Hands down, this film featured one of the best performances by an actor ever. Christian Bale has always been a dependable actor. He shines in any role he takes on. Here, however, he truly outdoes himself as tortured Trevor Reznik. Physically, he has done what few other actors have. Some may shave their heads or gain a little bit of weight or muscle, but Bale has actually lost enough weight to give himself the physical appearance of a skeleton. Trevor Reznik is a machinist who has not slept for one full year. As such, he is losing weight like crazy and is a shadow of his former self. Soon he begins to see things that may or may not be there. When he is involved in the accident of a coworker that costs them their arm, Trevor begins to suspect that something is up. Bale perfectly captures Trevor's confusion and his anger as he tries to sort through what is happening to him. Never before have I seen such a dedication to craft as bale demonstrates. I thoroughly believe that without him the film would be only half the movie that it is. Indeed the script, which while it does have some great twists and turns and good dialogue, comes across at times as only so-so. There is a small feeling of familiarity to the proceedings but I don't know why. Perhaps its the glut of similar twist ending films in the last ten years or so. Whatever the case, it is to the benefit of this film that the director had such a great actor as Bale to work with. Jennifer Jason Leigh turns in a fine performance as Stevie considering the undemanding role she has as a prostitute with a soft spot for Trevor. If you haven't already done so, then check this one out. You won't be sorry for doing so.
Review of The Machinist
