In the iconic movie American Psycho, Patrick Bateman’s obsession with business cards is not just a mere eccentricity; it is a metaphorical representation of power, identity, and the cutthroat world of corporate culture. From the meticulously designed layouts to the distinct choice of fonts, business cards hold a significant meaning that goes beyond their surface appearance. In this article, we will delve into the symbolism behind business cards in American Psycho and explore the underlying messages they convey.
The Power Dynamics of the Business Card
Dissecting the Obsession
Throughout American Psycho, the characters’ obsession with business cards reflects the intense power dynamics at play within the world of high-powered finance. The mere exchange of business cards becomes a competition, where the weight and significance of the card become an indicator of social status. Each protagonist in the film anxiously scrutinizes their counterparts’ cards, seeking validation and dominance through this small piece of paper.
The Significance of Aesthetic Choices
Beyond its practical purpose, the business card serves as a status symbol. The meticulous design, paper quality, and overall aesthetic become markers of success and power. The characters in American Psycho are constantly vying to outshine one another by choosing the most exquisite materials, embossing intricate designs, and opting for unconventional fonts. Every aspect of the card’s appearance is deliberately chosen to create an aura of sophistication and superiority.
The Link Between Identity and Business Cards
The Business Card as a Personal Brand
In American Psycho, business cards are not just objects; they serve as extensions of the owner’s identity. The card becomes a tangible representation of one’s personal brand and social standing. The font, colors, and logo choices reflect the character’s desired image and the perception they wish to create. Through their business cards, the characters attempt to mold and shape their identities, presenting an idealized version of themselves to the world.
The Fragility of Identity
However, as American Psycho illustrates, this obsession with business cards also highlights the fragile nature of identity in a world marred by superficiality and consumerism. Patrick Bateman, the film’s protagonist, struggles with a severe dissociation between his true identity and the façade he presents to society. His fixation with business cards serves as a metaphor for the emptiness and hollowness that exist beneath the surface of his meticulously constructed persona.
The Dehumanizing Effects of Corporate Culture
The Loss of Individuality
In American Psycho, the characters’ obsession with business cards mirrors the dehumanizing effects of the corporate culture they inhabit. As they become consumed by their professional lives, their individuality is gradually eroded. The business card becomes a tool to blend in, conform, and suppress one’s unique qualities. The characters desperately cling to this symbol of professional identity in an attempt to validate their existence and maintain a sense of self amidst the soul-crushing monotony of their corporate lives.
The Absurdity of Chase for Supremacy
Furthermore, American Psycho highlights the absurdity of the chase for supremacy through business cards. The characters’ obsessive behavior and extreme competitiveness seem irrational, emphasizing the shallow nature of their pursuits. As they fixate on minute details of the card, the film exposes the futility of their quest for ultimate power. Behind the polished façade of the business card lies a world devoid of meaning, where individuals are reduced to mere commodities in the pursuit of success.
Conclusion
In American Psycho, business cards symbolize much more than a contact information exchange; they embody power dynamics, identity, and the dehumanizing effects of corporate culture. With their meticulous designs, the characters’ obsession with business cards highlights the lengths they are willing to go to gain validation and assert their dominance. However, American Psycho also reveals the fragility of identity, the loss of individuality, and the inherent absurdity within the pursuit of corporate supremacy. As we reflect on this iconic film, let us remember that our true worth extends far beyond the paper we hand out â_x0080__x0093_ it lies in our authenticity, empathy, and meaning in our actions.
Samuel Anderson, a branding connoisseur, brings his knack for design and a strong marketing background to the forefront. He’s a voracious reader and enjoys delving into psychology, which he incorporates into his marketing strategies for business cards and brand development.