The Machinist is a 2004 psychological thriller film directed by Brad Anderson and written by Scott Kosar. It stars Christian Bale as the title character, a machinist struggling with paranoia and delusion after being unable to sleep for an entire year. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, and Michael Ironside appear in supporting roles.
The film drew attention due to Bale's commitment, having lost 62 pounds (28 kg) in preparation for his role. Upon release, The Machinist was well received by critics, with praise for Bale's performance, and grossed $8.2 million on a $5 million budget. In later years it has gained a cult status.
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Plot
Trevor Reznik is a machinist whose insomnia has led to him becoming emaciated and a loner. His coworkers eventually turn against him when he is involved in an accident that causes his coworker to lose his left arm; Trevor was distracted by an unfamiliar coworker named Ivan. However, no one at the factory knows of Ivan and there are no records of him. Trevor finds comfort in the arms of Stevie, a prostitute, and with Maria, a waitress at an airport diner he frequents. He is haunted by flashes of recurring imagery, and things such as his car cigarette lighter take on a menacing air. A mysterious series of post-it notes appears on his refrigerator, depicting a game of hangman.