The Machinist

This movie makes you feel really smart for getting it all, but upon reflection, it’s not actually that deep. But it’s still pretty well done and Christian Bale deserves respect for the sheer effort it took to make such a drastic physical transformation. The muted colors and restrained directing style give a constant sense that something isn’t quite right. Combine that with a few really disturbing scenes and you’ve got yourself a solid psychological thriller.

It is a good movie, it just got kind of repetitive and I wanted it to end. I also felt I was going totally nuts, which I suppose speaks well of the movie?

This is the first film I saw where I considered the immense commitment of the actor. Bale always gives a great performance, but this one will definitely stick with you.

The Machinist begins on a strong note, but steadily dwindles thereafter. Christian Bale is outstanding as always. The dedication that man has is unmatched in the annals of cinematic history. He was difficult to look at with his insane weight loss for this part. He weighed 120 lbs. in this role, which is unfathomable to me. Think about his next role as Batman or think Patrick Bateman from 4 years prior. He looks like a different man. Compare this look to the much heavier version of Christian Bale when he played Dick Cheney. Anyway, you get the point. Mr. Bale is a man who is dedicated to his craft. The music for the film was definitely modeled after Psycho, however, make no mistake, this film is NO Psycho. Not even close. At times, the music sounds like it could be on Home Alone. Both the music and the Ivan character make this otherwise very serious film seem a bit cartoonish. By the end of the picture, I was tired of Trevor and his delusions. The plot is predictable in so many places as this honestly isn't a very good film. Christian Bale lost all that weight for a C movie. I can't say as though I recommend the film, unless you happen to be checking out Bale's filmography and The Machinist next in line. 73/100

Really good movie. Very dark and thrilling. Christian Bale!

An intelligent, well-crafted thriller, in which Christian Bale gives his all.

This was a hard movie to watch and enjoy. The main character was skin and bones and has a sick mind. The acting was great, but really I just kept fast forwarding, to get to the end. Some will love it, some will hate it, I the ladder.

A very very very good movie, Christian Bale plays really great and you absolutely want to know the end of the story.

Christian Bale's best performance.

A dark and gripping psychological thriller that is led by a captivating performance from Christian Bale. One of 2004's best movies.