Patrick Bateman

For the EP, see Patrick Bateman (EP).

Patrick Bateman
Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman (2000)
First appearanceThe Rules of Attraction (1987)
Last appearanceLunar Park (2005)
Created byBret Easton Ellis
Portrayed by
In-universe information
AliasesPat Bateman
Marcus Halberstam (Marcus Halberstram)
Paul Owen (Paul Allen)
GenderMale
TitleVice President
OccupationInvestment banker
FamilySean Bateman (younger brother)
NationalityAmerican
EducationPhillips Exeter Academy
Harvard College
Harvard Business School

Patrick Bateman is a character created by novelist Bret Easton Ellis. He is the villain protagonist and unreliable narrator of Ellis's 1991 novel American Psycho and is played by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation of the same name. Bateman is a wealthy and materialistic yuppie and Wall Street investment banker who, supposedly, leads a secret life as a serial killer. He has also briefly appeared in other Ellis novels and their film and theatrical adaptations.

While initially gaining attention upon the novel's release, Bateman's influence expanded among Gen Z. The film's cult following among young viewers propelled Bateman into the realm of a cultural icon. He is seen as the character who played an important part for the rise of the sigma male culture.[2][3][4][5] The rise of internet culture and social media platforms has propelled Bateman's character into the realm of memetic culture. Memes featuring Bateman's iconic quotes, facial expressions, and memorable scenes have proliferated across various online communities, further cementing his status as a cultural touchstone.[6][7]

  1. ^ Carreiro, Justin (June 13, 2022). "Riverdale Season 6 Episode 17 Review: Chapter One Hundred And Twelve: American Psychos". TV Fanatic. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  2. ^ Villalba, Juanjo (January 11, 2023). "Why are Gen Z men obsessed with Patrick Bateman from 'American Psycho'?". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  3. ^ Trudon, Taylor (May 5, 2023). "Christian Bale, Gen-Z Heartthrob". The Cut. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  4. ^ "Sigma grindset: TikTok's toxic worshipping of Patrick Bateman is another sign young men are lost". British GQ. November 7, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  5. ^ Das, Amrita (December 24, 2022). "What does sigma mean on TikTok? Viral Patrick Bateman trend explored". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  6. ^ "What's attracting young men to Patrick Bateman?". Washington Examiner. July 8, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  7. ^ Ustaer, Feyyaz (March 16, 2023). "The Reason Gen-Z Embraces Patrick Bateman And The Sigma Male". The Red Carpet. Retrieved July 5, 2023.