Review of The Machinist (2004) by Dewey F — 31 Mar 2012

A little guilt can go a long way..

A perfect example of what Hitchcock would be doing if he was alive today. Brad Anderson directed this haunting atmospheric film that will have you guessing until the very last scene.

The Story: Trevor Reznik has a severe case of insomnia. He hasn't slept for a year and it would appear that he hasn't eaten in that time either. His world is turned upside down when mysterious notes begin to appear in his apartment. Slowly slipping into insanity, he becomes paranoid, questioning his co-workers, his friends, and even himself, all the while being followed by a mysterious man named Ivan. Not knowing if it's the sleep deprivation or everyone around him driving him insane, the lines of reality start to blur.

The Cast: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John Sharian. This is an extraordinary cast that really pulls you into the grim dark world of The Machinist. Christian Bales dedication to the work shows like no other actor in the history of film. The dramatic loss of weight (about 180 pounds) makes this film more real than any special effect ever could. He looks like death, so much so that it almost makes you sick to see him. Combine the eerie, sickly look of him, with amazing acting, and you have one hell of a great and believable performance. Jennifer Jason Leigh, plays one of his only friends, the only person he can really turn to. She plays with near perfection as you can't help but feel sorry for her after everything she is put through, throughout the course of the film. You'll honestly feel her pain and sadness when she falls in love with a mad man. John Sharian is my least favorite actor in the film. I just didn't care much for him. He gave a fine performance but there was just something about him that didn't pull me into the film like Christian Bale and Jennifer Leigh. Playing the part of Ivan, he was accurately odd and believably strange.

One to Five Scale: 4.

It can be a little difficult to know what's going on, but if you pay attention it all makes sense. Just don't go in thinking that it's gonna be full of intense scares. It's definitely a psychological thriller.

Tyler.

7/23/2005.