BATEMAN: Harold, it's Bateman. Patrick Bateman. You're my lawyer so I think you should know - I've killed a lot of people. Some escort girls, in an apartment uptown, some homeless people, maybe five or ten, an NYU girl I met in Central Park. I left her in a parking lot, near Dunkin' Donuts. I killed Bethany, my old girlfriend, with a nail gun, and a man…
The Confession Monologue — American Psycho
Patrick Bateman leaves a frantic, detailed confession on his lawyer's voicemail, listing his numerous graphic murders. He admits to his own instability and the possibility that he might not escape consequences this time, all while maintaining a strangely casual tone.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Thriller · Source: American Psycho · Author: Barry Luc · Characters: Bateman
About This Scene
This monologue, "The Confession Monologue," is a chilling and detailed voicemail left by the character Bateman for his lawyer. It features a relentless recounting of graphic murders, delivered with a disturbing blend of casualness and frantic energy. The monologue provides a unique window into the mind of a severely unhinged individual on the brink of potential discovery.
Character Analysis
Bateman is a complex and deeply disturbed character. He is highly intelligent and articulate, yet utterly devoid of empathy, showcasing a classic psychopathic profile. His casual mention of horrifying acts, interspersed with moments of almost childlike self-assessment ("I guess I'm a pretty sick guy"), highlights his disconnect from reality and a twisted sense of self-awareness. He oscillates between frantic desperation and an almost detached, organizational need to list his crimes.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is an excellent choice for auditions as it immediately showcases an actor's ability to navigate extreme emotional shifts and portray a character with significant psychological depth. Its dark, contemporary tone and intense subject matter allow for a truly transformative performance. The monologue’s focus on a single character's internal world, delivered directly to an unseen recipient, provides ample opportunity to demonstrate focus and a powerful stage presence.
Best Suited For
This piece is ideally suited for male actors in their 20s to 30s who excel at portraying intense, complex, and potentially sinister characters. It perfectly fits casting types such as Leading Man (with a dark twist), Villain, Anti-Hero, Upper Class, and Intense roles. Actors looking to showcase their versatility in dark humor and disturbed character work will find this monologue particularly effective for self-tapes, agent showcases, or general practice.
Performance Tips
When approaching this monologue, focus on the subtle shifts in Bateman's delivery: the frantic pace, the moments of almost detached description, and the chilling self-assessment. Explore the contrast between his articulate language and the horrific content of his words to highlight his psychopathic nature. Pay close attention to the rhythm and pacing, allowing the audience to feel the escalating tension and the character's internal struggle, even if he himself seems detached from the gravity of his actions.