Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Christian Bale is known for taking on challenging roles that push him to his limits, whether it was playing the cold and calculating Patrick Bateman inAmerican Psychoor the deeply emotional role of Jesus inMary, Mother of Jesus.His commitment to fully becoming these characters made him a standout actor. But what inspired him to choose such intense roles, and how did he prepare for them?
In a past interview, the actor opened up about his approach to acting, revealing how some of these roles impacted his life in ways he hadn’t expected. Some characters had a stronger effect on him than others, even influencing his sleep in surprising ways.
How did Christian Bale balance intense roles like Bateman and Jesus?
Christian Baleis known for his dedication to every role he takes on, no matter how challenging or intense. But out of the lot, two of his most memorable performances arePatrick Bateman inAmerican Psychoand Jesus inMary, Mother of Jesus.These roles showcased just how far he’s willing to go to bring his characters to life.
When it came to playing Bateman, a cold and emotionless character obsessed with appearances, Bale took a unique approach. He didn’t attempt to create a backstory or figure out what made Bateman the way he was. Instead, he focused on the surface-level aspects of the character, like his looks and vanity.
In an interview viaEntertainment Weekly,the actor revealed that he put himself through rigorous physical training to build the character’s physique. Not only this, but he even had his teeth straightened. Despite how dark and disturbing the role was, Bale found it easy to separate himself from the character when the cameras weren’t rolling.
He added“I slept really well,”surprising many who might think playing such a chilling figure would have lingering effects. On the other hand, playing Jesus inMary, Mother of Jesuswas a very different experience. The actor admitted that this role deeply affected him on a personal level.
Unlike Bateman, Jesus is a character filled with profound emotion and spiritual weight, which made theexperience much more intense.
“It was a big deal for them”: Why Christian Bale in ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Was a Non-Negotiable Condition for Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Movie
The actor confessed that portraying this role caused vivid and unsettling dreams. He revealed that he had,“nightmares the whole time, like I haven’t had since I was 10 years old.”Through both performances, Christian Bale proved his incredible range as an actor.
Whether playing a heartless killer or a deeply spiritual figure, he fully commits to every role, showing why he is considered one of the most talented actors of his time.
Why Christian Bale once regretted doingNewsies
Christian Bale, known for his transformative roles such as Bruce Wayne inThe Dark Knighttrilogy, didn’t always feel confident about his early choices. One such role was in the 1992 Disney musicalNewsies, a project he initially regretted taking on. At the time, the actor had little interest in musicals and didn’t foresee how this particular film would impact his career.
When he first came across theNewsiesscript, he didn’t even realize it was a musical viaFar Out Magazine.His initial reaction was not one of excitement; he had no desire to sing or dance on screen. After realizing the nature of the film, he humorously entertained the idea of avoiding the musical numbers altogether but eventually accepted the role of Jack Kelly.
Despite his doubts, he took on the role because it seemed like an opportunity at a time when he had a choice between going to college or pursuing the film.Newsieswas a commercial flop, grossing only $2.8 million viaBox Office Mojoat the box office, well below its $15 million budget. However, with the benefit of time and reflection, Bale came to view the film more positively.
‘Margot was acting. Patrick was living his role’: Margot Robbie’s ‘American Psycho’ Scene Is Great but Christian Bale Had Tom Cruise to Make It Untouchable
While it wasn’t a success when released,Newsieseventually gained a cult following, and the film’s songs found new life. In 2011, it was adapted into a Broadway musical, which garnered significant success and critical acclaim.
You can watchAmerican Psychoon Hulu and Prime Video. Also,Mary, Mother of Jesuscan be streamed on Apple TV.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1434
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
