Patric Bateman from the cult classic movie, American Psycho is no doubt one of the most notorious and iconic characters in all of film. His portrait as an emotionless, suit-clad business banker with an obsession for perfection and power is one that has been talked about, imitated and parodied for years.
But, of all Bateman’s trappings, there is no doubt that his business card is the most iconic. From its impressive thickness, to its embossed golden seal, it is a near-perfect example of all that is indulgent, excessive and materialistic in the 80s. Let’s take a look at Bateman’s iconic business card, and explore some of its best design details.
The Thickness
The first thing that is noticeable about Bateman’s business card is its impressive thickness. As soon as it is pulled from his pocket, it stands out from all the rest. Compared with the average business card of the 80s, which would generally be made from paper, Bateman’s is made from a thick card stock, making it feel more sturdy and durable than its paper counterparts.
The Size
The next thing to take note of is the size of Bateman’s business card. It is noticeably larger than the standard business card size of the time. This gives the card a feeling of luxury, as it is a statement-making size.
The Colour
The card is made out of a thick, luxurious velum card stock in a highly saturated shade of pink. That in itself is not usually done for a business card, however, with Bateman’s money and status, this is possible. The card does have a sophisticated, muted tone, as the text and design is printed in foil embossing in a shade of black. This contrasts nicely against the bright pink background.
The Detail
On the top-left corner of the card, is an embossed golden seal. This serves to add a level of sophistication and luxury to the card. On the right side is Bateman’s full name in a classic, bold, corporate font. Just below is his title and his business.
At the bottom, underneath the card’s bolded contact information is an embossed line and the words “CHARITY FOUNDATION”. This adds to the illusion that Bateman is an extravagant and altruistic figure.
The overall aesthetic of the card is a mix of vibrant, 1980s styling with a modernist feel, something that perfectly encapsulates the character of Patrick Bateman.
Conclusion
Patrick Bateman’s business card from the movie American Psycho is an iconic representation of 80s style and excess. From its impressive thickness to its highly saturated, velum cardstock, it perfectly embodies the character of Bateman and is an instantly recognizable image.
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