Brilliant...Move over Hitchcock

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2004)

Not even Robert De Niro in Raging Bull or Charlize Theron can hold a candle to Christian Bale's shocking physical transformation in this film as Trevor Reznick. If he doesn't win an award somewhere in this politically charged landscape of a voting world then we're headed for the end as we know it. Casting this film had to be right on and they got it perfect. Jennifer Jason Leigh's troubled and sad turn as "Stevie" the prostitute is rich against Aitana Sanchez-Gijon's "Marie", a compassionate kind soul. Although the two never cross paths, the wide spectrum between the two is not lost. Brilliantly shot in a modern day Hitchcock-like genre ala Brad Anderson, you'll have to pick your jaw up off the floor as you descend into an insomniacs madness where only the end can offer you the payoff you deserve.
Scott Kosar's dark and disturbing script is a wild ride for sure. Thank goodness someone had the guts to take this one all the way to the big screen. Warning, this one ain't easy to watch. Alas, true genius film making is back!