Laymen Reviews
What are you looking for?
  • Home
  • Movies
    • Recent Movie Reviews
  • Contributors
    • Anthony's Contributions
    • Brett's Contributions
    • Darryl's Contributions
    • Elizabeth's Contributions
    • Hunter's Contributions >
      • Hunter's Scale
    • Tyler's Contributions
  • Feedback

No Rest For The Wicked

Movie: The Machinist
Contributor: Darryl
Rating: 9/10
When people look back on Christian Bale’s career, they will typically base it upon his portrayal of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Even in his greatness as Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale’s legacy lives on in other films that changed the pace of film altogether.

The Machinist unfortunately isn’t for everybody. It requires that viewers possess some satisfactory level of film acumen. In other words, if the depth of your favorite films consists of Eagle Eye or Wanted, then you don’t deserve to watch this film.

The difficulty in reviewing The Machinist is that any description of any scene could be detrimental in the story’s development. The film has flawless coloring as it sets the stage for every eerie character. The director, Brad Anderson, never lets you get acquainted with any character or the story. Once you think you’ve caught on, you’re left guessing – until the end that is.

In all of its genius, The Machinist rises and falls with Christian Bale. In one of his greatest performances, the backstory on his preparation to play Trevor Reznik is astounding. Bale’s work ethic for The Machinist has been well-documented as of late with more and more actors, like Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club, who transform their bodies to play certain roles. Bale weighed nearly 110 pounds for his role as Trevor Reznik and then weighed nearly 225 pounds to begin filming Batman Begins. In the film, it’s apparent just how emaciated Bale was in his visual expression of depression. His dedication can be perceived as a little crazy, but to his counterparts, his work ethic is genius and pioneering.

The Machinist will provide a glance at the lonely and all of its darkness. Like any great thriller, make sure to leave your phone on silent. No scene goes without meaning and the dialogue will guide the path.

Written November 30, 2013
Back
Laymen Reviews... because big words can be scary.