Synopsis

Trevor Reznik, a machinist in an anonymous American industrial town, has not slept for a year. His physical and mental health deteriorate as cryptic notes, strange accidents, and an apparently imaginary co-worker invade his life. Increasingly unsure of what is real, Trevor follows a trail of disturbing clues that forces him to confront the hidden source of his torment.

Factoids & Trivia

• Although the story is set in California, the film was shot entirely in and around Barcelona, Spain. Locations included Barcelona, Sant Adria de Besos, El Prat de Llobregat, Sabadell, and Terrassa.

• Christian Bale lost approximately 60 pounds for the role, reaching about 120 pounds. The production reportedly stopped him from losing more because of concerns about his health.

• Bale had only a short period to recover physically before preparing for his next role in Batman Begins. The dramatic contrast between the two performances became one of the most widely discussed examples of an actor's physical transformation.

• The name Trevor Reznik was inspired by Trent Reznor, the Nine Inch Nails musician. Screenwriter Scott Kosar was a fan of the band and originally included a Nine Inch Nails lyric on the first page of his script.

• The film's drained gunmetal, blue, and gray palette was designed to create a dreamlike, industrial atmosphere. The look also reflects the idea that severe sleep deprivation can affect a person's ability to perceive bright colors.

• Kosar drew inspiration from Fyodor Dostoevsky, particularly Crime and Punishment and The Double. The film's themes of guilt, divided identity, and psychological persecution reflect those literary influences.

• At the 2004 Sitges Film Festival, the film won Best Actor for Bale and Best Cinematography for Xavi Gimenez.