Trevor lives near an airport—planes constantly flying overhead symbolize the world moving on without him. Vietnamese subtitles often use the word "xa lánh" (estrangement) to describe his state, which perfectly captures his separation from society.

Bale, who typically possesses a fit and muscular physique, dropped approximately 62 pounds (28 kg) for the role. He wanted to portray the emaciation of Reznik authentically, aiming for a look that resembled the victims of the Holocaust or a starvation victim. At his lowest, he weighed a mere 120 pounds.

Vietnamese film students analyze The Machinist for its use of color grading (desaturated blues and greens) and sound design. The search for spikes every October, as viewers prepare for "scary movie marathons" that lean toward psychological horror rather than jump scares.