Analysing Todorov's Narrative Theory - American Psycho

[1] Begins with a state of equilibrium.

We're introduced initially to around 4-5 well dressed men, who are obviously in a position of power. This is highlighted by the reaction of the men when their bill arrives, Bryce (One of the supporting cast) is quoted saying 'Speaking of reasonable, only $570". The men are all in obvious positions of wealth, as they all throw down their platinum AmEx cards in order to pay for the bill. We're then first alerted to the main character Patrick's psychopathic tendencies. As he pays for his drink in a nightclub, he waits until the bar tender is out of ear shot and states "You're a f***ing ugly bitch. I want to stab you to death, then play around with your blood." He then carries on as if nothing's happened.


[2] Disruption of that order.

Disruption occurs when detective Kimball joins Patrick in his office, after the disappearance of businessman Paul Allen, who a few scenes prior Patrick murdered with an axe and then drove to Paul's apartment before staging the scene so it looked as if Paul had left on a business trip. Kimball has many questions for Bateman, and over numerous meetings Patrick's alibi begins to crumble as Kimball finds holes in his story, although Kimball is still none the wiser and doesn't expect anything. It's evident though that the pressure is getting to Patrick. Their final meeting ends with Kimball saying "I'm pretty sure he'll turn up sooner or later. I mean, to think that one of his friends killed him for no reason whatsoever would be too ridiculous. Isn't that right Patrick?" Patrick is unnerved and doesn't react for a few seconds.

[3] Recognition that order has been disrupted.

Patrick finally cracks when his mental problems get the better of him and a quaint old woman catches him trying to feed a kitten to an ATM. He then shoots her and goes on a murderous rampage. He escapes from police for the time being and begins to cry as the elevator carries him up to the top of the building he works in. He then crouches in the corner of his office, and quivers in terror of what he's done. Searchlights shine against the blinds and his voice begins to crack as he picks up the phone and starts confessing his crimes to his attorney Harold.

[4] Attempt to repair the damage

Bateman attempts to repair the damage by confessing to around 20-40 murders all at once, and he begins to sob as he goes into the grizzly details of the horrors he's committed and leaves them in a message on his attorney, Harold's, answering machine. He then see's Harold the next day and tries to talk to him to one side, hoping Harold can help him out of this one. He mistakes Bateman for Davis and plays the hole thing off as a joke. Meanwhile Bateman pleads with Harold, that he really needs help. "I did it, Carnes! I killed him! I'm Patrick Bateman! I chopped Allen's fucking head off," he whispers with tears in his eyes, it appears the attorney realises this isn't a joke and leaves after a few attempts, stating that 'Davis' couldn't have killed Paul as he had dinner with Paul just 10 days ago in London. Patrick begins to question himself on whether he actually committed the crimes or not.

[5] A state of new equilibrium

The state of new equilibrium we reach is a peculiar one. Patrick's problem hasn't actually been resolved but it would seem people are able to sweep his wrongdoings under the mat. Everyone else is so self centred, they're incredibly superficial individuals who really don't care about much away from there own status and the business world. The movie ends with Bateman dismissing himself after realising that Harold doesn't care for his situation. He stands alone as the narration plays over the image of him. "My pain is constant and sharp, and I do not hope for a better world for anyone. In fact, I want my pain to be inflicted on others, and no one to escape. My punishment continues to elude me. My confession has meant nothing." Bateman has reached an equilibrium where no problems have really been resolved but the cracks have been painted over. Some could argue it's the opposite and if anything we're thrown into dis-equilibrium by the fact Bateman may never have committed any of the crimes and the his mental condition worsens.