In a recent interview with GQ, Hollywood ace actor Christian Bale revealed some incredible truths about his professional success. The interview uncovered the actor’s unique mindset and distinct style of handling roles in films.
The Academy Award-winning actor started his career in acting at age 13 in Steven Spielberg’s war film Empire of the Sun in 1987. From Patrick Bateman to the superhero Batman, Bale has delivered many iconic characters. On one hand, he was praised for playing Patrick Bateman in Mary Harron’s American Psycho but on the other hand, critics speculated the role was equivalent to “career suicide” for the actor. The director Mary Harron’s conviction in Bale was a reason for him to accept to play the challenging character.
Similarly, when he played the iconic role of Batman, critics speculated the actor would be typecast as the ‘Caped Crusader’. Bale not only took the opportunity he made the character unforgettable by his convincing acting skills.
Similarly, his portrayal of the character Dick Cheney in Vice (2018) proved his effective acting skills. The actor admitted not being a film buff but he enjoys playing challenging roles. He said he likes to play certain characters not to please anyone but only because he likes the role. The actor said in the interview that even the best actors do not have fans at the beginning of their careers. So, it’s important to take on projects that excite you.
“There is value in storytelling, you know? I’m going to sound like a total wanker, but the way I like to do it is, you try to destroy yourself in order to build up another character.”
— Christian Bale
On asking if he has a theory regarding his success he confirmed he has “zero strategy” on that. He even jokingly remarked he was paid less than his make-up artists in the 2020 horror flick, American Psycho.
Bale was last seen in the 2022 Marvel superhero film Thor: Love and Thunder as Gorr the God Butcher, a villain.
By Ishita Ganguly
