Disturbing imagery

Rating: 9/10 (5 June 2006)

Regarded as a work of art, without any point of reference it's a good film with an interesting topic with some disturbing imagery and stylistic elements. Christian Bale brings final proof to me that he's a force to be reckoned with, an actor who will go to unbelievable great lengths to serve his art, and reminded me of the young De Niro. Aitana Sanchez Gijon is always a pleasure to watch, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Ironside deliver great as well.
However taking originality and the time period it was created in account one cannot avoid comparing it to previously released movies(for the single, distorted point of view, including imaginary characters and rearranged elements to fit a tortured mind searching for relief) like Memento, Fight Club, Angel Heart-to name just a few. Also for those who have the exercise in decoding the prolific in the last 50 years "final twist"-genre(reminiscent Hitchcock-elements are visible, like the empty streets, absence of score and absence of true color), the movie will reveal it's secrets a bit earlier than intended.