Christian Bale has been spotted walking around town in dirty navy-blue overalls and has been described as “noticeably smaller, gaunt, and covered in mud” by several folks. His appearance, though nobody’s business, has sparked rumors of a sequel to his 2004 film The Machinist. As a representative, not his mind you, but a representative, I am here to squash those nasty little rumors and set the record straight, got it? Going to make it clear as mud. 

Christian Bale is not returning to his role as Trevor Reznik and those who took the time to notice the subtle details, like his rat tail and patent leather shoes, would know this—however—he is in the middle of filming a psychological thriller, so I’ll give you that. 

Aloysius Devadander Abercrombie is a surrealist southern gothic film directed by none other than David Lynch. Bale stars as the film’s lead, Aloysius Devadander Abercrombie, Mud for short—not to be confused with Billy or Jack or Pete or Dennis—his name is Mud and it’s always been. Mud is a blue-collar worker whose down-and-out disposition is worsened by his addiction to a strange hallucinogenic substance called “pork soda”. Life’s never-ending circumstances and lack of social services leave Mud teetering on the brink of a breakdown and financial ruin. His situation continues to decline and the tension boils over when his prized patent leather shoes are trodden by a friend, turning a common spat into a heinous act of violence. It is a tale of madness and despair, a surreal critique of a modernity left in the past, masterfully envisioned by Lynch. The film is set to be scored by a collaboration between Primus and Nick Cave. 

Michael Bettendorf’s work has appeared in a handful of places around the internet and in print (neato!) He lives in Lincoln with his partner and dog where he tries to convince the world Nebraska is too strange to be a flyover state.