American Psycho (2000)

Technical Specifications

Cinematographer's Approach

Andrzej Sekula's Philosophy: Known for Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, Sekula brought a precise, clinical approach to match Patrick Bateman's obsessive personality.

Key Techniques:

• Sterile, high-key lighting to reflect 1980s excess
• Cool color temperature throughout
• Symmetrical compositions for psychological precision
• Smooth camera movements on tracks and dollies
• Minimal handheld work to maintain control

Lighting Setup

Approach: High-key, even lighting with cool color temperature to create a sterile, artificial environment reflecting 1980s corporate culture.

Key Lighting Strategies:

• Fluorescent and HMI sources for cool color temperature
• Even fill lighting to eliminate harsh shadows
• Practical neon and office lighting
• Minimal contrast ratios for clinical feel
• Blue-tinted lighting for psychological distance

Frame Grabs & Analysis

Corporate Portrait

Setup: Clean, high-key lighting

Lighting: Even illumination with cool color temperature

Purpose: Sterile perfection masking inner violence

Corporate Environment

Setup: Symmetrical composition with fluorescent lighting

Lighting: Office practicals with cool color balance

Purpose: Artificial corporate world aesthetic

Apartment Interior

Setup: Controlled lighting with precise framing

Lighting: Even illumination maintaining sterile feel

Purpose: Obsessive control and perfection

Recreation Notes

For Corporate Scenes:

• Use HMI or LED panels with daylight color temperature
• Even, high-key lighting with minimal shadows
• Fluorescent practicals for authentic office feel
• Symmetrical compositions on tripod or dolly

For Interior Scenes:

• Cool color temperature (5600K-6500K)
• Minimal contrast ratios (2:1 to 3:1)
• Precise camera movements on tracks
• Clean, sterile production design support