Saw The Machinist on DVD last night. What a film! What a great film to watch after recently seeing Batman as this also stars Christian Bale, but this time as you've never seen him before. In this film it takes you a good five minutes to actuallly work out that its him. This has nothing to do with make up or CGI effects. The man has simply lost a bit of weight and got a new haircut.
But what an effect this new look has, afterwards you feel as if you need to watch the film twice. The first time you will just stare at Bale, the second you may be able to watch what else is going on! The film has a great visual quality, looking very gloomy and other worldly. This may be something to do with the fact that it was filmed in Spain and made to look like the US. The plot and feel has shades of Fight Club and Momento and may not be the most original film out there - it does not quite measure up to the plot originality and visual style of the likes of Oldboy but is a treat to watch.
Another bonus is the creeping fear the film generates, we both watched many scenes from behind a cushion - when his arm is in that machine you just know what's coming! But above all we recommend this film simply to honour Christian Bale taking method acting to a new high (or should that be low?)
I really want to see this film - apparently he nearly killed himself dieting for it- sounds great.
Posted by: mc | August 10, 2005 at 11:08 AM
Hallo Simon I've put a response to your comment on my blog (in comments) I really am thrilled to meet a guy who knows what a "fat quarter" is!
Posted by: ainelivia | August 10, 2005 at 11:09 AM
The picture I enclosed in my post does not really do justice to what he looks like in the film. His bones seem to be barely contained behind a very thin layer of grey skin! At first you do keep wondering whether there was any CGI involved.
Posted by: Simon | August 10, 2005 at 12:39 PM