Unpacking the Meaning of Patrick Bateman’s Infamous Business Card

Have you ever watched the movie American Psycho? If yes, you must’ve remembered the iconic scene in which Patrick Bateman obsesses over his business card. If no, let me give you a quick rundown. Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, is a wealthy investment banker who is obsessed with maintaining a perfect appearance and image. When his colleague hands him a business card, he can’t help but compare it with his own card and finds small imperfections that disturb him. He then goes on a rant about the superiority of his card and the inferiority of his colleague’s card.

So, what was the big deal about that card? Why did it matter so much to him? In this blog article, we’ll dive into the various interpretations and meanings of Patrick Bateman’s infamous business card.

The Card as a Status Symbol

Firstly, we can interpret the card as a status symbol. In Patrick Bateman’s world, everything is a competition and a way of flaunting one’s status. Having a better business card than his colleague gives him a sense of superiority and portrays him as a successful businessman. The business world is known for its obsession with status and hierarchy, and Patrick Bateman is no exception.

The Card as a Reflection of Self-Worth

Secondly, we can view the card as a reflection of Patrick Bateman’s self-worth. He puts in a lot of effort into creating the perfect card, and any flaws in it would reflect poorly on him as a person. He sees his card as an extension of himself and his identity, and any perceived imperfections would threaten his sense of self-worth and confidence. This can be seen in how he is unable to accept any flaws in his card and desperately tries to maintain its supposed perfect image.

The Card as a Representation of Consumerism

Thirdly, we can interpret the card as a representation of consumerism. Patrick Bateman is a product of his environment, which values material possessions and consumerism. His obsession with his card and its superiority is a reflection of a society that places a high value on material possessions and image. In the movie, we see characters constantly comparing their possessions and striving for more, and the card is just one example of this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Patrick Bateman’s infamous business card can be interpreted in various ways. It can be seen as a status symbol, a reflection of self-worth, or a representation of consumerism. Regardless of how we view it, the card serves as a commentary on society’s values and the obsession with material possessions and image.