so far each recent war i've only seen one of the movies :(

^Which one of those two haven't you seen. Both are great btw.

I love both, but it has to be The Machinist for me. It was just more emotionally resonant. It's not the most original film in terms of concept, but it doesn't have to be when it's so meticulously and intelligently executed. I love Brad Anderson's style ever since I saw Session 9 (he's my to watch director). And Christian Bale was just so heartbreaking in this especially in the scene:

I also liked those subtle references to Dostoevsky. He's reading 'The Idiot', but he's thinking of

Jacob's Ladder: 1
The Machinist: 1

^I do feel it's underrated, even though I didn't vote for it.
And great scenes you pointed out there.

i've only seen Jacob's Ladder...great film

Oh man, this is a really tough call for me, I love both of these movies. I guess I'll go with The Machinist, just barely, because Christian Bale's performance in it is so amazing.

Jacob's Ladder: 1
The Machinist: 2

The Machinist: 3
Jacob's Ladder: 1

The Machinist was the first "weird" movie I saw, and when I did, it blew my mind. So for that reason it will always have a special place in my heart. I love Jacob's Ladder though.

To be honest I'm a little surprised that The Machinist won although I voted for it. Both are great movies though.

People send me suggestions. I'm trying to come up with movies that are popular enough so that a majority here has seen. This is after all a music forum.

Next: battle of the junkies

Requiem for a Dream

vs

The Basketball Diaries

Requiem For A Dream by a country 'kin mile.

RFAD 1
Basketball Diaries 0

I bought Requiem on DVD around 8 years ago and have still never rewatched it. Not because there is anything wrong with it but because I found it so damn good, I didn't want to spoil my enjoyment of it by repeated viewings if that makes sense.

The Basketball Diaries is a decent film but nothing more.

RFAD 2
The Basketball Diaries 0

As for The Machinist. Superb central performance aside, I found it to be rather average personally and a film with a twist in the tale that actually detracts from it's plus points rather than enhance it.

If you take out the performance of Bale you do get a rather average but well directed film with a twist.