The Machinist

The Machinist




Christian Bale is the go-to man right now. Put his name next to a title and you can be assured of some attention. Sure, Batman and Terminator are established titles, but his part in the films brings a certain weight of credibility to them.
Well, last night on Film Four I saw Bale showing his method acting isn't to be argued with either. The actor shed an obscene amount of weight for his role in The Machinist, striding around like a skeleton with skin.

The Machinist is a dark, brooding movie about a malnourished insomniac, Trevor Reznik, who works in a machine shop. Slowly we are introduced to his world and his habits: Following him as he journeys to the airport cafe in the early hours of the morning for coffee and cake and comes home to lay awake; His relationships with the prostitute who loves him and the waitress who pities him; The way his workmates regard him with suspicion.

Things go awry with the introduction of the larger-than-life Ivan, who starts to unbind the threads of normality that Trevor clings to. Ivan's presence pushes Trevor to question his sanity and our perceptions of what is real and imagined.

The film culminates in one of the best and most Jaw-dropping twists your ever likely to see. Some things you'll guess, but the final revelation will fly straight out of Left field.

The problem with such an impressive twist is that the rest of the film is simply a set-up to the pay-off. With such dark tones and depressing imagery, you need something entertaining to hook you in. That's where Machinist fails.

The film is so terribly bleak that your average viewer will probably tune out after half an hour, just to lighten their mood. Certainly, I wouldn't recommend this film to you if it's raining outside, or you've just had a hefty bill through the door; It might just push you over the edge.

Bale's performance is brilliant. Not just because of the sacrifices he made, but he breathes life into the almost dead Trevor, even a sense of sarcasm and wit.

With Bale's acting and the stunning twist, I can't help but recommend this film. But, be warned, Hide all sharp instruments during viewing.

Verdict 8/10.
Dull, but captivating.