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The Machinist
Directed by: Brad Anderson
Starring: Christian Bale
Genre:
Thriller
Run Time: 102 min.
Release Date:
October 2004
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Chad Wilson |
It has
become a trend among the would-be autures of Indie film that an
unconventional structure makes a good unconventional film. Director Brad
Anderson takes his own shot
at the off-beat story wrapped in a non-linear narrative, resulting in
THE MACHINIST: a tale that may not be the greatest of films, but
possesses enough interesting characterizations and plot twists to
succeed as a thriller above the norm.
Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale) is a machinist who hasn’t slept a single
night in over a year, for an as yet unknown reason. The film opens with
Reznik disposing of a body wrapped in a carpet roll near a river side,
then instantly turns back in time to display the events leading up to
this scene. On the way, Reznik’s character suffers some strange
experiences and his lack of rest ultimately starts to take its toll on
his perception. He begins a journey to discover who is involved in these
strange events and why.
Renowned character actor Christian Bale is definitely a presence to be
felt in The Machinist, portraying the character of Reznik with
subtlety and amazing physicality. According to reports, Bale shed over
63 pounds to obtain the gaunt look the role demanded. The visual impact
is utterly amazing; we watch Bale’s skeletal Reznik meander his way
through this twisted tale looking like a lost soul in the land of the
near-dead. Jennifer Jason Leigh's character Stevie comments at one point
“If you were any thinner, you wouldn’t exist.” Such dialogue is
indicative of the style of this film, as the audience is left wondering
at times what really exists and what is illusion. There is a fine sense
of mood in The Machinist and I felt the script did an admirable
job not giving too much away.
Although the main plot twist of The Machinist wasn’t exactly a
surprise, there is fortunately more to come. The ending in particular
takes a second twist in a direction that remains in theme, yet despite
the foreshadowing we don’t suspect it’s coming. This really salvages the
film from becoming just another predictable movie and gives us a new
insight into the character of Reznik. When everything falls into place,
the result is a satisfying, if not a totally original, psychological
thriller with Bale giving yet another outstanding performance.
What The Machinist lacks in originality, it makes up with an
above average script and a memorable performance from lead Christian
Bale.
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Image from The Machinist
DVD cost: $10.99
Purchase:
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Film Review Stew
Favorite?
No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
The time of 1:30 AM is
significant throughout the movie. Trevor often notices something out of
the ordinary at this time. During the 1 hour 30 minute mark in the
movie, the major plot twist is revealed.
Movie Quote: "If
you were any thinner you wouldn't exist."
Other Actors/Actresses
from The Machinist
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