American Psycho vs. Falling Down

Attribute	American Psycho	Falling Down
Release Year	2000	1993
Director	Mary Harron	Joel Schumacher
Main Character	Patrick Bateman	William Foster
Setting	New York City	Los Angeles
Genre	Psychological thriller	Drama/Thriller

Plot

American Psycho follows the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker in Manhattan who leads a double life as a serial killer. The novel explores themes of consumerism, materialism, and the emptiness of the American Dream. Falling Down, on the other hand, tells the story of William Foster, a divorced and unemployed defense worker who goes on a violent rampage across Los Angeles. The film examines themes of social alienation, urban decay, and the breakdown of societal norms.

Characterization

In American Psycho, Patrick Bateman is portrayed as a narcissistic and sociopathic individual who is obsessed with his appearance, status, and material possessions. He is a cold and calculating killer who lacks empathy and remorse. In Falling Down, William Foster is depicted as a disillusioned and frustrated man who feels marginalized and oppressed by society. He is pushed to the brink by a series of personal and societal pressures, leading him to lash out in a violent and destructive manner.

Setting

American Psycho is set in the upscale world of Wall Street and high society in 1980s New York City. The novel vividly portrays the excesses and superficiality of the wealthy elite, as well as the dark underbelly of violence and depravity that lurks beneath the surface. Falling Down takes place in the gritty and decaying urban landscape of 1990s Los Angeles. The film showcases the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots, as well as the simmering tensions and inequalities that exist within the city.

Themes

Both American Psycho and Falling Down explore themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the disintegration of the individual in modern society. They delve into the darker aspects of human nature, such as violence, greed, and the quest for power. The works also critique the materialism and superficiality of contemporary culture, highlighting the emptiness and futility of pursuing wealth and status at the expense of one's humanity.

Violence

American Psycho is notorious for its graphic depictions of violence and gore, as Patrick Bateman commits brutal murders in a detached and methodical manner. The novel's explicit descriptions of torture and mutilation have sparked controversy and debate among readers. Falling Down, on the other hand, portrays violence in a more visceral and immediate way, as William Foster engages in confrontations and shootings with various individuals he encounters on his rampage through the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Psycho and Falling Down are both powerful works that offer incisive critiques of contemporary society and the human condition. While they differ in terms of plot, characterization, setting, and themes, they share a common thread of exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the destructive consequences of societal pressures. Whether through the lens of a wealthy psychopath or a disenfranchised everyman, both works force us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world we live in.