I'd like to report a hit-and-run.

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2005)

I would like to say that I hated the film Monster. You are probably wondering what that has to do with the film The Machinist? Let me tell you. In Monster, Charlize Theron goes "ugly" in attempt to capture the character that she is trying to portray. She wins an Oscar, not because her acting was good, but because people could not believe that was Theron so "ugly". From that point on I was a strong believer that you could dress up the actor all you want, but deep inside it is still the same actor. Charlize Theron ugly is still Charlize Theron. So, needless to say, I was skeptical at first to see how Christian Bale would do with dropping 65 pounds to play the role of Trevor Reznik, an insomniac factory worker with a forgotten secret. Was it going to be like Monster and spend two hours watching Christian Bale play a skinny Christian Bale? I my utter surprise, it was not. Bale, by dropping the weight, accomplished what so many "physical" actors can only dream about. He gave depth, a physical persona, and a very frightening image to this character that took us away from Bale the actor. Throughout the entire film, I could only see Trevor Reznik. Perhaps it was a trick. Perhaps Bale couldn't do the character otherwise, but for me, a viewer of the film, it helped create the dark ambiance that shook me to the core until the very end.
My first applaud goes to director Brad Anderson for his simplistic, yet chaotic filming of this story. Throughout the entire viewing, you are given this impression that something is going over your head. You know that you are missing something and that the ending will shock and amaze you. For anyone that has grown up in the Usual Suspects or Sixth Sense era, you can smell this film coming from a mile away, but it is the way that Anderson provides the story to you that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. After a vast array of "shock-ending" films, it is hard to come up with a new, original, and tactful idea that will keep audiences talking long after the credits roll. Anderson has done a brave new job with The Machinist in providing that chatter after the film. He showed us his darker side in Session 9 and he doesn't go too commercial in this film. It is haunting, riveting, and challenging all at the same time  to say that about a director's work is rare today.
The acting is superb. Jennifer Jason Leigh again gives us the beauty of grime and the ability to transform this very small character into a powerhouse role. She gives so much emotion and humility to her character, which makes you forget (or perhaps not notice) what her true "profession" is. There are also so many secrets about her that you cannot help but sit around after the film and think of her story outside of how she reacts with Reznik. I don't know if anyone else did this, but I couldn't keep her out of my mind. She was amazing. Then you have John Sharian playing the polar opposite of Bale in such a frightening way that he nearly steals every scene away from Bale. He is huge, bulky, and rather transfixing as perhaps the living conscious of Bale. Following Leigh's feminine role is that of Aitana Sánchez-Gijón playing Marie. This very unknown character that seems to be the only smiling face in the film. She gives comfort to not only Reznik, but also to us. She is our guiding light at the end of this dark tunnel that surprises you to the very end. Then you have everyone that is around Reznik like his co-workers, his landlady, and even himself. A powerful cast that is accentuated with a bold and original story.
Finally, I would like to say that outside of the talented acting and bold direction, you actually have an amazing story. I know I have mentioned this several times, but you cannot walk away from this story without discussing it thoroughly with friends and family afterwords. It is like a cinematic drug that you cannot get enough of. I thought that with my second viewing that I would have already seen all that I could, but instead I was provided with moments, mere glimpses of truth, that I just completely missed during the first viewing. It was inspirational to see such dark, yet powerful storytelling to come from a nearly recycled Hollywood. Sure, there are elements of Fight Club, Sixth Sense, and Usual Suspects all mixed into this film, but Anderson gives it his own flare. Bale goes to a new extreme proving that he can manage both big box office hits, and these itty-bitty gems. The Machinist is a refreshing moment for both you and your DVD player.
Overall, I really thought this was one of the most powerful films to come out of Hollywood this year. I would love to see Bale take home a golden statue for his portrayal in this film, but I noticed that Charlize Theron is going to be "ugly" again in North Country, so I think he will be passed up again. Bale is becoming such a strong actor because he is constantly working with the quintessential directors in Hollywood. Not the Bruckheimers, not the Bays, but with these smaller directors that are not afraid to take a leap of faith with Bale. I have not been disappointed with his work, and I think all that watch this film are going to walk away and see Bale as more than just the "man in a bat suit", but instead a strong voiced actor that can tackle any role.
Grade: ***** out of *****