The Machinist There was one problem with this film...Christian Bale is A MACHINE! I was so consumed by the torture he must have gone through to lose the weight for this film, I wasn't concentrating on the plot at all. I remember I enjoyed it though, but I know that's not very helpful for a review (!).
It's All a Dream Only see this film if you are a pseud and/or you like being duped. I'd compare it to No Country for Old Men in its contempt for the intelligent viewer, and targetting of second-rate minds. But to be entirely fair, Christian Bale is very skinny in it.
To sleep, perchance to dream The Machinist is a haunting study of a man's slide into delusional paranoia and obsession. Christian Bale's performance as Trevor Reznik, the eponymous machinist, is as compelling as any performance I have seen. His dedication to the role included losing so much weight that I can only hope he did so under medical supervision and that it hasn't left any long-term damage. The image of his emaciated form will stay with the viewer for some time. I can't help but wonder if he might have garnered an Oscar... more info
Long run for a short slide The good thing about this film are basically Christian Bale's committed physical performance, unfortunately that's about it. The script lets him down with a shaky ending and poor dialogue. You simply don't care for him and even worse you can't tell between the imaginary and real worlds, so you are completely at a loss.
Without a sense of reality there are no consequences, and therefore no tension. The resolution is weak and fairly obvious - the film thinks it's more arty than it actually is,... more info
![The Machinist [2004] [2005]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51a%2B4PowAbL._SL160_.jpg)
