Austin Butler is rumored to lead the upcoming remake of American Psycho, a cult classic originally adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’s novel and starring Christian Bale. The film, which critiques masculinity in a capitalist society, was released in 2000 and features Bale’s iconic performance inspired by Tom Cruise’s public persona. While Cruise has not played a role as extreme as Patrick Bateman, aspects of his characters reflect similar traits. American Psycho is currently available for streaming on Netflix and Prime Video.
Austin Butler, a rising star in Hollywood known for his captivating roles in films like Elvis and Dune, is rumored to take on the iconic lead in the upcoming remake of American Psycho, a film originally released 33 years ago. But have you ever wondered which notable actor inspired the character in the first place?
The Legacy of American Psycho
Adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel, Mary Harron’s American Psycho has earned its place as a cult classic and is frequently hailed as one of the finest films in cinematic history. The film stars Christian Bale in a groundbreaking role that marked the beginning of his transformation into a leading man. Set against the backdrop of the Reagan era, it follows the chilling descent of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street yuppie whose exterior of wealth and charm hides a deeply disturbed psyche that leads him to commit heinous acts of murder.
Upon its release in 2000, the film became a commercial triumph, merging elements of psychological horror and dark comedy. It serves as a satirical commentary on the fragility of masculinity within a hyper-capitalist society. As Collider notes, one can view Patrick Bateman less as a genuine person and more as a facade, as he mimics the behavior of a salesman in his attempts to fit into societal norms.
Inspiration Behind the Character
Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman catapulted him to stardom, not only due to his striking physicality and chillingly vacant demeanor but also because of the unique inspiration he drew from a surprisingly familiar source: Tom Cruise. In a 2009 interview with BlackBook, Mary Harron revealed that Bale experienced a moment of clarity when he observed a conversation between Cruise and David Letterman. He noted Cruise’s “intense friendliness” paired with a “nothing behind the eyes” quality, which greatly influenced his interpretation of Bateman.
Over the years, Tom Cruise has built a reputation as a highly talented and versatile actor, often described as one of the most charismatic figures in Hollywood. However, this acclaim comes with an unspoken acknowledgment of his “intense” nature, particularly evident in his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Since Bale pointed out this inspiration, fans have begun to draw parallels between Cruise’s public persona and Bateman’s character. Observing Cruise’s talk show appearances, one might notice a resemblance to Bateman’s salesman-like charm. Both actors, in their own ways, strive to meet societal expectations, which is mirrored in the diverse roles Cruise has chosen throughout his career.
Tom Cruise has undoubtedly worked hard to solidify his status as a global superstar, adapting to audience preferences and shifting trends. From collaborating with lauded directors like Tony Scott and Francis Ford Coppola to fully embracing the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise has continuously evolved as an actor. His roles in dramatic films such as Jerry Maguire and Magnolia have further showcased his range, while his commitment to action films like Top Gun: Maverick confirms his status as a top-tier action star.
Though Cruise has not played a character as notorious as Patrick Bateman, some of his roles exhibit traits reminiscent of the sociopathic protagonist. For instance, his character in Magnolia grapples with deep-seated insecurities, while in Collateral he embodies a cold-blooded assassin. Moreover, his portrayal of Lestat in Interview with the Vampire presents a character whose psychopathic tendencies stem from his vampiric nature, contrasting sharply with the moral choices of other characters.
Ultimately, Tom Cruise’s ability to captivate audiences and adapt to the evolving landscape of cinema reflects a philosophy shared with Patrick Bateman—albeit in a non-psychopathic manner. As he navigates the demands of the entertainment industry, Cruise remains committed to delivering performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
American Psycho is currently available for streaming on Netflix and Prime Video.