‘Terrifying’ horror film ‘better than the book’ and is on ITV tonight | Films | Entertainment

The critically acclaimed horror film, American Psycho, which has been hailed as ‘frighteningly real’ and ‘the best horror movie ever’, is set to air on ITV 4 tonight at 10pm.

Starring Christian Bale, the film continues to captivate audiences even a quarter of a century after its initial release.

Set in New York City in 1987, American Psycho follows the life of Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a seemingly ordinary young urban professional who leads a secret life as a brutal serial killer when the sun goes down. Based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel, the film has been lauded for surpassing the book, with Bale’s portrayal of the psychopathic Patrick Bateman earning him widespread critical acclaim.

Bale was so dedicated to his role he remained in character even when the cameras weren’t rolling. He reportedly never broke character on set, maintaining an American accent and refraining from socialising with his co-stars, which he claimed helped him fully embody the character’s persona.

He even underwent dental work to match the character’s appearance while filming the role, reports the Mirror.

The stellar ensemble features Bale alongside Willem Dafoe, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Jared Leto, and Chloë Sevigny.

Upon its 2000 release, American Psycho generated roughly $34.3 million worldwide against its $7 million production budget and was deemed a remarkable commercial triumph.

Critics praised it as a sharp and sardonic examination of what transforms a man into a monster, whilst audiences have described it as “frighteningly real” and “disturbing”.

The film has achieved a 68 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, with one five-star review saying: “I have not seen this movie for 15 years and recently bought it on Amazon. What a brilliant film. I stupidly re read the book and I can honestly say the film is better than the book. The novel is dull because of its explicitness, whereas the film suggests the violence and instead focuses on the characters. This has stood the test of time and is highly recommended.”

Another viewer added: “Insane story with a big twist in the end and I’d say even better than the novel, in my opinion the best horror movie ever.”

A third five-star review said: “Awesome movie. Not quite as great as the book. But still awesome. A movie that should never be remade,” whilst another added: “Awesome movie, classic, have to take it for what it is but entertaining and an awesome performance from Christian Bale.”