American — Psycho Open Matte

Yet, this format might be the most honest way to view the film. American Psycho is a story about a man who is fundamentally "open matte"—all signal, no substance, just noise and rage filling up space he doesn't know how to occupy. He is empty inside, and the open matte format, by revealing the empty ceilings and floors above and below the action, visually fills that void with nothingness.

In American Psycho, this extra vertical space can change the vibe of iconic scenes: american psycho open matte

However, for a first-time viewer, the remains the gold standard. It preserves the intentional "tightness" of Bateman’s crumbling psyche. Yet, this format might be the most honest

There is a bitter irony that the open matte version is often the version that aired on standard-definition television. Bateman, a creature of high fidelity, haute couture, and pristine vinyl, would likely be appalled to know that his carefully curated life was being broadcast in a 4:3 aspect ratio with commercial interruptions. In American Psycho, this extra vertical space can