Christian Bale on Whitney Houston’s allure in ‘American Psycho’
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As the world continues to absorb the news of Whitney Houston’s death, clips and remembrances have been popping up all over the place. The above scene, taken from the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ ‘American Psycho,’ has been making its way through social media due to one particular exchange featuring protagonist Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, and two pretty women making out on a couch.
As the two ladies chat and squirm, Bale’s character Bateman, a serial killer, seems a million miles away, lost in thought about ... Whitney Houston. ‘Did you know that Whitney Houston’s debut LP, called simply ‘Whitney Houston,’ had four No. 1 singles on it? Did you know that, Christie?’ asks Bateman.
She is dismissive of Houston’s allure, but Bateman continues:
‘It’s hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks. But ‘The Greatest Love of All’ is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation and dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it’s not too late to better ourselves.’
Bale as Bateman then addresses the other girl on the couch: ‘Since, Elizabeth, it’s impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It’s an important message. Crucial, really. And it’s beautifully stated on the album.’
Indeed. Check out the clip. (Be forewarned, though. Although the clip is theoretically safe for workplace viewing, there is some over-the-clothes heavy petting involved.)
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-- Randall Roberts
