"The Machinist" (2005)

Rating: R:18

Genre: Drama, Mystery & Suspense

Directed By: Brad Anderson

Written By: Scott Kosar

Released: March 18^th, 2005

Runtime: 98 minutes

Studio: Paramount Classics

Summary:

Factory worker Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale) suffers from insomnia so severe that his condition has taken its toll on his weight and his mental health. When Trevor unintentionally causes an on-the-job accident that horribly injures a coworker (Michael Ironside), he begins to become even more troubled. Despite a relationship with Stevie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a pretty prostitute, Trevor descends further into paranoia, blaming his problems on an enigmatic figure named Ivan (John Sharian).

Review:

Holy moly what a film. I was not at all expecting it to be as big a ride as it was. It looked depressing. Which it was. It looked serious and somewhat gruesome. Which it was. But the twists and turns along the way are thrilling and only keep going up right until the end. 

The things a person will do for their art. The most notable thing before all else about this film is Christian Bale’s dramatic transformation for the part. He’s like a walking skeleton. His ardent commitment payed off though. His performance is as chilling as his appearance. It's quite frightening though to think he would go to such lengths and that people let him... 

It’s a very cold looking film. It’s like the editor turned the saturation way down and left it there. I kind of liked this, it certainly suited the narrative. I just felt cold watching it. A chilling film all around. 

This film is like a cross between Fight Club and Shutter Island. Multiple viewings I think are essential as you will certainly not get everything first time round. I was certainly left inevitably bewildered. It’s one of those films where everything was pointed out to you all along but you were so busy focusing on other things the dots didn’t quite connect. These are usually the most rewarding.

It’s hard to talk about it in too much detail without many spoilers. Suffice to say it is well worth a watch. 

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