watch it, if only for Bale's performance

Rating: 7/10 (8 July 2005)

Christian Bale stars as Trevor Reznik. an insomniac whom hasn't slept for a year . His sanity begins to deteriorate and his paranoia begins to rise after a work related injury befalls one of his co-workers. I rented this one when my lady friend wanted to get one and she told me this or "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" (which I couldn't help but laugh at the suggestion, which got her slightly mad, but I digress). Needless to say, I picked this one. I really got into it, not for the 'mystery', as any seasoned viewer worth his salt will figure out everything rather quickly (the first time I saw the Hangman game it was plainly obvious), but rather Christian Bale's performance which is mesmerizing. He's on a fast-track to becoming one of my favorite actors of my generation. The fact that he put himself through all this just for one independent film is amazing. Furthermore, this movie almost makes me forgive Scott Kosar for all his silly little wrong-minded remakes....ALMOST.
My Grade: B-
DVD Extras: Commentary by Brad Anderson; 25 minute Making of featurette; 8 Deleted/Alternate scenes (2 with optional commentary); Theatrical Trailer; and Trailers for "Mean Creek", "Enduring Love", "Suspect Zero", & "Schultze gets the Blues"
Eye Candy: Jennifer Jason Leigh gets topless