It seems like you're referring to the character Patrick Bateman from the novel "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis and its film adaptation. In the story, Patrick Bateman is depicted as a wealthy, materialistic, and seemingly successful investment banker who is also a violent and sadistic serial killer. The character's mental state and motivations are open to interpretation, but I can offer some insights into why he might have been crying during his confession.
Psychopathic Traits with Emotional Deficits: While Patrick Bateman exhibits psychopathic traits such as a lack of empathy, superficial charm, and manipulative behavior, even psychopaths can experience emotions to some degree. However, their emotional responses may be shallower or more limited compared to those of non-psychopathic individuals. In certain moments, especially under extreme stress, they might show signs of emotions like frustration, anger, or, in this case, crying.
Mental Instability: Despite his outward appearance of success and control, Patrick Bateman's mental state is deeply disturbed. The novel and film portray him as struggling with a disintegrating sense of reality and identity. His violent tendencies and the disconnect between his public persona and his true self contribute to a crumbling mental state, which could lead to outbursts of emotion like crying during his confession.
Inner Conflict: The character of Patrick Bateman is depicted as struggling with inner conflicts. He is torn between his desire to fit into a superficial, materialistic society and his darker, sadistic urges. This internal struggle may create moments of emotional turmoil, and the act of confession itself might have been a release of that pent-up conflict.
Possible Interpretations: The novel and film adaptation of "American Psycho" are known for their ambiguity, leaving the interpretation of the story open to individual readers or viewers. Some interpretations suggest that Patrick Bateman's confession and crying might be a manifestation of his guilt or a hint that he possesses a sliver of humanity deep within him. Others argue that it could be a manipulative tactic to elicit sympathy or a reaction from others.
It's important to remember that "American Psycho" is a work of fiction, and the portrayal of its characters, including Patrick Bateman, is meant to provoke thought and discussion rather than providing a definitive depiction of real-world psychology or psychopathy. Additionally, diagnosing fictional characters with mental disorders is a challenging task, as they are often exaggerated and not representative of real-life conditions.