara Seymour as Christie: Featured in the harrowing chainsaw scene, Christie is among the sex workers Patrick hires. Seymour is also recognized for her roles in The Knick and Hotel Rwanda.

Guinevere Turner as Elizabeth: Elizabeth is portrayed as one of Bateman’s acquaintances and eventual victims, with Turner also known for her appearances in Dogma and The Watermelon Woman.

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