On this day (January 30th), an angel named Christian Bale was born. Let's be serious though. If you don't know the name Christian Bale, you should. Since he was a child, Bale has proven over and over that he is an actor who deserves your immediate attention. He never fails to stun with his dedication and ability to fill any role he takes. In honor of the actor's birthday, I've listed seven of his films I believe everyone should watch. They might even turn you into an avid Bale fan (AKA Balehead).
1. "Empire of the Sun" (1987)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, "Empire of the Sun" is the film that thrust Christian Bale into the spotlight at only 12 years old, although it wasn't his first.
"Empire of the Sun" follows Jim 'Jamie' Graham (Bale), a young boy struggling to survive amidst a Japanese invasion during World War II. Jim is captured and taken to confinement camps, where he learns to adapt and finds a friend in a man named Basie (John Malkovich).
Bale delivers a stunning performance, and even today it's hard to believe that a 12 year old could hold so much talent. Every obstacle thrown at the character is handled perfectly by Bale. He portrayed each emotion Jim felt as though he was feeling them himself. Spielberg was even impressed by the performance given by Bale, and continues to be "impressed more and more" by the actor.
2. "All the Little Animals" (1998)
While not a high profile Christian Bale film, I find myself re-watching this one quite a bit. Bale plays a mentally slow young man named Bobby Platt, an animal lover--much like Bale himself--who runs away from his abusive step-father. In his travels, he encounters an old recluse (John Hurt) who collects animals killed on the highway and gives them a proper burial. Bobby learns how to see the world differently based on the teachings of the old man.
The reason I enjoy this movie so much is because it's entirely different from many of the films Bale did prior to and after it. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "Oh. I wasn't expecting this." It's a simple film, but both Bale and Hurt bring wonderful performances to the table. Bale shines in the role, again reminding viewers that he's capable of pulling off any role he's handed. He's able to make you really feel for Bobby and the situation he eventually finds himself in.
3. "American Psycho" (2000)
Ah, good ol' Patrick Bateman.
Based off the Bret Easton Ellis novel, "American Psycho" tells the story of a rich investment banker by day and serial killer by night. As the film progresses, Bateman's night hobby begins to bleed into his daily life, causing him and the audience to ask "is this really happening?" The film is one of Bale's defining roles as an actor, and one of his best performances to date.
After I first saw the movie, I read the book. Then I re-watched the movie, and Bale absolutely killed it (pun intended). In order to become Bateman, Bale performed Bateman's daily routine. He also spoke with an American accent until he was completed with filming. Not only was he able to display the detached irritation Bateman often felt, he portrayed Bateman's jealously when he realized Paul Allen (Jared Leto) may actually be a little more successful than him--the infamous business card scene. He changes rapidly and fully into the homicidal Patrick Bateman that will forever define Bale.
What a relief he didn't listen to the people telling him the role would destroy his career.
4. "The Machinist" (2004)
"The Machinist" is one of the first Christian Bale films I ever saw, and it continues to be one of my favorites.
Bale plays the character Trevor Reznik, an industrial worker so consumed with guilt he hasn't slept in a year and questions his sanity. Perhaps the greatest reason "The Machinist" is a notable film is because of Bale's obvious and immense dedication to his craft. In order to gain the gaunt and exhausted appearance, Bale lost 63 pounds, living on nothing but tuna fish, apples, and cigarettes. That's right. It's really him. He wanted to drop down to 100 pounds, but the producers and the director feared for his health if he lost any more weight. Along with the weight loss, Bale again acquires the state of mind necessary for the role. He expresses the fear, doubt, sadness, fatigue, and anger Reznik experiences. His performance forces you to empathize with his character, even if you don't understand why.
"The Machinist" is the Christian Bale film to start with if you decide--rightly so--to become a Balehead.
5. "Rescue Dawn" (2006)
"Rescue Dawn" is based on a true story about U.S fighter pilot Dieter Dengler (Bale). In the midst of the Vietnam War, Dengler's plane is shot down in the middle Laos, and Dengler is subsequently captured and placed in a prisoner camp. Dengler and the other prisoners plan an escape, but only Duane (Steve Zahn) proves his loyalty.
This is another role Christian Bale loses a large amount of weight for (55 pounds), although not nearly as much as he did for "The Machinist." The film was shot end to beginning to allow him, and the other cast members, to regain the weight lost, and to keep the appearance of the characters losing weight as the film progressed. Bale's greatest feat in the film, though, is that he performed all but one of his own stunts. Therefore the scenes where Dengler eats maggots and a snake is also Christian Bale eating maggots and a snake.
The film is a great showcase of Bale's skill. He captures the spirit and even the insanity of Dengler, becoming an excellent foil to the others around him. His enthusiasm oozes out of the screen, along with his seeming defeat and relief at the end. Dengler is another of Bale's greatest performances.
6. "The Fighter" (2010)
Another true story, "The Fighter" primarily follows the boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), who trains with his brother Dicky Eklund (Bale). Eklund was also a boxer, until entering into a life of addiction and slow recovery ended his career.
Once more, Bale astonishes with yet another weight loss, but this time only shedding 30 pounds for the role. He also spent a great deal of time with the real Dicky Eklund in order to better understand Eklund's mentality, and he doesn't disappoint. Bale demonstrates the often erratic behavior, contrasting it with moments of pride for his brother and even pride for himself. His chemistry with Wahlberg never falters, and he brings a quality to the role that's hard to match.
Bale was awarded the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Eklund.
7. "American Hustle" (2013)
For this role, Bale gained 43 pounds in fat, a far cry from the muscle weight he gained for the Dark Knight trilogy. Along with the extra pounds, he also shaved his head in order to get the full effect of his character's comb over. Not even Robert de Niro recognized him in character.
My main reason for including this film is because it showcases not only Bale's ability to transform, but it also shows off his more comedic side, something I constantly mention exists, but no one really believes. Bale isn't known for doing much comedy, but he certainly offers a fair amount of laughs in "American Hustle." The most prominent scene is the opening scene of the film in which Rosenfeld is meticulously assembling his ridiculous hair. Throughout the film, Bale brings the outrageous personality so fitting to the overall tone. "American Hustle" is another great Bale film drastically different from much of his prior work.
From the action packed "Equilibrium" (2002) to the dreamy world of "Knight of Cups" (2016) Christian Bale continues to be one of the finest working actors today. Every role he takes only serves as a reminder of his talent. Many times, he becomes so immersed in a role it's easy to forget that yes, it's Christian Bale doing that. With other several notable films Bale has done that I unfortunately can't list (I'd be writing a book at that point), he certainly deserves your time and attention.
