The Machinist (2004)

By: Mike Ritter

As per my new found love for my Blu-ray player and how much I have grown to love Netflix, I’ve had an opportunity to go back and check out some movies I’d been interested in but never got around to checking out.  Today will be The Machinist…a Fall 2004 movie starring Christian Bale.

The Machinst is the story of Trevor Reznik, a machine shop worker who has not slept in a year, and not surprisingly…it’s getting to him.  First thing’s first.  Bale takes method acting to new heights here.  You’ve probably seen Blae in American Psycho, and I know you’ve seen him in Batman.  Let’s face it…the guy is in good shape.  and yet, the first scene in The Machinist is literally SHOCKING in just how rail thin Bale became to morph into Rezik.  It’s not a camera trick…there’s no CGI.  Bale dropped nearly 70 pounds to get down to around 110 pounds.  He looks like a skeleton in a skin suit.  The look is so distrurbing, it almost takes away from the first half of the movie because it’s nearly impossible to picture “Batman” looking like he hasn’t eatne in months…and months.

Once past Bale’s look, the movie is incredibly good.  Shot entirely in Barcelona, the tale revolves around Reznik’s inability to get any sleep…and what it does to his life.  Soon, not only is his problem the physical toll it takes on his body, but also the emotionally and psychological toll.  Things spiral out of control when, upon seeing someone no one else can, Reznik begins to feel pursecuted.  When the movie finally reveals the cause of his problems, you’re left feeling even worse for him than you likely did the entire movie.  But, at least you…and he, have some closer and can finally sleep.

Make a point of checking this one out.