Dante-27

Prior to the film's release I remember reading an interview with director Mary Harron who was commenting on the rumor that Leonardo DiCaprio was supposed to star in American Psycho. She stated it would be totally wrong and ruin the book for what it is. After watching this movie, I can say that its the director and her whole crew who ruined a book which could have been made into a good movie. First off, the movie has no feel to it..one would think it would be easy to re-create New York in the 80's..instead it is so obvious that its Toronto being substituted for NY and the director's lack of attention to detail ruins many shots. Extra's have 1999 clothes, haircuts and I could swear I saw an extra with the latest model cell phone in the back ground. In addition, the manner in which it was shot felt like I was watching a Canadian made for T.V. afterschool special.

Secondly, besides the faults of the set director, etc. The casting director should never work again! Christian Bale delivers such a mediocre and dull performance its a wonder how he ever made it into acting. This is the type of role an actor could really set his mark with for years to come...instead Bale proves that either he is not ready for these kinds of role's or he's just not made for serious roles. The director refused to cast a big name in the starring role...little did she realize that there is a reason Leonardo Dicaprio, Edward Norton and Matt Damon are paid the big "bucks"..they can act and deliver amazing performances. When she can finally look beyond her "Hollywood is evil!" approach she might start making decent movies and not ruin a good book. If you have not seen this movie..avoid it...its a TERRIBLE attempt at making something different and original..in my opinion..the director was too novice for this type of film and really had no clue where to go with it! Avoid this movie!!

Personally I thought that 1999 was a disappointing year in cinema with the exception of a few..this is one of them. I thought it was a great script, great visuals and had great direction. Clooney was superb, Wahlberg was better than usual and Ice Cube actually acted for once. I must admit the story began to get a bit too hero-ish towards the end but in the whole sphere of things it kind of fits in. The camera shots were refreshing and I think it did what Platoon did for Vietnam..told the true story. Bravo to David Russell

Bringing out the dead is not for everyone. Either you really love this film or will hate it. If you like Martin Scorsese films and appreciate the great talents of Nicolas Cage this film will be like a "feast". This is probably Nicolas Cage's greatest performance since his days as Sailor in "Wild at Heart" or Ben in "Leaving Las Vegas". This is a part Cage was born to play: a miserable, gloomy man who hates his job and is going through his own personal hell. In addition, the feel of this film is incredible. The support cast with the exception of Patricia Arquette is incredible. Tom Sizemore, Ving Rhames and John Goodman all shine and leave you asking for more. The story is not really the issue here. Don't expect some deep plot with twists and turns...its about the hellish life of a paramedic and his own world. Appreciate it for what it is. Grade: A-