Movie PictureThe Machinist: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Classics has snapped up distribution rights from Filmax International to Brad Anderson's Sundance Film Festival selection The Machinist, starring Christian Bale.

The speciality division has aquired rights to the pic in North America, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. It is planning a late-2004 release.

The film, which also recently screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, stars Bale as factory machinist Trevor Reznik, who has not slept in a year. His lack of sleep has led to a deterioration in his physical and mental health, and he struggles to come to terms with his breakdown. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Ironside, Aitana Sanchez Gijon and John Sharian also star in the Julio Fernandez-produced film.

The Machinist was released October 22nd, 2004 and stars Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, Michael Ironside, Larry Gilliard Jr., Reg E. Cathey, Anna Massey. The film is directed by Brad Anderson.