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Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, Michael Ironside ... see more see more... , Lawrence Gilliard Jr. , Reg E. Cathey , Anna Massey , Colin Stinton , Larry Gilliard Jr. , Matthew Romero , Robert Long

Brad Anderson directs the psychological thriller The Machinist, a production of Spain's Filmax company. Christian Bale plays Trevor Reznik, a factory lathe operator who has developed a serious case of... read more read more... insomnia. Lack of sleep has already started to wear down on his brain and his body. When he's involved in an accident at work, his co-workers turn against him. He starts to find strange notes in his apartment and see people that apparently aren't there. Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as call girl Stevie. The Machinist premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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82% liked it

132,819 ratings

Critics

76% liked it

138 critics

R, 1 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Brad Anderson

Release Date: October 22, 2004

Keywords: dark, horror, creepy

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DVD Release Date: June 7, 2005

Stats: 10,565 reviews

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Christian Bale The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist Christian Bale on set with Brad Anderson in 'The Machinist' Jennifer The Machinist Trevor Reznik Trevor Reznik The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist The Machinist Christian Bale
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Flixster Reviews (10,565)

  • cosmo313
    March 25, 2012
    cosmo313
    In this slick little psychologicla thriller from director Brad Anderson, Christian Bale plays Trevor Reznik, a lathe operator at an industrial machine shop whose life is really in a bad way: he's been unable to sleep for around a year, he's lost an extreme amount of weight, he be... read moregins to see thigns that are merely hallucinations, and, after these distractions cause him to maim a co-worker in a gruesome accident, things really get worse: his co-workers turn against him, he starts recieving cryptic messages left on post-it notes, and it becomes harder and harder for him to determine what's really going on.

    The basic premise is nothing new at all, and there are times when this variation on a theme moves along decently, but overall, there's really not enough here to make it stand out. Even though the film has a great atmosphere, and the set up is nicely done with lots of moodiness and mystery, the end result really doesn't addd up to much, the conclusion is unsatisfying, and it really seeems too jumbled t work like it should. Some of the cinematography is decent, I'll give it that, but unfortunately there's an overuse of washed-out blue tint to everything, and it's overbearing after a while.


    The score is good though. It's very Bernard Herrmannesque, and that's fitting. That's one thing that I really don't have much of an issue with, if ast all. Now, we come to the acting. I love Bale. He's a really good actor, but here, the ONLY thing about his performance that really stands out and is worth mentioning is the ridiculous amlunt of weight he lost. He lost a record breaking amount of over 60 lbs in order to illustrate just how deterioriated Trevor had become mentally and physically. That's defintiely impressive, as is the fact that he was able to gain in all back in time for Batman Begins. However, the strength of his overall performance cannoit be judged by his dedicated method acting alone. Take away the weight loss, and his take on a guy wit ha severely fractured mental state is rather run of the mill and underwhelming. Jennifer Jason Leigh does pretty decent though as Stevie- an affectionate prostitute who seems ot be Trevor's only real source of comfort. John Sharian is quite good though, and probably gets the best role as Trevor's mysterious nemesis like figure Ivan. I do enjoy Michael Ironside, and heck, even Larry Gilliard, but those two really could have used more screentime (and Gilliard deserve a lon of more work in general anyway).

    All in all, this could have been a real stunner. Unfortunately, it doesn't all quite come together, and, despite a few really good and well done moments, as well as some decent mystery and atmosphere, the final product is just rather blah and seems ot be relying on Bale's method work to carry everything.
  • blacksheepboy
    February 12, 2012
    blacksheepboy
    Relying on a bluish palette of desaturated colors, Anderson creates a tense atmosphere of nightmare in this intriguing thriller. But it is Christian Bale who deserves especial merit for his unbelievable dedication (even physical) in this story about the unbearable weight of guilt.
  • blkbomb
    February 9, 2012
    blkbomb
    Trevor Reznik: Right now I wanna sleep. I just want to sleep.
    âHow Do You Wake Up From A Nightmare If Youâ(TM)re Not Asleep?â?

    The Machinist is a brilliant psychological thriller. It is extremely engrossing and watching Christian Bale will make you feel tired. The way he transf... read moreormed himself into this 120 pound character that has not slept in a year is insane. He looks like a holocaust victim. Every bone in his body pops out. It is pretty crazy to think about him in this role in 2004 and then a year later in 2005 he was the buff Bruce Wayne/Batman for Batman Begins. It just proves that he will put everything into his roles.

    But the film is much more than just a skinny Christian Bale. The plot is absorbing. We meet Trevor Reznik, a factory machinist who hasnâ(TM)t slept in a year. He goes about a routine of work, hooker, and airport diner. He starts seeing messages in his apartment and he also sees a man named Ivan that no one else does. Everyone believes him to be crazy and it is pretty obvious why. He looks like a crack head and when he starts talking crazy, it is hard not to believe that he is nuts.

    Brad Anderson does an amazing job directing The Machinist. I loved the cinematography, which shows the story in a grayish sort of filter. It makes us look at the events through Trevorâ(TM)s sleepless eyes. The story progresses at a perfect pace, moving slowly when it needs to, but still cranking up the tension as it goes.

    As a fan of the psychological thriller genre, this film proves to be one of the more unique ones I have seen. That isnâ(TM)t to say that it is the best, but it is incredibly interesting and very good in its own right. The originality of the story with the amazing performance by Christian Bale paired with a good supporting role by Jennifer Jason Leigh makes for an intriguing watch.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 31, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    The Machinist is a near flawless psychological horror film that is supported by a great cast. Christian Bale delivers yet another great performance. Director Brad Anderson crafts a solid film that is a really unique viewing experience. I thought that The Machinist was effectively... read more well constructed and that the plot was elaborate enough to keep you guessing, which is something that I quite enjoyed. Added to that was the horror elements, which elevated the plot even further. The Machinist is one of the best psychological horror films that have come out in recent memory. This is a brilliant film that has a superb cast and a great story, and the film is able to keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. That's the biggest strength of The Machinist. The plot is so engaging, thrilling and horrifying that you cannot look away from the film. The Machinist is a solid piece of cinema. I loved the film, and thought that the plot was very good and wonderfully constructed for the viewer to be totally immersed into the story, and after watching it really be blown away at what they've seen. I very much recommend anyone looking for a great psychological horror thriller to check out The Machinist as this is one of the strongest films that genre has produced in quite some time. Director Brad Anderson knows how to effectively craft a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you wondering what will happen next. The Machinist is a well crafted film and is a film that you won't soon forget. A must see for Psychological horror fans.
  • paulkoh110
    October 25, 2011
    paulkoh110
    Christian Bale shows his dedication to film through brutal physical suffering as a man literally dying from insomnia. The twist at the end might not get you but the tension along the way is one hell of a rideQ
  • ironclad1609
    October 4, 2011
    ironclad1609
    If you didn't know that Christian Bale looked fantastic and healthy for his role as Batman a year after this, his sight alone would already be enough to give you nightmares here. Looking like a concentration camp victim he stumbles through this psycho thriller, looking for peace ... read moreor mind, sleep and normality. The reasons for his behavior do not become clear until very late, when the audience sees through this riddle of paranoia, imagination and guilt. Bale delivers a tour the force of acting, torn between anger and the search for a normal life, the music and camera work add up to the bleak, confusing and frightening mood of the film. While the twist is not entirely new to the genre it's still well presented and offers redemption.
  • TheGame90
    September 28, 2011
    TheGame90
    I loved this movie. It was really good. I loved the directing. Everything was great....The music, the sound, the lightning. (it was dark lighting....but it really fits the movie). And it's very mysterious. You don't know what to expect. Really exiting. And I don't think anybody c... read morean question Christian Bale's comitment to the role. But he does a good job with it to. I'm gonna watch it again..
  • jamers2011
    May 29, 2011
    jamers2011
    Really, really good movie! This was one of those films that I really wasn't sure about at first...I loved the darkness, and eerie tone, and I didn't quite have any idea where it was going, but all the while there was something that kept me fascinated. It was worth it!

    The stor... read morey was really interesting...I don't think I've seen anything quite like it. Although it dragged in a few spots, the pacing was excellent. The story remains a mystery until the very last scene...I loved the "twist."

    The tone and atmosphere was really appealing. The dark setting, bland color pallete, and eerie music sets up a mood that really draws you in. It gives the mindset that something is up, but it never spoils any of the thrills.

    Finally, the performance and dedication of Christian Bale is unreal. He literally weighed 120 pounds. He's a skeleton! I give props to any actor who is willing to put his life at risk for his role. He's a great actor and his performance is excellent...as usual, for him!

    See this film, it's a great psychological thriller! I don't think you'd be disappointed!
  • FrizzDrop
    May 12, 2011
    FrizzDrop
    Another film dealing with insanity on a scale unknown to the general public, yet we're able to understand it equally so. In this case, the mental health provision is insomnia, resulting in hallucinations, and the invention of a co-worker with a big toe and pinky toe instead of fi... read moreve fingers on one hand, named Ivan. Trying to track down Ivan after he inevitably causes a machinery accident, Trevor Reznik (Bale) is also trying to clear his name. Sadly this leads to isolation from his co-workers, the deterioration of his sanity in the way of left post-its on his refridgerator and hallucinations, and a relationship with a prostitute named Stevie (Jason Leigh). All of the chasing and yelling and shock value, build to one hell of an ending. It wasn't the most original film, but the skeletal appearance of Bale (reported to have weighed 110 pounds) the originality of the script, and the ridiculous nature of Ivan and the leaps in Trevor's logic all made for a great film.
  • 366weirdmovies
    May 12, 2011
    366weirdmovies
    A factory machinist is suffering from severe insomnia and loss of appetite; paranoid hallucinations soon follow, but what's causing them? Well done psychological thriller; the one thing nobody can get out of their minds is the image of a skeletal Christian Bale, who lost so much... read more weight for the role that's it's horrifying to look at him with his shirt off.

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Critic Reviews

Andrea Gronvall
October 24, 2011
Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader

Until now Bale's screen persona has been defined by a graceful athleticism; here his physicality is repellent, yet he carries the occasionally creaky plot of Scott Kosar's unsettling screenplay to a r... Full Review

Roger Moore
December 10, 2004
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

[Bale's] is a great performance, full of commitment and sacrifice, and The Machinist is one of the year's best films. Full Review

Tom Long
December 3, 2004
Tom Long, Detroit News

It begins dark and depressing, but ends up merely dull.

Terry Lawson
December 3, 2004
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

It is well worth enduring for the performance of Bale. Full Review

Bill Muller
December 2, 2004
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic

Though Bale deserves all the credit that can be heaped at his feet ... there is far more to this sinister psychological thriller than just exhibiting Bale's emaciated form. Full Review

Joe Baltake
November 29, 2004
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

It would be easy to accuse Bale of a warped kind of egomania if his performance wasn't so mesmerizing. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
November 24, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Mainly this is all Bale's show. He is strangely sympathetic, taking us right into Trevor's pain without any special pleading. Full Review

Robert Denerstein
November 24, 2004
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

A superior exercise in mood and atmospherics, a drama that springs from a place of deep disturbance.

Michael Booth
November 24, 2004
Michael Booth, Denver Post

A powerful, accomplished movie that lingers. Full Review

Colin Covert
November 23, 2004
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

If grimly atmospheric studies in alienation are your cup of tea, you should find director Brad Anderson's dark brew especially tasty. Full Review

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    • Stevie: Well, don't look so surprised. Even a call girl can scramble an egg.
    • Marie: Trevor, is someone chasing you?
    • Trevor Reznik: Not yet. But they will when they find out who I am.
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  • For which movie did Christian Bale lose 63 pounds?  Answer »
  • Name the movie in which Christian Bale plays an anorexic man who is slowly going insane.  Answer »
  • Which of the following movies was NOT directed by Christopher Nolan?  Answer »
  • Which of the following films has NOT been written by Charlie Kaufman?  Answer »
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