Before bulking up for Batman, Christian Bale dropped more than 60 pounds for his role in this 2004 drama.  Jennifer Jason Leigh co-stars in this film, which is also known by its Spanish title, "El Maquinista."

 

Bale plays Trevor Reznik, an emaciated man working as a machinist at a factory somewhere.  He used to play cards with the guys, but these days he spends his time hanging out with a hooker (Leigh) named Stevie and leaving outrageous tips for a waitress at the local coffee shop.  At home, he's constantly leaving notes for himself to do things like pay the electric bill.  Maybe he needs the notes because he hasn't slept in a year.

 

Things really start to fall apart when a post-it with a game of hangman on it appears on his refrigerator.  About that same time, Trevor starts seeing a biker dude named Ivan everywhere he goes.

 

Overall Review:   ***  To say more about this intriguing film would be to say too much.  For most of the film, the viewer is as confused as Trevor, but things become clear in the end.  As mentioned previously, Bale lost more than 60 pounds for this role.  The result is so dramatic that it's almost too difficult to watch.