Good Suspense, Fantastic Music

Rating: 9/10 (8 March 2012)

The Machinist starts off a tad strange, then takes a turn for the stranger. Pacing is good, the suspense elements are excellent. What attracted my attention the most (that could be reviewed without spoilers) was the music. There is a lot of use of stringed instruments and what sounds like a theremin to generate a feel that seems to be a very peculiar, otherworldly twist on 1950s film noir.
The music is haunting and really sets the tone of the film. Visuals are used to good effect, and while the movie can be "figured out", it's very easy to sit back and let the movie lead you along without trying to "solve" the film.
A very good film overall.