Channel: StudioBinder

Category: Film & Animation

Tags: film theorybusiness card scenefilmmakingpatrick bateman business cardcinematographybusiness card american psychoamerican psycho analysisamerican psycho business card scenevideo essaypaul allen business cardamerican psycho clipamerican psycho video essaymary harronmovieclipsamerican psycho card sceneamerican psycho patrick batemanpatrick bateman analysisbusiness cardbusiness card scene american psychoamerican psycho business card

Description: A breakdown of the American Psycho business card scene, from the screenplay to the shot list. Download "American Psycho" Script ►► bit.ly/sb-aps "American Psycho" Business Card Script Breakdown ►► bit.ly/ap-bcs "American "American Psycho" Business Card Scene Storyboards ►► bit.ly/sb-apsb Write a Script for free in StudioBinder ►► bit.ly/sb-scw Chapters: 00:00 - Marry Harron and American Psycho Recap 02:10 - Business Card Scene Analysis 07:56 - Wrap Up CORRECTION: Anatomy of a Scene was a New York Times production, not The Washington Post. It’s been more than 20 years but the American Psycho business card scene is still on our minds. But why? For one, director Mary Harron approached the scene as a duel — instead of swords or pistols, we have business cards. In this American Psycho analysis, let’s put ourselves in the shoes of Mary Harron and how she took a great script and directed a fantastic scene. The American Psycho business card scene isn’t really about business cards. The business cards are status symbols, a measurement for how superficial and competitive our ensemble of corporate clones really are. It is a battle fought with font types and card stock but that’s what makes it interesting. If anything, screenwriters and directors can take away from the American Psycho business card scene that subtext is powerful and a symbolic battle can be just as effective as a battle fought with actual weapons. So, how does Mary Harron turn this boardroom brawl into an iconic and cinematic scene? Props, wardrobe, sound design, and cinematography are all working together to give us a pitch perfect satire. The business cards are designed to be nearly identical, which is what makes the characters’ in-depth comparisons so ironic. They all look and dress the same, down to the glasses, hairstyles and suits. Mary Harron also chose to give the business cards an extra layer of symbolism in the sound design. Listen closely and you can hear the sound of a sword being drawn as Patrick Bateman’s business card holder is opened. Then, the moment of truth: Paul Allen’s business card. Unlike the other cards, which are photographed rather plainly, Allen’s card gets extra special treatment. The lighting is more dramatic, the framing is large and imposing, and the slight slow motion turns this into the moment that sends Bateman over the edge. If you’re thinking about writing or directing a satire, the American Psycho business card scene is a masterclass. — Songs used: "I Touch Roses" - Book of Love "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves "Sussudio" - Genesis "American Psycho Main Theme" - John Cale (American Psycho Score) Packing for Paul" - John Cale (American Psycho Score) "American Psycho - John Cale (American Psycho Score) Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq — SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s YouTube channel! ►► bit.ly/2hksYO0 Looking for a project management platform for your filmmaking? StudioBinder is an intuitive project management solution for video creatives; create shooting schedules, breakdowns, production calendars, shot lists, storyboards, call sheets and more. Try StudioBinder for FREE today: studiobinder.com/pricing — Join us on Social Media! — Instagram ►► instagram.com/studiobinder Facebook ►► facebook.com/studiobinderapp Twitter ►► twitter.com/studiobinder