Captivating but not entirely unique

Rating: 8/10 (4 July 2005)

The Machinist may have never been released if not for the sudden stardom of Batman star Christian Bale. But fortunately for us it is. However I don't think the film is ever a surprise to anyone. It's kind of the typical twisted psychological thriller you expect. Nonetheless it has some great performances and a dark overtone that makes it interesting enough to watch even though most people won't ever wonder about the outcome. That's not to say that the film is not open to interpretation. This type of film (see also the amazing The Jacket) is fun because it can be discussed and argued about and open to many different theories. Is this death?? Is he in some sort of purgatory where he must choose redemption or death??
The Machinist is the story of Trevor Reznik a machine operator at "National." Reznik hasn't slept at all in over a year. He's barely a shell of a man, thin as a skeleton and gradually losing grip with reality. The only people in his life are Stevie the hooker who has fallen in love with him, and Marie, the waitress at the airport coffee shop he frequents every late night. Everything begins to truly fall apart when while on break Reznik meets Ivan, a burly man who apparently has taken over for one of the other guys at National. Reznik doesn't remember ever seeing him. When back in the shop Reznik sees him again and gets distracted while helping another guy fix one of the machines. In a freak accident Reznik backs into the safety and the other guy loses his arm. Trevor's world begins to fall apart. Haunted by causing Miller's accident he begins to believe someone is trying to mess with him and Ivan (who the factory boss informs him does not work at National and doesn't exist) is the key to it all. Reznik's world spirals out of control and gradually we are introduced to elements of his world over the past year that has caused him the grief and guilt that has made him the man he is today. He will have to make the final choice between his redemption and the continued guilt for the rest of his life.
The Machinist is dark, slightly twisted and most definitely haunting. Christian Bale is amazing as Trevor Reznik. He looks just horrible, deathly skinny, ailing and he looks like someone who hasn't sleep in a long, long time. But not only does he look the part but creates the roll of a desperate man who seems like your average guy. He's honest, hard working, a lover, no drugs, not a drinker...seemingly average but as the story unfolds we learn so much more about him. The supporting cast is also very well cast. Jennifer Jason Leigh who I am not a huge fan of does an adequate job playing Stevie, Michael Ironside and John Sharian play brilliant supporting roles especially Ivan who is haunting and deadly. The Machinist is a great thriller, it's absolutely worth watching but unfortunately I found it a little typical. I never once questioned the outcome of the film, only which aspects were real and which weren't. There are some genuinely interesting enough action scenes interspersed throughout the film and the gritty world in which it takes place is captivating. You feel each character's problems. Brad Anderson does an amazing job portraying this. For any fan of a Psychological thriller, Christian Bale or something a little off beat, check out The Machinist, you won't be disappointed. And then check out my review and the film The Jacket, something comparable but worlds above. 8/10