The Machinist is a film where Christian Bale plays his old nemesis Nick Dastoor and challenges for thinnest man in the world status. It is a psychological thriller which uses the plot twist du jour (cf Hide’n’Seek and Secret Window) but at least does it for a much better reason. You cannot help but think that Jennifer Jason Jamie Janet Leigh Curtis Blow is wasted as yet another tart with a heart though. Considering the shaky reality of all the supporting characters, and the frightening way Bale throws himself into this role, it might have been an idea to get him to play everyone. Though that may well have tipped off the twist a good five minutes before you actually realise it (ie five minutes into the film).