Crwthod
A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.
Erica Derrick
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Quiet Muffin
This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.
Dana
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
gridoon
"La Machine" is a violent, very well-made thriller, which proves that when the French aren't too preoccupied with "art" or "social shock", they can make a genre movie just as good as any similar American product. The director shows remarkable attention to detail, and the performances are versatile enough to help you "buy" the various transformations of the characters. Not an exceptional movie, but a gripping one. (***)
HumanoidOfFlesh
***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** Those who think that this is the worst film ever made are completely missing the point.I know that "La Machine" has its share of flaws,but it's still exciting and it can be a real gut-puncher at times.Depardieu is excellent in the different personalities he has to affect,the rest of the cast is also splendid.yes,the similarities between this one and overrated John Woo's actioner "Face Off"(I love his Hong Kong stuff,but films he does in Hollywood are pathetic crap,though)are obvious.So is "La Machine" worth watching?Of course yes,but beware:there are two extremely brutal and disturbing knife killings in this film.Especially the last scene when young boy stabs to death his mother is really harrowing.10 out of 10.
clarknova
It's my first day on IMDb and my first move here will be to say to the world how awful is this movie. The worst i have ever seen in my life (and i used to be an horror picture fan so you can believe me, i have seen real Z movies). In La Machine, Depardieu plays like a puppet and Didier Bourdon is so ridiculous i felt ashamed for him, I really felt the Chill of Shame. Thanks God, the scenario worth nothing so nothing is wasted.
Varlaam
Dr. Lacroix (Depardieu) has constructed a machine which will allow him to exchange personalities with one of his patients, a misogynistic multiple murderer (Bourdon).This thriller is a variation on the Frankenstein theme with the monster as a serial killer's mind unleashed in a psychologist's body. The film is under-budgeted and reliant on dialogue as many French films are. It can all seem a little overwrought and contrived at times, but still it's fairly good.Depardieu is convincing in the different personalities he has to affect. He is united with his frequent costar Nathalie Baye, although her role is a small one this time. There is even a very faint echo of the "What makes a marriage?" theme from their earlier film Le retour de Martin Guerre. So faint you probably won't notice.
