THE MACHINIST (DVD Review) - 8/5/06

This was bought as a Region 2 (UK) DVD release (Cover as above) but on checking the cover it is actually marked as a Region 0 (Anywhere) so most people should be able to play it on their players. Released on the Tartan DVD Label this is another one of those films that Hollywood wouldn't take a chance on - so ending up getting it's finance from Spain and filming in Barcelona as though it's actually downtown L.A. Technically it is filmed as though it could be small town anywhere or anywhen with it's retro look and muted tones and colours. The picture is like the bleach in the film washed across the print draining it of colour into languid blues and greys dragging you down to Christian Bale's character level who may or may not be having delusions or is actually involved in a conspiracy? Slowly burning like a lit fuse Bale's character of Resnik is a tour de force on his part as you watch him skeletal thin slouch across the screen in a daze - My respect for Bale as an actor has gone up another notch watching him do this. Jennifer Jason Leigh gives emotional support as Stevie whilst Michael Ironside and Anna Massey hover in the background. If Alfred Hitchcock was still making films this would be near the knuckle as it is reminiscent of his "Marnie" and also strays into "Memento" territory. As a psychological thriller mystery it twists things around in your head until you get to the final denouement and realise just what was what. I would recommend watching the deleted scenes and making of as both further extend the story - the deleted scenes adding two significant plot points and the making of explaining the reason why Bale's weight loss was integral to the filming. A subtle yet challenging walk through someone else's mental point of view.

SPECIAL FEATURES: UK Exclusive Director Interview, Commentary by Director Brad Anderson, The Making Of The Machinist & 8 Deleted Scenes. Original Trailer, Anwar Brett Film Notes (attached leaflet), DTS 5.1. & Dolby 5.1. also Dolby 2.0. Stereo. Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 2.35:1/ Runtime: 98 mins. Language: English/USA. Region: 0. Rating: 15. FILMAX/TARTAN 2004 PAL TVD 3569/ISBN # 5023965356925>