The character of Patrick Bateman in the novel "American Psycho," written by Bret Easton Ellis, and the subsequent film adaptation, is a deeply complex and controversial figure. Whether or not Patrick Bateman is the "most sane and self-aware" character in the story is a matter of interpretation and open to debate among readers and viewers.
In the story, Patrick Bateman is portrayed as a wealthy, successful, and superficially charming investment banker who leads a double life as a sadistic serial killer. He is obsessed with material possessions, appearance, and societal status. Throughout the narrative, Bateman's thoughts and actions reveal his complete lack of empathy, remorse, and his enjoyment of extreme violence.
The novel, narrated from Bateman's perspective, explores themes of alienation, materialism, and the superficiality of 1980s American yuppie culture. Some interpretations suggest that Bateman represents a critique of the soulless consumerist society he inhabits. In this view, his psychopathic tendencies might be seen as a metaphor for the dehumanizing effects of this culture.
However, it is crucial to remember that Patrick Bateman is an unreliable narrator, and his perspective may be distorted or entirely fictionalized. The novel blurs the line between reality and delusion, leaving readers uncertain about the extent of Bateman's psychosis and the reliability of his narration. Therefore, it's challenging to determine whether he is truly "sane" or "self-aware" in any conventional sense.
Ultimately, "American Psycho" deliberately challenges its audience by presenting a deeply disturbed and morally bankrupt protagonist. The novel sparks discussions about the nature of evil, the hollowness of materialistic pursuits, and the dark underbelly of contemporary society. Interpretations of the character and the story's message may differ among readers and viewers, making it a subject of ongoing debate and analysis in literature and film studies.