This actor radically transformed himself for a gripping drama, before and after

Coffee, tuna, and apples. That was the diet actor Christian Bale followed for four months in preparation for one of the most striking roles of his enviable filmography.

To portray a factory worker consumed by insomnia and grueling work conditions, Bale immersed himself in a dramatic physical transformation that left him extremely thin, enhancing the visual representation of the character’s emotional and physical collapse.

In total, Christian lost about 28 kilograms (roughly 62 pounds) before filming The Machinist, a movie released in 2004 and directed by Brad Anderson. His weight during the shoot dropped to 54kg (about 119 lbs), but Christian wanted to push it even further—until the crew’s medical staff stepped in out of concern for his health.

After finishing that project, Bale stunned audiences once again by reappearing with a superhero-worthy physique just six months later, now sporting prominent muscles to play Bruce Wayne in a rebooted version of the Batman saga, Batman Begins (2005). Taking the opposite approach, his new diet was loaded with pizza and ice cream to reach a high calorie intake and gain significant muscle mass during training.

Another unexpected physical event that impacted production: director Brad Anderson suffered a spinal injury during filming, forcing much of the movie to be shot with Brad directing from a stretcher.

Christian Bale transformed his body for this gripping drama; watch online

What’s the story of The Machinist?

Praised by critics upon its release, the film stars Bale as Trevor Reznik, a factory worker suffering from severe insomnia that affects both his mental state and workplace relationships. The situation worsens after a workplace accident results in a colleague losing an arm—an accident for which Reznik is blamed.

As the narrative unfolds, Trevor’s psychological condition continues to deteriorate. He tries to maintain relationships with Maria, a waitress played by Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, and Stevie, a sex worker portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Trevor’s daily life is plagued by visions of a man named Ivan, whom he blames for the accident and obsessively tracks down to hold accountable. A string of revelations sets the tone for this dark, gripping film with a surprising ending.

Where to watch The Machinist (2004)

Feeling inspired to watch this unforgettable Christian Bale performance? The Machinist is available for digital rental or purchase on streaming platforms like Prime Video and YouTube Movies. Follow the links and hit play!