The Patrick Bateman meme template originates from the cult classic film "American Psycho" released in 2000, starring Christian Bale as the titular character. The particular scene used in this meme captures Bateman in a moment of deceptive tranquility as he relaxes in the bathtub, which is suddenly disrupted by a chilling change in his demeanor. This visual juxtaposition between relaxation and underlying menace has made it ripe for meme culture, where it effectively conveys abrupt shifts in mood or realization, often with a darkly comedic twist.