The Machinist (2004)

In this strange, mysterious, mad hoot (tautly penned by Scott Kosar) that unravels like the crazy twin brother of a Stephen King story, complete with spooky music ripped from the womb of Psycho, Christian Bale (who shed 63 lbs for the role) immerses himself into a brilliantly remarkable performance playing a clueless, emaciated, paranoid and temperamental ghoul with insomnia that flails and wails away in a babbling frenzy.

Jennifer Jason Leigh (Single White Female) plays a hollowed-out prostitute, a withered delight to see that becomes a willing partner and cozy distraction during Trevor Reznik's whirling dance of ever-darkening trauma. After the trailer reeled me in, the end result was satisfying.

Overall, this frenetic portrait is a spellbinding joyride that had me laughing and scratching my head in curiosity the entire time. The Machinist (by Brad Anderson) is delivered with an admirable self-respect that truly keeps it above the watery tomb that has claimed so many pseudo-serious imitations. At the core, there is a simple yet intoxicating crisis being strewn.