Brad Anderson is an interesting filmmaker. His NEXT STOP WONDERLAND was smart and funny and his SESSION 9 was one of the scarier horror films that I’d seen in ages. Now he creates an atmospheric thriller that succeeds greatly from solid performances and a stellar ending.
First off, the performance of Christian Bale (BATMAN BEGINS) as Trevor Reznik is amazing. He dropped 60 lbs. for the role and is literally skin and bones, adding an inherent creepiness over the entire film. Equally as compelling is Jennifer Jason Leigh (THE HUDSUCKER PROXY) as Stevie, Reznik’s favorite prostitute, who really just wants someone to not treat her like dirt for once.
Reznik also visits an airport diner to see kind waitress Marie (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, I’M NOT SCARED). Reznik’s major problem is that he hasn’t slept in over a year. Stevie and Marie worry about his health. His co-workers are now finding their former friend quite strange. Then when the mysterious bald-headed machinist Ivan (John Sharian, CALENDAR GIRLS) shows up things go down hill from there, including Reznik causing an accident that maims a co-worker.
As things get weirder and weirder, we know that Reznik is hallucinating, but we don’t know for sure what is and is not real. The film plays out the scenario at a slow pace, which can be aggravating at times, but the ending is so solid that it is well worth it. The film works as both a thriller and an interesting character study. The ending brings more depth to the overall picture. It’s not a twist for twist sake; it’s the natural journey of the character like in THE SIXTH SENSE.
Anderson also creates a great eerie tone in the film. In addition to the physical look of Bale, the director uses shadow and unexplained occurrences to keep us on the edge. I also enjoyed the right or left turn metaphor that appears three times in the film. It was done in a nice subtle way. The film is a wonderfully moody thriller that has something human to say.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
