Horror
Synopsis
A mentally unhinged yuppie (Christian Bale) in 1980s New York submits to an uncontrollable bloodlust.
Cast: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Chloë Sevigny, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Guinevere Turner, Matt Ross, Bill Sage, Cara Seymour
Producer(s): P.P.S. Films, Muse Productions, Quadra Entertainment, Lions Gate Entertainment, Edward R. Pressman Film Corp.
Crew: Director - Mary Harron, Writer (Novel) - Bret Easton Ellis, Writer (Screenplay) - Mary Harron, Writer (Screenplay) - Guinevere Turner, Co-Producer - Ernie Barbarash, Co-Producer - Alessandro Camon, Co-Producer - Joseph Drake, Producer - Christian Halsey Solomon, Producer - Chris Hanley, Line Producer - Victoria Hirst, Executive Producer - Michael Paseornek, Producer - Edward R. Pressman, Executive Producer - Jeff Sackman, Co-Producer - Clifford Streit, Co-Producer - Rob Weiss, Cinematographer - Andrzej Sekula, Original Music - John Cale, Film Editor - Andrew Marcus, Casting - Kerry Barden, Casting - Billy Hopkins, Casting - Suzanne Smith, Production Designer - Gideon Ponte, Art Direction - Andrew Stearn, Set Decoration - Jeanne Develle, Costume Designer - Isis Mussenden, Key Makeup Artist - Margot Boccia, Key Hair Stylist - Lucy Orton, Key Makeup Artist - Sandra Wheatle, Unit Production Manager - Ernie Barbarash, Production Manager - Peter Pastorelli
Distributor: Lions Gate Films
Release Date: 01/21/2000
Running Time: 103 minutes
Production Notes:
The following information was provided by Lions Gate Films.
The Cast
Christian Bale (Patrick Bateman) is one of the finest -- and busiest -- young actors working today. Currently on location in New York shooting the Paramount Pictures re-make of SHAFT, directed by John Singleton and starring Samuel L. Jackson (in which Bale plays the villain), his recent starring roles were opposite Ewan McGregor in Todd Haynes' VELVET GOLDMINE; opposite Emily Watson in METROLAND; and opposite John Hurt in Jeremy Thomas' ALL THE LITTLE ANIMALS. He also appeared in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM with Kevin Kline, Michele Pfeiffer, and Calista Flockhart.
Born in Wales, Bale made his major film debut starring in Steven Spielberg's epic EMPIRE OF THE SUN, then followed with Kenneth Branagh's HENRY V, the cult musical NEWSIES and TREASURE ISLAND, opposite Charlton Heston and Oliver Reed. Bale co-starred with Mel Gibson in the Disney animated feature POCAHONTAS, then broke hearts around the world when he starred with Winona Ryder in LITTLE WOMEN, and opposite Nicole Kidman in Jane Campion's THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. Bale continued to garner critical kudos for his work in "Christopher Hampton's THE SECRET AGENT and other credits include SWING KIDS with Barbara Hershey and Kenneth Branagh, A MURDER OF QUALITY and HEART OF THE COUNTRY for the BBC, "Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna" for NBC and the recent holiday special, "Mary, Mother of Jesus."
Willem Dafoe (Donald Kimball) has delivered powerful performances in a surprising array of motion pictures and plays, most recently Paul Schrader's AFFLICTION, David Cronenberg's eXistenZ, Paul Auster's LULU ON THE BRIDGE and the Wooster Group's production of Eugene O'Neill's "The Hairy Ape."
Dafoe is well known for his acclaimed work in such films as THE ENGLISH PATIENT, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, WILD AT HEART, FAR AWAY, SO CLOSE and MISSISSIPPI BURNING. Other credits include SPEED 2: CRUISE CONTROL, TOM & VIV, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, LIGHT SLEEPER, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A, TRIUMPH OF THE SPIRIT, WHITE SANDS, BODY OF EVIDENCE and OFF LIMITS. He received an Academy Award nomination for his work in PLATOON.
Jared Leto (Paul Owen) recently appeared in Terrence Malick's epic drama THE THIN RED LINE and starred in the thriller URBAN LEGEND. However, his first major role -- in the critically acclaimed "My So-Called Life" -- came shortly after he left his filmmaking studies at New York's School of Visual Arts to pursue an acting career. Since then, Leto's credits include a role in HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT, followed by starring roles in PREFONTAINE and SWITCHBACK. He also portrayed the title character in BASIL and co-starred in David Fincher's FIGHT CLUB. Curreb. Currently, he can be seen in GIRL, INTERRUPTED with Wynona Ryder.
Reese Witherspoon (Evelyn Williams) recently starred in the widely acclaimed hit films ELECTION and PLEASANTVILLE. Prior to that she drew attention for her roles in the teen drama CRUEL INTENTIONS and the dramatic thriller TWILIGHT. Witherspoon first attracted attention with her roles in THE MAN IN THE MOON and A FAR OFF PLACE, followed by the Lifetime feature "Wildflower." She also starred in the thriller FEAR and the independent feature FREEWAY.
Samantha Mathis (Courtney Rawlinson) recently completed the films THE SIMIAN LINE, directed by Linda Yellin, and the Showtime feature FREAK CITY. Mathis also starred in BROKEN ARROW, JACK AND SARAH, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT and HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT. Additional film credits include LITTLE WOMEN, THIS IS MY LIFE, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, THE THING CALLED LOVE, SUPER MARIO BROS. and THE MUSIC OF CHANCE . On television, she co-starred in the series "Aaron's Way" and "Knightwatch," and appeared in the movies "Cold Sassy Tree," "Extreme Closeup," "83 Hours 'Til Dawn" and "To My Daughter." Mathis will soon star in "Collected Stories" for the Geffen Theater.
Chloe Sevigny (Jean) made her film debut in Larry Clark's highly acclaimed hit, KIDS, and has since been seen in PALMETTO, by Volker Schlondorff, Whit Stillman's THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO, Harmony Korine's GUMMO, and Stebe Buscemi's TREES LOUNGE. Most recently she appeared in A MAP OF THE WORLD, Korine's JULIEN DONKEY BOY, and has reaped extraordinary acclaim for her starring performance alongside Hillary Swank in BOYS DON'T CRY.
Justin Theroux (Timothy Price) has appeared in ROMY & MICHELLE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION and a variety of independent films, including I SHOT ANDY WARHOL, BACKWARD LOOKS, FAR CORNERS, DEAD BROKE, FROGS FOR SNAKES and BELOW UTOPIA. On television, he guest appeared on "Spin City," "Ally McBeal" and "Sex and the City," starred in the Showtime feature "Sirens," and had a recurring role in "NY Undercover." Theroux has also worked in a number of theatrical productions at the New York Theatre Workshop, Broadway's Roundabout Theatre, the Actor's Playhouse and others.
Matt Ross' (Luis Carruthers) most recent film is Disney's THE VISITORS. He has also appeared in COMPANY MAN, WONDER BOYS, PUSHING TIN, THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO, FACE OFF, HOMEGROWN, TWELVE MONKEYS, ED'S NEXT MOVE, P.C.U. and YOU ARE HERE. In television, his credits include HBO's "OZ," "Buffalo Soldiers," "Love Kills" and a guest lead role on "Party of Five." A graduate of The Juilliard School, Ross has appeared in stage productions ranging from Broadway's "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" to Off-Broadway's "Mojo," "Twelve Dreams" and "The Merchant of Venice."
Bill Sage (David Van Patten) is a New York stage actor who has also appeared in such films as the critically acclaimed HIGH ART, I SHOT ANDY WARHOL, FLIRT, SIMPLE MEN, IF LUCY FELL, THE PEREZ FAMILY and most recently, THE BOILER ROOM. On stage, he recently starred in the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival's production of "Sweet Bird of Youth."
Cara Seymour (Christie), like Christian Bale, is one of the foremost up and coming young British actors working today. She will next be seen in Lars Von Trier's new film, DANCER IN THE DARK, opposite Bjork and Catherine Deneuve. Seymour has appeared in productions for both stage and screen, among them the films A GOOD BABY, YOU'VE GOT MAIL, A FURTHER GESTURE and UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS. In theatre, she won an Obie Award for her work in Mike Leigh's acclaimed "Ecstasy" and a Drama Desk nomination for "Goose Pimples," and in Britain she won a Time Out Award for "Now and at the Hour of our Death" as well as a Fringe First Award for "Present Continuous." Other credits include "Present Laughter," "The Monogamist," "Essex Girls," "Next to You I Lie," "Never Had It So Good," "Othello," "The Winter's Tale" and "The Bell Jar."
The Filmmakers
Mary Harron (Writer/Director) made her debut as a feature-film writer/director in 1996 with I SHOT ANDY WARHOL. The film received wide critical acclaim, won star Lili Taylor a Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and garnered an Independent Spirit Award nomination for best feature film. It was also chosen to open the "Un Certain Regard" section of the 1996 Cannes Film Festival.
Harron began her filmmaking career creating documentaries for British television. She directed many short films for the BBC 2 art series THE LATE SHOW, and co-produced a four-part series about American elections entitled "Campaign!" For the BBC / PBS co-production "Edge" she made six short films about popular culture including HOW TO MAKE AN OLIVER STONE MOVIE. She also made several documentary films for Channel Four, including WINDS OF CHANGE, an hour-long film about South Africa in the 1950s.
Before working in film, Harron was a rock journalist. She helped start "Punk," the first punk magazine, and was the first writer from an American publication to interview the Sex Pistols when they were a hot new London group. Harron wrote a history of the Velvet Underground for "New Musical Express" magazine as well as a history of Andy Warhol and the Factory for the music publication Melody Maker. She was music critic for The Guardian, a theatre critic for The Observer, and a television and rock critic for The New Statesman, and she collaborated with Elizabeth Lecompte of the Wooster Group on a screenplay about artist Jackson Pollack.
A native of Canada and graduate of Oxford University, Harron is the daughter of Don Harron, the much-loved Canadian actor and comedian. She is married to filmmaker John C. Walsh who directed ED'S NEXT MOVE, which debuted at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. The couple has a three-year-old daughter, Ruby.
Edward R. Pressman (Producer) has more than 50 diverse motion pictures to his credit, including the acclaimed REVERSAL OF FORTUNE, Oliver Stone's WALL STREET and TALK RADIO and Terrence Malick's BADLANDS. American Film magazine named Pressman the Best Producer of the 1980s in a poll reflecting the opinions of 54 American film critics, and in 1991 he received the John Cassavetes Award from the Independent Feature Project/West for his outstanding work and contributions to independent filmmaking. He has received tributes from New York's Museum of Modern Art, the Pacific Film Archive, the Walker Art Center, London's National Film Theatre and the French Cinematheque, which gave him the esteemed Chevalier des Arts et Lettres medal.
Pressman's most recent films range from TWO GIRLS AND A GUY to THE WINTER GUEST, which won the Grand Prix at the Chicago Film Festival, and Abel Ferrara's THE BLACKOUT, featured as a midnight screening at the 50th Cannes Film Festival.
Other recent projects include ENDURANCE and NEW ROSE HOTEL, both of which premiered at the 1998 Venice Film Festival, and LEGIONNAIRE. His television series "The Crow: Stairway to Heaven" recently debuted and a third CROW feature film -- THE CROW: SALVATION -- is in post production. Among Pressman's upcoming projects are: ARBUS, the story of photographer Diane Arbus; MUTANT CHRONICLES, a major science fiction fantasy/adventure; and the eco-environmental classic novel THE MONKEY WRENCH GANG.
Chris Hanley's (Producer) independent production company, Muse Productions, founded in 1991, made its feature debut with writer-director Matthew Bright's FREEWAY, executive produced by Oliver Stone and starring Reese Witherspoon.
Hanley followed up his initial success with two indie favorites, Steve Buscemi's directorial debut TREES LOUNGE, which garnered an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Director and THIS WORLD, THEN THE FIREWORKS, based on the Jim Thompson novel, which made its international premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Recent films include: TWO GIRLS AND A GUY, written and directed by Academy Award nominee James Toback, on which Muse served as co-producer; Vincent Gallo's stunning directorial debut, BUFFALO '66; and I WOKE UP EARLY THE DAY I DIED, based on an Ed Wood screenplay, which premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival. Hanley's company has also completed Roberta Hanley's directorial debut WOUNDINGS, an adaptation of Blake Nelson's coming of age novel GIRL, Richard Elfman's MODERN VAMPIRES, director Sofia Coppola's adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides' novel THE VIRGIN SUICIDES (which debuted debuted at Cannes' Directors Fortinght and will have its North American Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival), and Matthew Bright's twist on Hansel and Gretel, "CONFESSIONS OF A TRICK BABY."
Christian Halsey Solomon (Producer) began his career in foreign television distribution in 1979 with Telepictures Corporation. As vice president of foreign distribution for Kodak Films, Halsey Solomon entered the world of theatrical distribution, then joined New World Pictures as vice president of international sales. Halsey Solomon later created Filmtrust, which ultimately represented over 60 feature films in the worldwide arena. Between 1990 and 1994, Halsey Solomon was an assistant director, a screenwriter and an editor and also produced a number of feature films, including MONKEY TROUBLE, co-produced with Ridley Scott for New Line Cinema.
In 1996, Halsey Solomon formed Quadra Entertainment to develop, license, finance and distribute independent feature films for worldwide exhibition. Producer Edward R. Pressman appointed Halsey Solomon COO of the Edward R. Pressman Film Corporation the following year. He has served as executive producer on the Pressman produced films LEGIONNAIRE, and Abel Ferrara's NEW ROSE HOTEL.
Guinevere Turner (Writer; Elizabeth) started her film career in 1992 as writer, producer and star of GO FISH, which was executive produced by Christine Vachon and Tom Kalin and premiered in dramatic competition at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival. Turner's next project was a role in the controversial independent THE WATERMELON WOMAN, which Alec Baldwin defended in his much-publicized fight to protect funding for the NEA.
Turner has appeared in films as diverse as Kevin Smith's CHASING AMY and DOGMA, as well as in LATIN BOYS GO TO HELL and KISS ME, GUIDO. In 1996, she portrayed an American dominatrix in PREACHING TO THE PERVERTED with BAFTA-winning director Stuart Urban. More recently, her credits include Scott King's TREASURE ISLAND --which was honored for distinctive creative vision at 1999's Sundance -- and director Steve Adelson's first feature, DANTE'S VIEW.
As a writer, Turner recently collaborated with Mary Harron on a script about pin-up legend Betty Page, to be directed by Harron, produced by Christine Vachon and starring Turner. She is also working on the adaptation of Jerzy Kosinski's novel "Pinball," to be directed by Gary Fleder.
Andrzej Sekula's (Director of Photography) feature credits include Quentin Tarantino's influential independent hits PULP FICTION -- which earned a BAFTA nomination -- and RESERVOIR DOGS and David Mamet's OLEANA. Among his other films are NEW JERSEY TURNPIKES, STAND-INS, COUSIN BETTE, A FURTHER GESTURE, HACKERS, SLEEP WITH ME, BANK ROBBER, THREE OF HEARTS and Tarantino's omnibus film, FOUR ROOMS. Among Sekula's credits in American television are BODY LANGUAGE, ORIGINAL SINS, BEST LAID PLANS and THE JAMES GANG, while his British television credits include THE GRIMLLIES and productions for the BBC and Channel 4. In addition, Sekula has worked extensively in music videos and commercials and also served as a camera operator on such projects as ROBIN HOOD and POIROT.
Gideon Ponte (Production Designer) has served as production designer for Michael Almereyda's feature-film adaptation of HAMLET, Vincent Gallo's directorial debut and 1998 Sundance Film Festival hit BUFFALO 66, BONGWATER for director Richard Sears, and IT'S AN ARTFUL LIFE, directed by Takuo Yasuda, as well as several short films. Ponte has designed music videos for artists including Lauryn Hill, Shania Twain and Morphine, garnering a Grammy nomination for best video in 1998. Commercial credits include Polaroid and Sony Play Station, among others. Ponte's fashion credits include the 1999 Gucci campaign, a Madonna album and feature pieces for Vogue, American Vogue and Interview.
Andrew Stearn (Art Director) has been in charge of art direction for the films THE BIG HIT and THE THIRD MRIACLE. He has also been set designer or first assistant art director for THE MIGHTY, MIMIC, EXTREME MEASURES, CRASH, MRS. WINTERBOURNE, TOMMY BOY, JOHNNY MNEMONIC, GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER, THE REF and the hit Stephen King miniseries "The Storm of the Century."
Isis Mussenden (Costume Designer) has designed costumes for KRIPPENDORF'S TRIBE, HI-LIFE, SOME GIRLS, DANTE'S PEAK, DAYLIGHT, ALBINO ALLIGATOR, WHITE MAN'S BURDEN, SLEEP WITH ME, BODIES, REST AND MOTION, THE WATERDANCE and THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE, among many other films. Her television credits include the pilot for "Arli$$" and the films "A Private Matter" and "Memphis," which garnered a Cable Ace nomination. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Mussenden has costumed numerous theatrical productions at Lincoln Center and Ensemble Studio Theatre, including David Mamet's "Five Unrelated Pieces" and the stage production of "Bodies, Rest and Motion."
John Cale (Composer) first worked with Mary Harron on the score for Harron's debut feature I SHOT ANDY WARHOL. Cale secured his place in rock history by co-founding The Velvet Underground with Lou Reed in 1965. Cale's contributions as violist/keyboardist/bassist/arranger were essential to that seminal band's avant-garde vision. If Lou Reed was the Velvet's songwriting voice, Cale was their sonic mastermind. The Velvet Underground was only the opening chapter in the John Cale story, however. Since embarking on a solo career in 1970, this intense, erudite Welshman has released music that runs the gamut from classical recitals to screeching rock rave-ups, from lyrical ballads to homicidal tirades. His creativity has thrived on paradox, and confrontation, taking his listeners to the extremes of experience. Cale has recorded 16 albums over the last 20 years. His work in film also includes composing the scores BASQUIAT, directed by Julian Shnabel, and SOMETHING WILD, directed by Jonathan Demme.
Michael Paseornek (Executive Producer), president of Lions Gate Productions, is a key member of the team that greenlit a series of acclaimed films, including three that premiered at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival: BUFFALO '66, JERRY AND TOM and JOHNNY SKIDMARKS. His production division made STAG, I'M LOSING YOU, DOG PARK, HI-LIFE and VIG (aka THE MONEY KINGS). Previously, Paseornek was a writer and humorist-speechwriter. He went on to develop the sequel to the comedy hit MEATBALLS, created the award-winning AIDS documentary, SAFE, and made his directorial debut with VIBRATIONS.
Jeff Sackman (Executive Producer), president of Lions Gate Films, has been involved with the Canadian distribution scene since 1985. At Lions Gate, he oversees the company's distribution, production, international, and home entertainment divisions. He spearheaded the development and growth of Lions Gate Releasing, the U.S. distribution division, which won two Academy Awards in 1999, and has become one of the leading independent distributors in the industry, with recent successes including THE RED VIOLIN, THE DINNER GAME, and DOGMA. Prior to joining Lions Gate Films, Sackman was vice president of Cineplex Odeon Films from 1988 to 1991. He joined Cineplex Film Properties (CFP) in 1991 and was instrumental in orchestrating the sale of the company to Lions Gate.
Joe Drake (Executive Producer) was appointed president of Lions Gate International in 1998. In addition to establishing Lions Gate Films' international division headquarters in Los Angeles, he oversees the worldwide sales and licensing of the company's programming and properties. Prior to joining Lions Gate, Drake was senior vice president of international theatrical sales for Rysher Entertainment. Before that, he spent six years with Moviestore Entertainment, where he was an acquisitions executive, held various production responsibilities, and established an international sales division for the company.
