The Machinist

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 18, 2004

DVD Release Date: June 7, 2005

Plot 411: Insomniac Trevor Reznik begins to see a guy that doesn't exist.

Review: Wow, this movie was a complete mindf*ck. I mean, first of all, Christian Bale's physical presence (or lack thereof) is completely appalling and I couldn't stop looking at him for the first 30 minutes! Seriously, this guy is Batman? WTF? He is barely even skin and bones in this movie, and you're able to see all his ribs and his spine. He's that skinny! Holy cow! I don't know how he managed to drop weight so drastically. Bale plays Trevor, a guy who works in a factory. He hasn't slept in a year and is barely 120 pounds. He's a loner whose only substantial relationships are with a hooker (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and a waitress (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon). When he meets Ivan (John Sharian) things start getting a little hairy, including accidents at work. When he is told that Ivan doesn't exist, Trevor becomes determined to get to the bottom of things. Is Ivan a hallucination? Are people out to get him? Bale is superb in this movie. I really don't know what else to say about it. As the movie progresses, you feel like you're losing your mind right along with Trevor. Because he's an unreliable narrator, you're kept guessing as to what's really going on. It's a very effective technique that adds to the suspense and mystery. Another effective technique is the lighting and cinematography, which creates a feeling of isolation and sterility. Everything is stark and lit in cool blue tones. Trevor's environment is completely colorless and gray. This has got to be one of Bale's best performances ever.

Watch It: And simply be astounded by Bale's skeletal transformation.

Skip It: If you aren't in tune with more cerebral-type movies.

Margot At The Wedding

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 16, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 19, 2008

Plot 411: With her sister getting married, Margot returns to the family home and sibling rivalry ensues.

Review: This movie captures the dysfunctional relationship between two sisters, Margot (Nicole Kidman) and Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh), as well as Margot's relationship with her son Claude (Zane Paris). For Margot and Claude, the line between friends and parent/child is often very blurry. They share a tremendous amount of information with one another, which I found weird. Margot addresses him as an adult and uses him as a sounding board for her own neuroses. When the two arrive at their family home where Pauline is to marry Malcolm (Jack Black), the movie introduces a bit of tension between the sisters. However, it doesn't really feel as though it reaches its peak. The two woman embark on a verbal catfight, jabbing at one another in bitter disapproval. The movie meanders along and doesn't really conclude well. The plot seems to drag and it isn't until near the end that life gets infused into this film. I think Kidman and Leigh do a credible job and portraying the emotionally wrought sisters. Jack Black reigns in his usual hijinks for this more serious role. I found this movie a bit difficult to relate to, which made it very boring for me.

Watch It: If you seek an escape from your own family drama.

Skip It: If you liked director Noah Baumbach's disection of family life in The Squid And The Whale. This movie feels similar but doesn't seem to have the same impact.