Before the Mask, Before the Gloves…
Christian Charles Philip Bale may be widely known as Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight trilogy, but the UK native has actually starred in several successful projects including big budget films and indie flicks. After tackling several commercials as a child and a few made-for-television films, Bale burst onto the big screen at 13 when he was cast in Steve Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun. Christian received the first ever “Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor” award from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.
In 1992, Christian Bale starred in two musical films, Newsies and Swing Kids. He then starred in Little Women withWinona Ryder, and in 1999 Bale joined an all-star cast including Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer and Stanley Tucci in a new version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But it was his breakout performance in the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel of the same title, American Psycho that put him in a different league.
“Persistence Is The Key”
Although he was noted for his realistic and dedicated acting, Bale’s next few roles in films like Shaft and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin were only supporting ones. Fortunately in 2002, Bale was giving more lead roles, although not all of his films were well received. In fact, although the science fiction/action flick Equillibrium was given a $20 million budget, it made under $5 million at the box office.
Despite a relatively shaky period in the early 2000s, Bale began to see his acting efforts rewarded in what’s easily one of his best films, The Machinist. Bale portrays the disillusioned and emaciated Trevor. As a fellow chronic insomniac, it was scary to see just how mentally unstable one can become with an extreme lack of sleep and food. One of the most notable things about Bale’s eery portrayal of Trevor was the great lengths he went to in order to achieve his skeletal appearance. Much like his character, Bale actually went without adequate food and rest, dropping over 60 pounds in only a few months.
Bale Becomes Our Dark Knight
Following the success of The Machinist, Bale was cast as Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins. Coming fresh off a role where he played an emaciated insomniac, Bale had only six months to bulk up to a Batman-worthy physique. Luckily, he was able to pack on over 100 pounds and might I say, it looked good on him. Although he noted how uncomfortable the Batman suit was, making over $400 million at the box office, sure makes it seem worth while.
Christian reprised his role as Batman in two highly successful sequels — 2008′s The Dark Knight, which made over $1 billion worldwide, and the recently released The Dark Knight Rises, which made over $200 million in its opening weekend. In between the sequels, Bale took part in several smaller, independent films. The films not only broadened his fan base, but showed more diversity in Bale’s acting abilities.
Dealing with Dark Magic, Terminators, & Drugs
One of my personal favorites in Christian Bale’s filmography is 2006′s The Prestige with Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson.While the cast is obviously a good looking one, that wasn’t the only thing the drama/thriller had to offer. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film adaptation of Christopher Preist’s novel was an unexpected depiction of two rival magicians. Not to be confused with the Edward Norton film, The Illusionist, also a film about a magician released in 2006, The Prestige is definitely worth renting.
From 2007-2009, Bale starred in several films including 3:10 to Yuma, Terminator Salvation and Public Enemies. While all three films were generally well received, it was his role in 2010′s The Fighter as Mark Wahlberg’s older brother that gained Bale more recognition. The biographical sports drama depicted real life boxing brothers Micky (Mark Wahlberg) and Dicky (Bale) trying to separate drug addiction from their life of athletics. Among over 30 awards he received for the film, Bale earned the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actor.”
Looking Forward
Bale is currently filming the Terrence Malick film, Knight of Cups. In 2013, he will star in thriller Dust to Dust alongside Woody Harrelson and Willem Dafoe. Christian Bale is easily becoming one of the most iconic actors in history and he hasn’t even hit 40 yet. His dedication to his roles as well as his wide array of character choices make for one dynamite Hollywood Hunk.
Christian Bale’s Filmography/Up-Coming Films
- Knight of Cups (2013)
- An Untitled Terrance Malik Project (2013)
- Dust to Dust (2013)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- The Flowers of War (2011)
- The Fighter (2010)
- Public Enemies (2009)
- Terminator Salvation (2009)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- I’m Not There (2007)
- 3:10 To Yuma (2007)
- The Prestige (2006)
- Rescue Dawn (2006)
- The New World (2005)
- Harsh Times (2005)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Machinist (2004)
- Equilibrium (2002)
- Reign of Fire (2002)
- Laurel Canyon (2002)
- Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)
- Shaft (2000)
- American Psycho (2000)
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999)
- All the Little Animals (1998)
- Velvet Goldmine (1998)
- Metroland (1997)
- The Secret Agent (1996)
- The Portrait of a Lady (1996)
- Pocahontas (1995)
- Little Women (1994)
- Royal Deceit (1994)
- Swing Kins (1993)
- Newsies (1992)
- A Murder of Quality (1991)
- Treasure Island (1990)
- Henry V (1989)
- Empire of the Sun (1987)
- Mio in the Land of Faraway (1987)
- Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna (1986)
‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Trailer:
Interview with Bale:
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