Quietly impressive

Rating: Null/10 (31 August 2004)

After watching a string of US movies with derivative storylines at the 2004 Frightfest in London, The Machinist stands out as an impressive exception. Similar to Cypher or The I Inside, you know straight off that there's a puzzle here waiting to be solved, but although (on reflection) all the pieces are there, I found the resolution to be totally unpredictable, and consequently a real joy. Christian Bale's appearance is simply stunning (in a Q&A with the director after the screening, Brad Anderson mentioned that Bale lost 55 pounds in two months to achieve the effect, and then took another two months putting the weight back on to film a very brief flash-back scene).
The support roles, including Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Ironside, are also very convincing, and the retro-creepy soundtrack is very reminiscent of Herrmann's work on The Day The Earth Stood Still - this might sound strange, but it actually works to the film's benefit! The general tone of the film is particularly dark and grim, but there are some comic moments to relish, and there is very little in the way of padding.
Evidently Brad Anderson couldn't get financial backing for the film's production in the US due to the story's subject matter, so found assistance in Spain, where the film was shot. None of this notices, as the locations look suitably American. Highlight of the film has to be Trevor's visit to the DMV office and his subsequent attempts to be a hit-and-run victim.