Barnes & Noble

This is a difficult movie to figure out, and it's even more difficult to recommend. But we do recommend it as one of the most absorbing character studies committed to celluloid in recent years. Trevor Reznik (a nearly unrecognizable Christian Bale) is a lonely, taciturn machinist toiling in a plant where none of his co-workers truly like him. Introverted but not unintelligent, he lives a life of diminished expectations and emotional detachment, suffering from interminable insomnia. Trevor enjoys contact with a kindhearted hooker (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and a coffee shop waitress (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) but doesn't really seem to fully connect with either of them, even though he clearly wants to. Reznik's lack of sleep has been affecting him in others ways: He's distracted by a sinister co-worker named Ivan, who may or may not actually exist. The Machinist doesn't have a formally structured story line, and it abounds in riddles and contradictions. Director Brad Anderson and screenwriter Scott Kosar concentrate on conveying Trevor's state of mind, and with Bale's help they are able to do so quite effectively -- disturbingly so, in fact. The American Psycho star, as part of his preparation, lost more than 60 pounds, and he is so painfully gaunt as to arouse viewer sympathy immediately; it's hard to figure out from the early reels if he'll make it to the fade-out. But Bale's shocking appearance, and his character's lack of concern for his physical well-being, is meant to suggest the depths of Trevor's despair. This film requires from its audience more than the usual amount of concentration, but those willing to go along for the ride will be well compensated for making the trip. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Brad Anderson directs the psychological thriller The Machinist, a production of Spain's Filmax company. Christian Bale plays Trevor Reznik, a factory lathe operator who has developed a serious case of insomnia. Lack of sleep has already started to wear down on his brain and his body. When he's involved in an accident at work, his co-workers turn against him. He starts to find strange notes in his apartment and see people that apparently aren't there. Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as call girl Stevie. The Machinist premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. Andrea LeVasseur

Product Details

• UPC: 097363441441
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 1:41:00
• Sales Rank: 25,558

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