The Machinist
by Cheeto
Posted on 18 August 2021
Rating -
The Machinist is a 2004 psychological thriller film directed by Brad Anderson and written by Scott Kosar. It stars Christian Bale as the title character, a machinist struggling with guilt, paranoia, and delusion after being unable to sleep for an entire year. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, and Michael Ironside appear in supporting roles.
I feel like this film falls into the category of great films that aren’t very well known. It’s a shame really, as I think this film is one of a kind in the fact that I’ve never seen another film like it. I was completely blown away when I finally sat down to watch it, these are the reasons why.
First off, I have to bring up Christian Bale; and how dedicated he was to this role. He lost 62 pounds, eating only an apple a day, washing it down with black coffee, while also smoking alot. He plays the role of Trevor Reznik, a factory worker whose insomnia is so bad, that he hasn’t slept in a year. Due to Bale’s acting in this film, if you would’ve told me before watching this film, that he’d actually been awake for a year, I would’ve fully believed you. Bale had to get this part right, as 99% of the film; he is the focus. He gets it right and then some, this makes for a great watch. Christian Bale truly showcases the brilliant acting ability that he possesses.
The story of the film is captivating, although it may be a little confusing at times, it’s what the film wants you to feel. This film puts you on the very edge of your seat, and while you’re on the edge of your seat, you may feel the need to check behind you. This is because it instills a feeling of paranoia in you, the same paranoia that haunts Trevor throughout the film. This film is built on tension, it’s this tension that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. I love the physical look of the film, there’s almost this thick grimey filter over the screen, this helps us build a picture of the sort of environment our characters are living in.
Overall, this film is almost a modern day Psycho, or atleast it feels like that. It’s a brilliant, character driven story in which we see said character’s descent into insanity. Watch this one guys.
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