Pressman appeared at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival to pre-sell distribution rights , but to no avail . Mary Harron replaced Cronenberg as director while writing a new script with Guinevere Turner . Harron cast Christian Bale in a deal on good faith , and attached Willem Dafoe and Jared Leto in supporting roles . Development was looking to move forward following six years of rejection by Hollywood studios when independent Canadian distributor Lionsgate Films acquired worldwide distribution in April 1997 . After having waited for a year , Bale and Harron were aiming to begin filming in August 1998 on a $ 6 – 10 million budget , but Lionsgate instead pursued Edward Norton and Leonardo DiCaprio for the lead role , arguing Bale was not famous enough . Lionsgate was still hoping to finalize a deal with Harron , while Bale 's handshake deal without a pay or play contract was let go . Harron refused to meet with DiCaprio , displeased as she specifically chose Bale and believed DiCaprio 's screen presence would have been too boyish for Patrick Bateman . She also believed the actor 's reputation as a teen idol following '' Romeo Juliet '' and '' Titanic '' would distract from '' American Psycho '' s production and tone
1996 Cannes Film Festival
1996 Cannes Film Festival
American Psycho (film)