June 8, 2025: Director Mary Harron reflected on the enduring legacy of American Psycho during a special 25th anniversary panel at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, and admitted she’s shocked at how relevant the film remains today.
In a candid conversation with comedian Hasan Minhaj, Harron said the film’s central themes—greed, racism, and toxic capitalism—have only intensified in real life. “I thought we’d never see people like that again,” she said of Wall Street’s excesses portrayed in the film. “But it’s worse now—open fascism.”
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Harron co-wrote the film with Guinevere Turner, adapting Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel. She explained that protagonist Patrick Bateman wasn’t meant to be admired. “He’s a symbol of everything terrible about late 20th-century capitalism,” she said, referencing his sexism, cruelty, and obsession with status. Still, she admitted surprise that some fans, especially on Wall Street, idolize him. “We were making fun of this,” she said.
Minhaj noted how Bateman voiced thoughts that are now often expressed openly. Harron agreed. “I used to think history bends toward justice. Now, I think maybe it’s a rollercoaster.”
The film’s Trump-era references also aged in unexpected ways. “In the 80s, New Yorkers didn’t see Donald Trump as cool—he was kind of a joke,” Harron said, recalling how Bateman’s fiancée teased him over his Trump obsession.
Harron also shared behind-the-scenes insight on casting Christian Bale. Although Leonardo DiCaprio was briefly attached, Bale ultimately landed the role because he, like Harron, saw the script’s absurdity and dark humor. “The other actors thought Bateman was cool. Christian got the joke.”
Harron concluded by reflecting on how difficult it was to get American Psycho made—until Lionsgate stepped in. “I never imagined it would be so embraced,” she said, amazed by the film’s cult status.