Christian Bale: Difference between revisions
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{{Not to be confused with|Christian Borle}} |
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'''Christian Charles Philip Bale''' (born 30 January 1974) is an English<!--Please do not change to Welsh; see the talk page archives for more information.--> actor. Known for his versatility and physical transformations for his roles, he has been a [[leading man]] in films of several genres. He has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Christian Bale|various accolades]], including an [[Academy Award]] and two [[Golden Globe Awards]]. ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine ranked him as one of the highest-paid actors in 2014. |
'''Christian Charles Philip Bale''' (born 30 January 1974) is an English<!--Please do not change to Welsh; see the talk page archives for more information.--> actor. Known for his versatility and physical transformations for his roles, he has been a [[leading man]] in films of several genres. He has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Christian Bale|various accolades]], including an [[Academy Award]] and two [[Golden Globe Awards]]. ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine ranked him as one of the highest-paid actors in 2014. |
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Born in Wales to English parents, Bale had his [[breakthrough role]] at age 13 in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s 1987 war film ''[[Empire of the Sun (film)|Empire of the Sun]]''. After more than a decade of performing in leading and supporting roles in films, he gained wider recognition for his portrayals of serial killer [[Patrick Bateman]] in the black comedy ''[[American Psycho (film)|American Psycho]]'' (2000) and the title role in the psychological thriller ''[[The Machinist]]'' (2004). In 2005, he played superhero [[Bruce Wayne (Dark Knight trilogy)|Batman]] in ''[[Batman Begins]]'' and again in ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' (2008) and ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'' (2012), garnering acclaim for his performance in [[The Dark Knight Trilogy|the trilogy]], which is one of the highest-grossing film franchises. |
Born in Wales to English parents, Bale had his [[breakthrough role]] at age 13 in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s 1987 war film ''[[Empire of the Sun (film)|Empire of the Sun]]''. After more than a decade of performing in leading and supporting roles in films, he gained wider recognition for his portrayals of serial killer [[Patrick Bateman]] in the black comedy ''[[American Psycho (film)|American Psycho]]'' (2000) and the title role in the psychological thriller ''[[The Machinist]]'' (2004). In 2005, he played superhero [[Bruce Wayne (Dark Knight trilogy)|Batman]] in ''[[Batman Begins]]'' and again in ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' (2008) and ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'' (2012), garnering acclaim for his performance in [[The Dark Knight Trilogy|the trilogy]], which is one of the highest-grossing film franchises. |
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Bale continued in starring roles in a range of films outside his work as Batman, including the period drama ''[[The Prestige (film)|The Prestige]]'' (2006), the action film ''[[Terminator Salvation]]'' (2009), the crime drama ''[[Public Enemies (2009 film)|Public Enemies]]'' (2009), the epic film ''[[Exodus: Gods and Kings]]'' (2014) and the superhero film ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'' (2022). For his portrayal of boxer [[Dicky Eklund]] in the 2010 biographical film ''[[The Fighter]]'', he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Further Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations came for his work in the black comedy ''[[American Hustle]]'' (2013) and the biographical [[ |
Bale continued in starring roles in a range of films outside his work as Batman, including the period drama ''[[The Prestige (film)|The Prestige]]'' (2006), the action film ''[[Terminator Salvation]]'' (2009), the crime drama ''[[Public Enemies (2009 film)|Public Enemies]]'' (2009), the epic film ''[[Exodus: Gods and Kings]]'' (2014) and the superhero film ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'' (2022). For his portrayal of boxer [[Dicky Eklund]] in the 2010 biographical film ''[[The Fighter]]'', he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Further Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations came for his work in the black comedy ''[[American Hustle]]'' (2013) and the biographical [[dramedies]] ''[[The Big Short (film)|The Big Short]]'' (2015) and ''[[Vice (2018 film)|Vice]]'' (2018). His performances as politician [[Dick Cheney]] in ''Vice'' and race car driver [[Ken Miles]] in the sports drama ''[[Ford v Ferrari]]'' (2019) earned him a second win and a fifth nomination respectively at the Golden Globe Awards. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Christian Charles Philip Bale<ref name="fullname">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/01/christian-bale-welsh-accent-golden-globes-2019.html|title=Christian Bale's Accent Is Always a Shock|date=6 January 2019|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[New York (magazine)|The Cut]]|url-access=limited|last=Ceròn|first=Ella|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035646/https://www.thecut.com/2019/01/christian-bale-welsh-accent-golden-globes-2019.html|archive-date=12 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> was born on 30 January 1974 in [[Haverfordwest]], [[Pembrokeshire]], to English parents—Jenny James, a circus performer, and [[David Bale]], an entrepreneur and activist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/celebrity-birthdays-beth-hart-ray-stevens-hip-hop-and-rap-nastassja-kinski-25346e8a89639f8fd7b919440e1e9156|title=Celebrity birthdays for the week of Jan. 24–30|date=19 January 2021|access-date=30 April 2021|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120043710/https://www.apnews.com/article/celebrity-birthdays-beth-hart-ray-stevens-hip-hop-and-rap-nastassja-kinski-25346e8a89639f8fd7b919440e1e9156|archive-date=20 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/awards-season/a25773141/christian-bale-accent-golden-globes/|title=Christian Bale surprises the world with his British accent|work=[[ |
Christian Charles Philip Bale<ref name="fullname">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/01/christian-bale-welsh-accent-golden-globes-2019.html|title=Christian Bale's Accent Is Always a Shock|date=6 January 2019|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[New York (magazine)|The Cut]]|url-access=limited|last=Ceròn|first=Ella|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035646/https://www.thecut.com/2019/01/christian-bale-welsh-accent-golden-globes-2019.html|archive-date=12 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> was born on 30 January 1974 in [[Haverfordwest]], [[Pembrokeshire]], to English parents—Jenny James, a circus performer, and [[David Bale]], an entrepreneur and activist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/celebrity-birthdays-beth-hart-ray-stevens-hip-hop-and-rap-nastassja-kinski-25346e8a89639f8fd7b919440e1e9156|title=Celebrity birthdays for the week of Jan. 24–30|date=19 January 2021|access-date=30 April 2021|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120043710/https://www.apnews.com/article/celebrity-birthdays-beth-hart-ray-stevens-hip-hop-and-rap-nastassja-kinski-25346e8a89639f8fd7b919440e1e9156|archive-date=20 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/awards-season/a25773141/christian-bale-accent-golden-globes/|title=Christian Bale surprises the world with his British accent|work=[[Harper's Bazaar UK]]|date=7 January 2019|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519075757/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/awards-season/a25773141/christian-bale-accent-golden-globes/|archive-date=19 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="family">{{cite web|last1=Francis|first1=Damien|url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jul/22/christian.bale|title=Batman star Christian Bale arrested|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=22 July 2008|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126145856/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jul/22/christian.bale|archive-date=26 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale has remarked, "I was born in Wales but I'm not Welsh—I'm English."<ref name="bale-is-english">{{cite web|last1=Butler|first1=Tom|url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/christian-bales-accent-is-seriously-confusing-people-in-the-first-le-mans-66-trailer-144026897.html|title=Christian Bale's accent is seriously confusing people in the first 'Le Mans '66' trailer|publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]]|date=3 June 2019|access-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205063552/https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/christian-bales-accent-is-seriously-confusing-people-in-the-first-le-mans-66-trailer-144026897.html|archive-date=5 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He has two elder sisters, Sharon and Louise, and a half-sister from his father's first marriage, Erin.<ref name="family"/> One of his grandfathers was a comedian while the other was a stand-in for [[John Wayne]].<ref name="intensity">{{cite news|last1=Hiscock|first1=John|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/8271873/Christian-Bale-Yes-it-is-the-same-guy.html|title=Christian Bale: Yes, it is the same guy|access-date=9 February 2014|date=21 January 2011|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|url-access=registration|archive-date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123051635/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/8271873/Christian-Bale-Yes-it-is-the-same-guy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale and his family left Wales when he was two years old,<ref name="abcnews">{{cite web|last1=Fisher|first1=Luchina|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=5440296&page=1|title=Big Tent Childhood: Growing up in the Circus|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=27 July 2008|access-date=5 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027102601/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=5440296&page=1|archive-date=27 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and after living in Portugal and [[Oxfordshire]], England, they settled in [[Bournemouth]].<ref name="darkallegation">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2445620/Batman-actor-Christian-Bale-released-after-assault-allegation-arrest.html|title=Batman actor Christian Bale released after assault allegation arrest|date=22 July 2008|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|url-access=registration|last1=Irvine|first1=Chris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909163809/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2445620/Batman-actor-Christian-Bale-released-after-assault-allegation-arrest.html|archive-date=9 September 2019|url-status=live|last2=Edwards|first2=Richard}}</ref> As well as saying that the family had lived in 15 towns by the time he was 15, Bale described the frequent relocation as being driven by "necessity rather than choice" and acknowledged that it had a major influence on his career selection.<ref name="abcnews"/><ref name="private">{{cite web|last1=Heaf|first1=Jonathan|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/gq-film-christian-bale-interview|title=Christian Bale on suffering from insomnia and running into Viggo Mortensen in Rome|work=[[British GQ]]|date=23 July 2012|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923170846/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/gq-film-christian-bale-interview|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Black|first1=Johnny|title=Christian Bale: 20 Things You (Probably) Don't Know About the 'Out of the Furnace' Star|url=http://lotr.moviefone.com/2013/12/06/christian-bale-facts/|access-date=3 February 2016|publisher=[[Moviefone]]|date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307053909/https://lotr.moviefone.com/2013/12/06/christian-bale-facts/|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> He attended [[Bournemouth School]], later saying he left school at age 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2004/10/13/celebrities_feature.shtml|title=Dorset celebrities|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=24 September 2014|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416030312/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2004/10/13/celebrities_feature.shtml|archive-date=16 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="plays">{{cite web|last1=Riley|first1=Jenelle|title=Christian Bale: Reluctant Movie Star Talks 'Furnace', 'Hustle'|url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/christian-bale-reluctant-movie-star-talks-furnace-hustle-1200884247|access-date=5 June 2021|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=26 November 2013|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731171240/https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/christian-bale-reluctant-movie-star-talks-furnace-hustle-1200884247/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale's parents divorced in 1991, and at age 17, he moved with his sister Louise and their father to Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Blunden|first1=Mark|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/christian-bale-s-sister-says-actor-needs-help-to-deal-with-temper-6852619.html|title=Christian Bale's sister says actor needs help to deal with temper|work=[[Evening Standard]]|date=13 April 2012|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608104718/https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/christian-bale-s-sister-says-actor-needs-help-to-deal-with-temper-6852619.html|archive-date=8 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Bale trained in ballet as a child.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burns|first1=Judith|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40138653|title=Sporting plan to boost boys in ballet|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=3 June 2017|access-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121131803/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40138653|archive-date=21 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> His first acting role came at eight years old in a commercial for the fabric softener [[Lenor]].<ref name="first">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/04/christian-bale-i-was-asked-to-do-a-romantic-comedy-i-thought-theyd-lost-their-minds|title=Christian Bale: 'I was asked to do a romantic comedy. I thought they'd lost their minds'|date=5 January 2018|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The Guardian]]|last=Carroll|first=Rory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420135646/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/04/christian-bale-i-was-asked-to-do-a-romantic-comedy-i-thought-theyd-lost-their-minds|archive-date=20 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appeared in a ''[[Pac-Man]]'' cereal commercial.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.avclub.com/a-brief-history-of-video-game-cereals-and-their-ridicul-1798251864|title=A brief history of video game cereals and their ridiculous commercials|date=8 September 2016|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|last=Gerardi|first=Matt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209171033/https://news.avclub.com/a-brief-history-of-video-game-cereals-and-their-ridicul-1798251864|archive-date=9 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After his sister was cast in a [[West End theatre|West End]] musical, Bale considered taking up acting professionally.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yarrow|first1=Andrew L.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/16/movies/boy-in-empire-calls-acting-really-good-fun.html|title=Boy In 'Empire' Calls Acting 'Really Good Fun'|work=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|date=16 December 1987|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723133333/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/16/movies/boy-in-empire-calls-acting-really-good-fun.html|archive-date=23 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He said later he did not find acting appealing but pursued it at the request of those around him because he had no reason not to do so.<ref name="thr">{{cite web|last1=Feinberg|first1=Scott|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/furnace-star-christian-bale-his-658087/|title='Out of the Furnace' Star Christian Bale on His 'Love-Hate' Relationship with Acting (Q&A)|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=7 December 2013|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518160309/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/furnace-star-christian-bale-his-658087/|archive-date=18 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After participating in school plays, Bale performed opposite [[Rowan Atkinson]] in the play ''[[The Nerd (play)|The Nerd]]'' in the West End in 1984.<ref name="plays"/><ref name="first"/> He did not undergo any formal acting training.<ref name="plays"/> |
Bale trained in ballet as a child.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burns|first1=Judith|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40138653|title=Sporting plan to boost boys in ballet|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=3 June 2017|access-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121131803/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40138653|archive-date=21 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> His first acting role came at eight years old in a commercial for the fabric softener [[Lenor]].<ref name="first">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/04/christian-bale-i-was-asked-to-do-a-romantic-comedy-i-thought-theyd-lost-their-minds|title=Christian Bale: 'I was asked to do a romantic comedy. I thought they'd lost their minds'|date=5 January 2018|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The Guardian]]|last=Carroll|first=Rory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420135646/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/04/christian-bale-i-was-asked-to-do-a-romantic-comedy-i-thought-theyd-lost-their-minds|archive-date=20 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appeared in a ''[[Pac-Man]]'' cereal commercial.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.avclub.com/a-brief-history-of-video-game-cereals-and-their-ridicul-1798251864|title=A brief history of video game cereals and their ridiculous commercials|date=8 September 2016|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|last=Gerardi|first=Matt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209171033/https://news.avclub.com/a-brief-history-of-video-game-cereals-and-their-ridicul-1798251864|archive-date=9 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After his sister was cast in a [[West End theatre|West End]] musical, Bale considered taking up acting professionally.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yarrow|first1=Andrew L.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/16/movies/boy-in-empire-calls-acting-really-good-fun.html|title=Boy In 'Empire' Calls Acting 'Really Good Fun'|work=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|date=16 December 1987|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723133333/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/16/movies/boy-in-empire-calls-acting-really-good-fun.html|archive-date=23 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He said later he did not find acting appealing but pursued it at the request of those around him because he had no reason not to do so.<ref name="thr">{{cite web|last1=Feinberg|first1=Scott|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/furnace-star-christian-bale-his-658087/|title='Out of the Furnace' Star Christian Bale on His 'Love-Hate' Relationship with Acting (Q&A)|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=7 December 2013|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518160309/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/furnace-star-christian-bale-his-658087/|archive-date=18 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After participating in school plays, Bale performed opposite [[Rowan Atkinson]] in the play ''[[The Nerd (play)|The Nerd]]'' in the West End in 1984.<ref name="plays"/><ref name="first"/> He did not undergo any formal acting training.<ref name="plays"/> |
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===Batman and dramatic roles (2005–2008)=== |
===Batman and dramatic roles (2005–2008)=== |
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[[File:Christian Bale - 002.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A headshot of Bale from 2008|Bale at the Spanish premiere of ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' in 2008]] |
[[File:Christian Bale - 002.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A headshot of Bale from 2008|Bale at the Spanish premiere of ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' in 2008]] |
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Bale portrayed American billionaire [[Bruce Wayne (Dark Knight trilogy)|Bruce Wayne]] and his superhero alias [[Batman]] in [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[Batman Begins]]'', a [[reboot (continuity)|reboot]] of the [[ |
Bale portrayed American billionaire [[Bruce Wayne (Dark Knight trilogy)|Bruce Wayne]] and his superhero alias [[Batman]] in [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[Batman Begins]]'', a [[reboot (continuity)|reboot]] of the [[Batman film series]]. Nolan cast Bale, who was still fairly unknown at the time, because Bale had "exactly the balance of darkness and light" Nolan sought.<ref name="greenberg20050508">{{cite news |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2005/may/08/entertainment/ca-batman8 |title=Rescuing Batman |last=Greenberg |first=James |date=8 May 2005 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url-access=limited |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202014002/https://articles.latimes.com/2005/may/08/entertainment/ca-batman8 |archive-date=2 December 2008 |page=E-10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3102536.stm|title=Actor Bale lands Batman role|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=12 September 2003|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081130111111/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3102536.stm|archive-date=30 November 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> For the part, Bale regained the weight he lost for ''The Machinist'' and built muscle, weighing {{convert|220|lb|kg}}.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dibin|first1=Emma|url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/film/news/a9814/why-christian-bale-style-yo-yo-dieting-is-terrible-for-youy/|title=Why Christian Bale-Style Yo-Yo Dieting Is Terrible For You|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|url-access=limited|date=14 April 2016|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035108/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/film/news/a9814/why-christian-bale-style-yo-yo-dieting-is-terrible-for-youy/|archive-date=12 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He trained in weapons, [[Wing Chun Kung Fu]] and the [[Keysi Fighting Method]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Evans|first1=Matthew|url=https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a758307/5-of-christian-bales-craziest-body-transformations/|title=Christian Bale's 5 Craziest Body Transformations|work=[[Men's Health]]|date=11 February 2017|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124050157/https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a758307/5-of-christian-bales-craziest-body-transformations/|archive-date=24 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Acknowledging the story's peculiar circumstances involving a character "who thinks he can run around in a [[batsuit]] in the middle of the night", Bale said he and Nolan had deliberately approached it with "as realistic a motivation as possible", referencing Wayne's parents' murder.<ref name="realistic"/> Bale voiced Wayne and Batman differently. He employed gravelly tone qualities for Batman, which Nolan believed reinforced the character's visual appearance.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Maher|first1=John|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/16/17574850/batman-dark-knight-christian-bale-voice|title=Christian Bale's infamous Dark Knight voice was the only option|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=16 July 2018|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102173914/https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/16/17574850/batman-dark-knight-christian-bale-voice|archive-date=2 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Batman Begins'' was released in the US in June 2005.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dargis|first1=Manohla|author-link1=Manohla Dargis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/15/movies/dark-was-the-young-knight-battling-his-inner-demons.html|title=Dark Was the Young Knight Battling His Inner Demons|work=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|date=15 June 2005|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529182857/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/15/movies/dark-was-the-young-knight-battling-his-inner-demons.html|archive-date=29 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Tim Grierson and [[Will Leitch]] of ''Vulture'' complimented Bale's "sensitive, intelligent portrayal of a spoiled, wayward Bruce who finally grows up (and fights crime)."<ref name="every"/> The performance earned Bale the [[MTV Movie Award for Best Hero]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/fashion/gay-cowboys-the-best-kissers/2006/06/04/1149359608529.html|title=Gay cowboys the best kissers|date=4 June 2006|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|url-access=limited|access-date=13 April 2009|archive-date=6 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606135909/https://www.smh.com.au/news/fashion/gay-cowboys-the-best-kissers/2006/06/04/1149359608529.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In the same year, Bale voiced the titular [[Wizard Howl|Howl]], a wizard, in the English-language [[dubbing (filmmaking)|dub]] of [[Hayao Miyazaki]]'s ''[[Howl's Moving Castle (film)|Howl's Moving Castle]]'', a Japanese animated film adaptation of [[Diana Wynne Jones]]'s [[Howl's Moving Castle (novel)|novel of the same name]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Forbes|first1=Jake|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-05-ca-howl5-story.html|title='Howl's' a natural draw for an anime master|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|date=5 June 2005|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430151213/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-05-ca-howl5-story.html|archive-date=30 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He committed himself to voice the role after watching Miyazaki's animated film ''[[Spirited Away]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Winning|first1=Joshua|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/worst-to-best-christian-bale/4/|title=Worst To Best: Christian Bale|website=[[Total Film]]|date=7 August 2012|access-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813104512/https://www.gamesradar.com/worst-to-best-christian-bale/4/|archive-date=13 August 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, he starred as a US war veteran who deals with [[post-traumatic stress disorder]] in the [[David Ayer]]-helmed crime drama ''[[Harsh Times (film)|Harsh Times]]'', which premiered at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref name="every"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2005-07-26-blanchett-toronto_x.htm|title=Blanchett joins Toronto festival lineup|date=26 July 2005|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=13 April 2009|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630224752/https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2005-07-26-blanchett-toronto_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He portrayed colonist [[John Rolfe]] in ''[[The New World (2005 film)|The New World]]'', a [[historical drama]] film inspired by the stories of [[Pocahontas]], directed by [[Terrence Malick]]. The film was released on 25 December 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/movies/a-briefer-account-of-jamestowns-founding.html|title=A Briefer Account of Jamestown's Founding|date=20 January 2006|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|last=Dargis|first=Manohla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126214650/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/movies/a-briefer-account-of-jamestowns-founding.html|archive-date=26 January 2021|url-status=live|author-link=Manohla Dargis}}</ref> The following year saw the premiere of ''[[Rescue Dawn]]'', by German filmmaker [[Werner Herzog]], in which Bale portrayed US [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]] pilot [[Dieter Dengler]], who fights for his life after being shot down while on a mission during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="every"/> After the two worked together, Herzog stated that he had considered Bale to be among his generation's greatest talents long before he played Batman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30250904.html|title=Herzog hails Bale|work=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=24 March 2006|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501074739/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30250904.html|archive-date=1 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''{{'}}s Marjorie Baumgarten viewed Bale's work as a continuance of his "masterful command of yet another American personality type."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baumgarten|first1=Marjorie|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2007-07-27/506339/|title=Rescue Dawn – Movie Review|work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|date=27 July 2007|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303122623/https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2007-07-27/506339/|archive-date=3 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In the same year, Bale voiced the titular [[Wizard Howl|Howl]], a wizard, in the English-language [[dubbing (filmmaking)|dub]] of [[Hayao Miyazaki]]'s ''[[Howl's Moving Castle (film)|Howl's Moving Castle]]'', a Japanese animated film adaptation of [[Diana Wynne Jones]]'s [[Howl's Moving Castle (novel)|novel of the same name]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Forbes|first1=Jake|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-05-ca-howl5-story.html|title='Howl's' a natural draw for an anime master|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|date=5 June 2005|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430151213/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-05-ca-howl5-story.html|archive-date=30 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He committed himself to voice the role after watching Miyazaki's animated film ''[[Spirited Away]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Winning|first1=Joshua|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/worst-to-best-christian-bale/4/|title=Worst To Best: Christian Bale|website=[[Total Film]]|date=7 August 2012|access-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813104512/https://www.gamesradar.com/worst-to-best-christian-bale/4/|archive-date=13 August 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, he starred as a US war veteran who deals with [[post-traumatic stress disorder]] in the [[David Ayer]]-helmed crime drama ''[[Harsh Times (film)|Harsh Times]]'', which premiered at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref name="every"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2005-07-26-blanchett-toronto_x.htm|title=Blanchett joins Toronto festival lineup|date=26 July 2005|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=13 April 2009|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630224752/https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2005-07-26-blanchett-toronto_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He portrayed colonist [[John Rolfe]] in ''[[The New World (2005 film)|The New World]]'', a [[historical drama]] film inspired by the stories of [[Pocahontas]], directed by [[Terrence Malick]]. The film was released on 25 December 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/movies/a-briefer-account-of-jamestowns-founding.html|title=A Briefer Account of Jamestown's Founding|date=20 January 2006|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|last=Dargis|first=Manohla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126214650/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/movies/a-briefer-account-of-jamestowns-founding.html|archive-date=26 January 2021|url-status=live|author-link=Manohla Dargis}}</ref> The following year saw the premiere of ''[[Rescue Dawn]]'', by German filmmaker [[Werner Herzog]], in which Bale portrayed US [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]] pilot [[Dieter Dengler]], who fights for his life after being shot down while on a mission during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="every"/> After the two worked together, Herzog stated that he had considered Bale to be among his generation's greatest talents long before he played Batman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30250904.html|title=Herzog hails Bale|work=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=24 March 2006|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501074739/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30250904.html|archive-date=1 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''{{'}}s Marjorie Baumgarten viewed Bale's work as a continuance of his "masterful command of yet another American personality type."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baumgarten|first1=Marjorie|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2007-07-27/506339/|title=Rescue Dawn – Movie Review|work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|date=27 July 2007|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303122623/https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2007-07-27/506339/|archive-date=3 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth 2011 crop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Photograph of Bale alongside Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth and their respective Academy Awards|Bale (far left) at the [[83rd Academy Awards]] in 2011, where he won the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]]] |
[[File:Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth 2011 crop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Photograph of Bale alongside Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth and their respective Academy Awards|Bale (far left) at the [[83rd Academy Awards]] in 2011, where he won the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]]] |
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Bale portrayed FBI agent [[Melvin Purvis]] opposite [[Johnny Depp]] as gangster [[John Dillinger]] in [[ |
Bale portrayed FBI agent [[Melvin Purvis]] opposite [[Johnny Depp]] as gangster [[John Dillinger]] in [[Michael Mann]]'s crime drama ''[[Public Enemies (2009 film)|Public Enemies]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204621904574248243614110928|title=Christian Bale and Michael Mann on John Dillinger, Gangsters, and 'Public Enemies'|date=16 July 2009|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|last=Jurgensen|first=John|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430080505/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204621904574248243614110928|archive-date=30 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Released in July 2009,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Donahue|first1=Ann|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-goldenthal-idUSTRE56H08V20090718|title=Q&A: "Enemies" composer gives voice to "inner snarling"|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=18 July 2009|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518052858/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-goldenthal-idUSTRE56H08V20090718|archive-date=18 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> it earned critical praise and had a commercially successful theatrical run.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stolworthy|first1=Jacob|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/michael-mann-public-enemies-johnny-depp-john-dillinger-christian-bale-a7205411.html|title=Michael Mann toned down Public Enemies scene because the real-life events were so unbelievable|work=[[The Independent]]|date=23 August 2016|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605154209/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/michael-mann-public-enemies-johnny-depp-john-dillinger-christian-bale-a7205411.html|archive-date=5 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Dan Zak of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' was unsatisfied with the casting of Bale and Depp, believing their characters' rivalry lacked electricity, while ''[[The New Republic]]''{{'}}s Christopher Orr found Bale's "characteristically closed off" performance "nonetheless effective".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zak|first1=Dan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063004267.html|title=Movie Review: 'Public Enemies' With Johnny Depp|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url-access=limited|date=1 July 2009|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924170536/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063004267.html|archive-date=24 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Orr|first1=Christopher|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/62989/the-movie-review-public-enemies|title=The Movie Review: 'Public Enemies'|magazine=[[The New Republic]]|url-access=limited|date=2 July 2009|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227125952/https://newrepublic.com/article/62989/the-movie-review-public-enemies|archive-date=27 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, Bale starred in the role of [[Dicky Eklund]], a professional boxer whose career has ended due to his drug addiction, in [[David O. Russell]]'s drama film ''[[The Fighter]]''. It chronicles the relationship between Eklund and his brother and boxing trainee, [[Micky Ward]], played by [[Mark Wahlberg]]. To balance Eklund's tragic condition, Bale incorporated humor in his characterisation. The portrayal, for which he lost {{convert|30|lb|kg}}, was acclaimed, the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''{{'}}s [[Mick LaSalle]] describing it as "shrewdly observed, physically precise and psychologically acute".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Riley|first1=Jenelle|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-contender-idUSTRE6AO0SQ20101125|title=The great 'Contender' – Christian Bale cracks wise|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=25 November 2010|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501082254/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-contender-idUSTRE6AO0SQ20101125|archive-date=1 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=LaSalle|first1=Mick|author-link1=Mick LaSalle|url=https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/The-Fighter-review-Actors-pack-a-punch-2453035.php|title='The Fighter' review: Actors pack a punch|work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date=17 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926040813/https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/The-Fighter-review-Actors-pack-a-punch-2453035.php|archive-date=26 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale won the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] and the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture]] for his performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christian Bale wins Oscar for "The Fighter"|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-supportactor-idUSTRE71R0OX20110228|access-date=13 July 2021|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=28 February 2011|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807020324/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-supportactor-idUSTRE71R0OX20110228|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="screendaily">{{cite news|last1=Kay|first1=Jeremy|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/christian-bale-thanks-satan-in-golden-globes-speech/5135578.article|title=Christian Bale thanks 'Satan' in Golden Globes speech|work=[[Screen Daily]]|url-access=limited|date=7 January 2019|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108230537/https://www.screendaily.com/news/christian-bale-thanks-satan-in-golden-globes-speech/5135578.article|archive-date=8 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, he starred in [[Zhang Yimou]]'s historical drama film ''[[The Flowers of War]]'', which was the highest-grossing Chinese film of the year.<ref name="highest">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-16638897|title=The story behind Chinese war epic The Flowers of War|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=24 January 2012|access-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212230328/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-16638897|archive-date=12 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics described it as "nationalistic", "anti-Japanese" and "too long, too melodramatic, too lightweight".<ref name="highest"/><ref>{{cite web|last1=von Tunzelmann|first1=Alex|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/aug/02/flowers-of-war-chinese-film|title=The Flowers of War fails to bloom for Chinese film industry|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2 August 2012|access-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123122301/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/aug/02/flowers-of-war-chinese-film|archive-date=23 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Bale played Batman again under Christopher Nolan's direction in the sequel ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'', released in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mitchell|first1=Robert|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/biz-nation-reel-from-colorado-shooting-1118056834/|title=Biz, nation reel from Colorado shooting|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=20 July 2012|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923161837/https://variety.com/2012/film/news/biz-nation-reel-from-colorado-shooting-1118056834/|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He described Batman in the film as a remorseful recluse in poor mental and physical health, who has surrendered following the events of ''The Dark Knight''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hiscock|first1=John|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/9396277/Christian-Bale-interview-The-Dark-Knight-Rises.html|title=Christian Bale interview: The Dark Knight Rises|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|url-access=registration|date=18 July 2012|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427043750/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/9396277/Christian-Bale-interview-The-Dark-Knight-Rises.html|archive-date=27 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the [[2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting|shooting]] at a midnight showing of the film in [[Aurora, Colorado]], Bale and his wife visited survivors, doctors and first responders at [[The Medical Center of Aurora]] as well as a memorial to victims.<ref name="Denver Post">{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Kurtis|last2=Parker|first2=Ryan|url=https://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21147699/christian-bale-town-visiting-victims-shooting/|title=Batman actor Christian Bale visits victims, hospital personnel|work=[[The Denver Post]]|access-date=26 July 2012|date=24 July 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091932/https://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21147699/christian-bale-town-visiting-victims-shooting/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Dark Knight Rises'' was the 11th film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide, surpassing ''The Dark Knight''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Finke|first1=Nikki|url=https://deadline.com/2012/09/the-dark-knight-rises-becomes-11th-film-in-history-to-pass-1b-milestone-328349/|title='The Dark Knight Rises' Becomes 11th Film in History To Pass $1 Billion Milestone|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=3 September 2012|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125213907/https://deadline.com/2012/09/the-dark-knight-rises-becomes-11th-film-in-history-to-pass-1b-milestone-328349/|archive-date=25 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Nolan's Batman film series, dubbed the [[The Dark Knight Trilogy|''Dark Knight'' trilogy]], is one of the highest-grossing film franchises.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Joal|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/biggest-movie-franchises-marvel-star-wars-harry-potter-and-more-ranked-by-box-office/|title=Biggest movie franchises: Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter and more ranked by box office|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=24 January 2020|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612050647/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/biggest-movie-franchises-marvel-star-wars-harry-potter-and-more-ranked-by-box-office/|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Eames|first1=Tom|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/g24620/highest-grossing-franchises/?slide=31|title=The highest-grossing film franchises – the 50 biggest film series ever|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=23 August 2017|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612052617/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/g24620/highest-grossing-franchises/?slide=31|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also regarded as one of the best comic book film franchises.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sharf|first1=Zack|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/11/christian-bale-turned-down-fourth-batman-movie-christopher-nolan-1202190295/|title=Christian Bale Turned Down Request for Fourth Batman Movie Because of Nolan's Wish|publisher=[[IndieWire]]|date=18 November 2019|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127180928/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/11/christian-bale-turned-down-fourth-batman-movie-christopher-nolan-1202190295/|archive-date=27 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale's performance in the three films garnered universal acclaim,<ref name="first"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/6aae504d5b024655bf6cd6bd859a6ead|title=Christian Bale keen for Star Wars role|date=5 January 2018|access-date=30 April 2021|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430025955/https://apnews.com/article/6aae504d5b024655bf6cd6bd859a6ead|archive-date=30 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> with ''[[The Guardian]]'', ''[[The Indian Express]]'', [[MovieWeb]], ''[[NME]]'' and a poll conducted by the ''[[Radio Times]]'' ranking it as the best portrayal of Batman on film.<ref> |
Bale played Batman again under Christopher Nolan's direction in the sequel ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'', released in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mitchell|first1=Robert|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/biz-nation-reel-from-colorado-shooting-1118056834/|title=Biz, nation reel from Colorado shooting|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=20 July 2012|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923161837/https://variety.com/2012/film/news/biz-nation-reel-from-colorado-shooting-1118056834/|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He described Batman in the film as a remorseful recluse in poor mental and physical health, who has surrendered following the events of ''The Dark Knight''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hiscock|first1=John|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/9396277/Christian-Bale-interview-The-Dark-Knight-Rises.html|title=Christian Bale interview: The Dark Knight Rises|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|url-access=registration|date=18 July 2012|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427043750/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/9396277/Christian-Bale-interview-The-Dark-Knight-Rises.html|archive-date=27 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the [[2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting|shooting]] at a midnight showing of the film in [[Aurora, Colorado]], Bale and his wife visited survivors, doctors and first responders at [[The Medical Center of Aurora]] as well as a memorial to victims.<ref name="Denver Post">{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Kurtis|last2=Parker|first2=Ryan|url=https://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21147699/christian-bale-town-visiting-victims-shooting/|title=Batman actor Christian Bale visits victims, hospital personnel|work=[[The Denver Post]]|access-date=26 July 2012|date=24 July 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091932/https://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21147699/christian-bale-town-visiting-victims-shooting/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Dark Knight Rises'' was the 11th film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide, surpassing ''The Dark Knight''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Finke|first1=Nikki|url=https://deadline.com/2012/09/the-dark-knight-rises-becomes-11th-film-in-history-to-pass-1b-milestone-328349/|title='The Dark Knight Rises' Becomes 11th Film in History To Pass $1 Billion Milestone|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=3 September 2012|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125213907/https://deadline.com/2012/09/the-dark-knight-rises-becomes-11th-film-in-history-to-pass-1b-milestone-328349/|archive-date=25 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Nolan's Batman film series, dubbed the [[The Dark Knight Trilogy|''Dark Knight'' trilogy]], is one of the highest-grossing film franchises.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Joal|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/biggest-movie-franchises-marvel-star-wars-harry-potter-and-more-ranked-by-box-office/|title=Biggest movie franchises: Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter and more ranked by box office|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=24 January 2020|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612050647/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/biggest-movie-franchises-marvel-star-wars-harry-potter-and-more-ranked-by-box-office/|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Eames|first1=Tom|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/g24620/highest-grossing-franchises/?slide=31|title=The highest-grossing film franchises – the 50 biggest film series ever|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=23 August 2017|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612052617/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/g24620/highest-grossing-franchises/?slide=31|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also regarded as one of the best comic book film franchises.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sharf|first1=Zack|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/11/christian-bale-turned-down-fourth-batman-movie-christopher-nolan-1202190295/|title=Christian Bale Turned Down Request for Fourth Batman Movie Because of Nolan's Wish|publisher=[[IndieWire]]|date=18 November 2019|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127180928/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/11/christian-bale-turned-down-fourth-batman-movie-christopher-nolan-1202190295/|archive-date=27 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale's performance in the three films garnered universal acclaim,<ref name="first"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/6aae504d5b024655bf6cd6bd859a6ead|title=Christian Bale keen for Star Wars role|date=5 January 2018|access-date=30 April 2021|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430025955/https://apnews.com/article/6aae504d5b024655bf6cd6bd859a6ead|archive-date=30 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> with ''[[The Guardian]]'', ''[[The Indian Express]]'', [[MovieWeb]], ''[[NME]]'' and a poll conducted by the ''[[Radio Times]]'' ranking it as the best portrayal of Batman on film.<ref> |
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===Continued critical success (2013–2018)=== |
===Continued critical success (2013–2018)=== |
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In 2013, Bale played a steel mill worker in [[Scott Cooper (director)|Scott Cooper]]'s thriller ''[[Out of the Furnace]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dargis|first1=Manohla|author-link1=Manohla Dargis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/movies/out-of-the-furnace-with-christian-bale.html|title='Out of the Furnace,' With Christian Bale|work=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|date=3 December 2013|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211201007/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/movies/out-of-the-furnace-with-christian-bale.html|archive-date=11 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Cooper rewrote the film's script with Bale in mind before the two even met and would not proceed with the project without the actor's involvement.<ref name="plays"/> Critics commended the film and deemed it an excellent beginning of the next phase in Bale's career after playing Batman,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lang|first1=Brent|url=https://www.thewrap.com/furnace-reviews-critics-think-another-deer-hunter/|title='Out of the Furnace' Reviews: Do Critics Think It's Another 'Deer Hunter'?|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=11 November 2013|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823043203/https://www.thewrap.com/furnace-reviews-critics-think-another-deer-hunter/|archive-date=23 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Labrecque|first1=Jeff|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/12/06/christian-bale-out-of-the-furnace-reviews/|title='Out of the Furnace': The reviews are in...|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=6 December 2013|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122065954/https://ew.com/article/2013/12/06/christian-bale-out-of-the-furnace-reviews/|archive-date=22 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> with Kristopher Tapley of ''Variety'' noting his work in the film was his best.<ref name="variety">{{cite web|last1=Tapley|first1=Kristopher|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/in-contention/top-10-christian-bale-performances-1202540158/|title=Top 10 Christian Bale Performances|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=31 August 2017|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222061439/https://variety.com/2017/film/in-contention/top-10-christian-bale-performances-1202540158/|archive-date=22 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, he starred in ''[[American Hustle]]'', which reunited him with David O. Russell after their work on ''The Fighter''.<ref name="David O. Russell Project">{{cite web|last1=Reid|first1=Joe|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2013/12/american-hustle-fact-sheet/356041/|title='American Hustle' Can't Close the Deal|work=[[The Atlantic]]|url-access=limited|date=13 December 2013|access-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118020815/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2013/12/american-hustle-fact-sheet/356041/|archive-date=18 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> To play con artist Irving Rosenfeld, Bale studied footage of interviews with real-life con artist [[Mel Weinberg]], who served as inspiration for the character.<ref name="plays"/> He gained {{convert|43|lb|kg}}, shaved part of his head and adopted a slouched posture, which reduced his height by {{convert|3|in|cm}} and caused him to suffer a [[ |
In 2013, Bale played a steel mill worker in [[Scott Cooper (director)|Scott Cooper]]'s thriller ''[[Out of the Furnace]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dargis|first1=Manohla|author-link1=Manohla Dargis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/movies/out-of-the-furnace-with-christian-bale.html|title='Out of the Furnace,' With Christian Bale|work=[[The New York Times]]|url-access=limited|date=3 December 2013|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211201007/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/movies/out-of-the-furnace-with-christian-bale.html|archive-date=11 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Cooper rewrote the film's script with Bale in mind before the two even met and would not proceed with the project without the actor's involvement.<ref name="plays"/> Critics commended the film and deemed it an excellent beginning of the next phase in Bale's career after playing Batman,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lang|first1=Brent|url=https://www.thewrap.com/furnace-reviews-critics-think-another-deer-hunter/|title='Out of the Furnace' Reviews: Do Critics Think It's Another 'Deer Hunter'?|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=11 November 2013|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823043203/https://www.thewrap.com/furnace-reviews-critics-think-another-deer-hunter/|archive-date=23 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Labrecque|first1=Jeff|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/12/06/christian-bale-out-of-the-furnace-reviews/|title='Out of the Furnace': The reviews are in...|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=6 December 2013|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122065954/https://ew.com/article/2013/12/06/christian-bale-out-of-the-furnace-reviews/|archive-date=22 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> with Kristopher Tapley of ''Variety'' noting his work in the film was his best.<ref name="variety">{{cite web|last1=Tapley|first1=Kristopher|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/in-contention/top-10-christian-bale-performances-1202540158/|title=Top 10 Christian Bale Performances|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=31 August 2017|access-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222061439/https://variety.com/2017/film/in-contention/top-10-christian-bale-performances-1202540158/|archive-date=22 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, he starred in ''[[American Hustle]]'', which reunited him with David O. Russell after their work on ''The Fighter''.<ref name="David O. Russell Project">{{cite web|last1=Reid|first1=Joe|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2013/12/american-hustle-fact-sheet/356041/|title='American Hustle' Can't Close the Deal|work=[[The Atlantic]]|url-access=limited|date=13 December 2013|access-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118020815/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2013/12/american-hustle-fact-sheet/356041/|archive-date=18 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> To play con artist Irving Rosenfeld, Bale studied footage of interviews with real-life con artist [[Mel Weinberg]], who served as inspiration for the character.<ref name="plays"/> He gained {{convert|43|lb|kg}}, shaved part of his head and adopted a slouched posture, which reduced his height by {{convert|3|in|cm}} and caused him to suffer a [[herniated disc]].<ref name="vicetransformation">{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-en-mn-christian-bale-vice-20190129-story.html|title=Christian Bale: Man of a thousand physiques|date=29 January 2019|access-date=30 April 2021|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|last=Hart|first=Hugh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121125733/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-en-mn-christian-bale-vice-20190129-story.html|archive-date=21 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Christian Bale's 'American Hustle' Transformation Even Fooled Co-Star|author=Rosen, Christopher|date=20 December 2013|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/christian-bale-american-hustle_n_4412611|work=[[HuffPost]]|access-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120141926/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/christian-bale-american-hustle_n_4412611|archive-date=20 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Russell indicated that Robert De Niro, who appeared in an uncredited role, did not recognise Bale when they were first introduced.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bernstein|first1=Paula|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/12/10-new-things-we-learned-about-american-hustle-de-niro-didnt-recognize-christian-bale-why-bradley-cooper-curled-his-hair-more-241428/|title=10 New Things We Learned About 'American Hustle:' De Niro Didn't Recognize Christian Bale, Why Bradley Cooper Curled His Hair & More|publisher=[[IndieWire]]|date=11 December 2013|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118045637/https://www.indiewire.com/2013/12/10-new-things-we-learned-about-american-hustle-de-niro-didnt-recognize-christian-bale-why-bradley-cooper-curled-his-hair-more-241428/|archive-date=18 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Writing for the ''[[New York Daily News]]'', Joe Neumaier found Bale's performance to be "sad, funny and riveting".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Neumaier|first1=Joe|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-hustle-movie-review-article-1.1545755|title='American Hustle': Movie review|work=[[New York Daily News]]|date=12 December 2013|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217163111/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-hustle-movie-review-article-1.1545755|archive-date=17 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He was nominated for an [[Academy Award]] and a [[Golden Globe Award]] for his work.<ref name="screendaily"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Merry|first1=Stephanie|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2014/02/27/why-american-hustle-should-win-the-best-picture-oscar/|title=Why 'American Hustle' should win the Best Picture Oscar|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url-access=limited|date=27 February 2014|access-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118014956/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2014/02/27/why-american-hustle-should-win-the-best-picture-oscar/|archive-date=18 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Bale portrayed [[Moses]] in [[Ridley Scott]]'s epic film ''[[Exodus: Gods and Kings]]''. Released in December 2014, the film faced accusations of [[Whitewashing in film|whitewashing]] for the casting of Caucasian actors in [[Ethnic groups in the Middle East|Middle Eastern]] roles. Scott justified casting decisions citing financing needs, Bale stating that Scott had been forthright in getting the film made.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Child|first1=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/09/christian-bale-defends-ridley-scott-exodus-whitewashing|title=Christian Bale defends Ridley Scott over Exodus 'whitewashing'|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 December 2014|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227045851/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/09/christian-bale-defends-ridley-scott-exodus-whitewashing|archive-date=27 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Its critical response varied between negative and mixed,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Faughdner|first1=Ryan|title='Exodus: Gods and Kings' rides in with $1.2 million Thursday night|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-exodus-gods-kings-thursday-night-20141212-story.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|date=12 December 2014|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731025001/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-exodus-gods-kings-thursday-night-20141212-story.html|archive-date=31 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]''{{'}}s Joe Williams called Bale's performance in the film the most apathetic of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Joe|url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/thou-shalt-not-waste-time-on-this-movie/article_fea4311d-cfa4-56f1-b31e-4b5390c5ed8c.html|title=Thou shalt not waste time on 'Exodus: Gods and Kings'|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=11 December 2014|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201143426/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/thou-shalt-not-waste-time-on-this-movie/article_fea4311d-cfa4-56f1-b31e-4b5390c5ed8c.html|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale appeared in Terrence Malick's drama ''[[Knight of Cups (film)|Knight of Cups]]'', which ''[[The Atlantic]]'' critic David Sims dubbed a "noble failure".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sims|first1=David|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/03/knight-of-cups-malick-review/472050/|title=Movie Review: 'Knight of Cups,' with Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, and Natalie Portman, Is Terrence Malick's Version of Hollywood Satire|work=[[The Atlantic]]|url-access=limited|date=3 March 2016|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026013241/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/03/knight-of-cups-malick-review/472050/|archive-date=26 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> During its premiere at the [[65th Berlin International Film Festival]] in February 2015, he said he filmed the project without having learned any dialogue and that Malick had only given him a character description.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Child|first1=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/09/christian-bale-terrence-malick-knight-of-cups|title=Christian Bale baffled by Terrence Malick on Knight of Cups shoot|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 February 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202202831/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/09/christian-bale-terrence-malick-knight-of-cups|archive-date=2 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, he starred as [[Michael Burry]], an antisocial hedge fund manager, in [[Adam McKay]]'s ''[[The Big Short (film)|The Big Short]]'', a biographical comedy-drama film about the [[financial crisis of 2007–08]].<ref name="every"/> He used an [[ocular prosthesis]] in the film.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/the-big-short-review-1201639770/ | title=Film Review: 'The Big Short' | work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=13 November 2015 | access-date=27 January 2016 | last1=Barker |first1=Andrew | archive-date=29 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129223612/https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/the-big-short-review-1201639770/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''{{'}}s [[Joe Morgenstern]] found his portrayal "scarily hilarious—or in one-liners and quick takes, deftly edited".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-big-short-review-the-comic-beauties-of-a-bubble-1449771708|title='The Big Short' Review: The Comic Beauties of a Bubble|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=10 December 2015|access-date=27 January 2016|last1=Morgenstern|first1=Joe|author-link1=Joe Morgenstern|url-access=subscription|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127020051/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-big-short-review-the-comic-beauties-of-a-bubble-1449771708|url-status=live}}</ref> The role earned Bale Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.<ref>{{cite web|last1=King|first1=Susan|author-link1=Susan King (journalist)|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-big-short-wins-oscar-adapted-screenplay-20160225-story.html|title='The Big Short' wins the Oscar for adapted screenplay|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|date=28 February 2016|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701150452/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-big-short-wins-oscar-adapted-screenplay-20160225-story.html|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lang|first1=Brent|title='Carol,' Netflix Lead Golden Globes Nomination|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/awards/golden-globe-nominations-2016-1201658153/|access-date=27 January 2016|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=10 December 2015|archive-date=11 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211033745/https://variety.com/2015/film/awards/golden-globe-nominations-2016-1201658153/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
Bale portrayed [[Moses]] in [[Ridley Scott]]'s epic film ''[[Exodus: Gods and Kings]]''. Released in December 2014, the film faced accusations of [[Whitewashing in film|whitewashing]] for the casting of Caucasian actors in [[Ethnic groups in the Middle East|Middle Eastern]] roles. Scott justified casting decisions citing financing needs, Bale stating that Scott had been forthright in getting the film made.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Child|first1=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/09/christian-bale-defends-ridley-scott-exodus-whitewashing|title=Christian Bale defends Ridley Scott over Exodus 'whitewashing'|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 December 2014|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227045851/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/09/christian-bale-defends-ridley-scott-exodus-whitewashing|archive-date=27 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Its critical response varied between negative and mixed,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Faughdner|first1=Ryan|title='Exodus: Gods and Kings' rides in with $1.2 million Thursday night|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-exodus-gods-kings-thursday-night-20141212-story.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|date=12 December 2014|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731025001/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-exodus-gods-kings-thursday-night-20141212-story.html|archive-date=31 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]''{{'}}s Joe Williams called Bale's performance in the film the most apathetic of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Joe|url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/thou-shalt-not-waste-time-on-this-movie/article_fea4311d-cfa4-56f1-b31e-4b5390c5ed8c.html|title=Thou shalt not waste time on 'Exodus: Gods and Kings'|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=11 December 2014|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201143426/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/thou-shalt-not-waste-time-on-this-movie/article_fea4311d-cfa4-56f1-b31e-4b5390c5ed8c.html|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale appeared in Terrence Malick's drama ''[[Knight of Cups (film)|Knight of Cups]]'', which ''[[The Atlantic]]'' critic David Sims dubbed a "noble failure".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sims|first1=David|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/03/knight-of-cups-malick-review/472050/|title=Movie Review: 'Knight of Cups,' with Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, and Natalie Portman, Is Terrence Malick's Version of Hollywood Satire|work=[[The Atlantic]]|url-access=limited|date=3 March 2016|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026013241/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/03/knight-of-cups-malick-review/472050/|archive-date=26 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> During its premiere at the [[65th Berlin International Film Festival]] in February 2015, he said he filmed the project without having learned any dialogue and that Malick had only given him a character description.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Child|first1=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/09/christian-bale-terrence-malick-knight-of-cups|title=Christian Bale baffled by Terrence Malick on Knight of Cups shoot|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 February 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202202831/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/09/christian-bale-terrence-malick-knight-of-cups|archive-date=2 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, he starred as [[Michael Burry]], an antisocial hedge fund manager, in [[Adam McKay]]'s ''[[The Big Short (film)|The Big Short]]'', a biographical comedy-drama film about the [[financial crisis of 2007–08]].<ref name="every"/> He used an [[ocular prosthesis]] in the film.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/the-big-short-review-1201639770/ | title=Film Review: 'The Big Short' | work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=13 November 2015 | access-date=27 January 2016 | last1=Barker |first1=Andrew | archive-date=29 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129223612/https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/the-big-short-review-1201639770/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''{{'}}s [[Joe Morgenstern]] found his portrayal "scarily hilarious—or in one-liners and quick takes, deftly edited".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-big-short-review-the-comic-beauties-of-a-bubble-1449771708|title='The Big Short' Review: The Comic Beauties of a Bubble|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=10 December 2015|access-date=27 January 2016|last1=Morgenstern|first1=Joe|author-link1=Joe Morgenstern|url-access=subscription|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127020051/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-big-short-review-the-comic-beauties-of-a-bubble-1449771708|url-status=live}}</ref> The role earned Bale Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.<ref>{{cite web|last1=King|first1=Susan|author-link1=Susan King (journalist)|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-big-short-wins-oscar-adapted-screenplay-20160225-story.html|title='The Big Short' wins the Oscar for adapted screenplay|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url-access=limited|date=28 February 2016|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701150452/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-big-short-wins-oscar-adapted-screenplay-20160225-story.html|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lang|first1=Brent|title='Carol,' Netflix Lead Golden Globes Nomination|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/awards/golden-globe-nominations-2016-1201658153/|access-date=27 January 2016|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=10 December 2015|archive-date=11 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211033745/https://variety.com/2015/film/awards/golden-globe-nominations-2016-1201658153/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Bale played [[Gorr the God Butcher]], a villain, in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] superhero film ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'', which was released in July 2022. He cited a character in the music video for the [[Aphex Twin]] song "[[Come to Daddy (song)|Come to Daddy]]" as an inspiration for his characterisation of Gorr.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ettenhofer|first1=Valerie|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/908525/christian-bale-reveals-a-terrifying-cut-scene-from-thor-love-and-thunder/|title=Christian Bale Reveals A Terrifying Cut Scene From Thor: Love And Thunder|website=[[/Film]]|date=27 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627163751/https://www.slashfilm.com/908525/christian-bale-reveals-a-terrifying-cut-scene-from-thor-love-and-thunder/|archive-date=27 June 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale's portrayal drew praise from critics, who deemed it "grounded and non-campy".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ortiz|first1=Andi|url=https://www.thewrap.com/thor-love-and-thunder-reviews-reactions/|title='Thor: Love and Thunder' Reviews: Critics Enjoy Taika Waititi's 'Surface Pleasures,' But Question Its Place in the MCU|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=5 July 2022|access-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709002629/https://www.thewrap.com/thor-love-and-thunder-reviews-reactions/|archive-date=9 July 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He produced and appeared in David O. Russell's period film ''[[Amsterdam (2022 film)|Amsterdam]]'' and Scott Cooper's thriller ''[[The Pale Blue Eye]]'',<ref name="producer">{{cite web|last1=Chuba|first1=Kirsten|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/christian-bale-producer-credits-amsterdam-pale-blue-eye-1235290991/|title=Christian Bale on Taking Producer Credits on Amsterdam, Pale Blue Eye|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=7 January 2023|access-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107183046/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/christian-bale-producer-credits-amsterdam-pale-blue-eye-1235290991/|archive-date=7 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> reuniting with both directors for the third time.<ref name="third">{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Patrick|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/04/27/taylor-swift-amsterdam-trailer-cinemacon/9560027002/|title=Taylor Swift brings the waterworks with Chris Rock in 'Amsterdam' film|work=[[USA Today]]|date=27 April 2022|access-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428045436/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/04/27/taylor-swift-amsterdam-trailer-cinemacon/9560027002/|archive-date=28 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Wiseman|first1=Andreas|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/netflix-christian-bale-pale-blue-eye-record-efm-deal-1234707264/|title=Netflix Strikes EFM Record $55M Worldwide Deal For Christian Bale Cross Creek Thriller 'The Pale Blue Eye'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=6 March 2021|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307051156/https://deadline.com/2021/03/netflix-christian-bale-pale-blue-eye-record-efm-deal-1234707264/|archive-date=7 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Amsterdam'' was released in October 2022, receiving dire reviews and failing at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/amsterdam-box-office-debacle-1235238568/|title='Amsterdam' Box Office: Movie to Lose $80M-$100M|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=11 October 2022|access-date=21 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011152316/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/amsterdam-box-office-debacle-1235238568/|archive-date=11 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Rubin|first1=Rebecca|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/ticket-to-paradise-black-adam-star-power-box-office-1235411915/|title=Black Adam, Ticket to Paradise Benefit From Star Power at Box Office|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=24 October 2022|access-date=21 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024133553/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/ticket-to-paradise-black-adam-star-power-box-office-1235411915/|archive-date=24 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Pale Blue Eye'', adapted from the [[The Pale Blue Eye (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[Louis Bayard]], was released in December 2022, receiving mixed reviews from critics.<ref name="producer"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Hayes|first=Patrick|url=https://movieweb.com/pale-blue-eye-good-bad-critics/ |title=Why The Pale Blue Eye Has Been Greeted with Such Critical Negativity |publisher=[[MovieWeb]] |date=11 January 2023|access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121230212/https://movieweb.com/pale-blue-eye-good-bad-critics/ |archive-date=21 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> With his involvement in the 2023 Japanese animated film ''[[The Boy and the Heron]]'', Bale voiced a character in an English-language dub of a film by Hayao Miyazaki for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Drew|url=https://www.thewrap.com/hayao-miyazaki-boy-and-the-heron-english-dub-christian-bale/|title=Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' English Voice Cast Includes Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=17 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017162608/https://www.thewrap.com/hayao-miyazaki-boy-and-the-heron-english-dub-christian-bale/|archive-date=17 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |
Bale played [[Gorr the God Butcher]], a villain, in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] superhero film ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'', which was released in July 2022. He cited a character in the music video for the [[Aphex Twin]] song "[[Come to Daddy (song)|Come to Daddy]]" as an inspiration for his characterisation of Gorr.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ettenhofer|first1=Valerie|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/908525/christian-bale-reveals-a-terrifying-cut-scene-from-thor-love-and-thunder/|title=Christian Bale Reveals A Terrifying Cut Scene From Thor: Love And Thunder|website=[[/Film]]|date=27 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627163751/https://www.slashfilm.com/908525/christian-bale-reveals-a-terrifying-cut-scene-from-thor-love-and-thunder/|archive-date=27 June 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Bale's portrayal drew praise from critics, who deemed it "grounded and non-campy".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ortiz|first1=Andi|url=https://www.thewrap.com/thor-love-and-thunder-reviews-reactions/|title='Thor: Love and Thunder' Reviews: Critics Enjoy Taika Waititi's 'Surface Pleasures,' But Question Its Place in the MCU|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=5 July 2022|access-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709002629/https://www.thewrap.com/thor-love-and-thunder-reviews-reactions/|archive-date=9 July 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He produced and appeared in David O. Russell's period film ''[[Amsterdam (2022 film)|Amsterdam]]'' and Scott Cooper's thriller ''[[The Pale Blue Eye]]'',<ref name="producer">{{cite web|last1=Chuba|first1=Kirsten|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/christian-bale-producer-credits-amsterdam-pale-blue-eye-1235290991/|title=Christian Bale on Taking Producer Credits on Amsterdam, Pale Blue Eye|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=7 January 2023|access-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107183046/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/christian-bale-producer-credits-amsterdam-pale-blue-eye-1235290991/|archive-date=7 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> reuniting with both directors for the third time.<ref name="third">{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Patrick|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/04/27/taylor-swift-amsterdam-trailer-cinemacon/9560027002/|title=Taylor Swift brings the waterworks with Chris Rock in 'Amsterdam' film|work=[[USA Today]]|date=27 April 2022|access-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428045436/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/04/27/taylor-swift-amsterdam-trailer-cinemacon/9560027002/|archive-date=28 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Wiseman|first1=Andreas|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/netflix-christian-bale-pale-blue-eye-record-efm-deal-1234707264/|title=Netflix Strikes EFM Record $55M Worldwide Deal For Christian Bale Cross Creek Thriller 'The Pale Blue Eye'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=6 March 2021|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307051156/https://deadline.com/2021/03/netflix-christian-bale-pale-blue-eye-record-efm-deal-1234707264/|archive-date=7 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Amsterdam'' was released in October 2022, receiving dire reviews and failing at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/amsterdam-box-office-debacle-1235238568/|title='Amsterdam' Box Office: Movie to Lose $80M-$100M|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=11 October 2022|access-date=21 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011152316/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/amsterdam-box-office-debacle-1235238568/|archive-date=11 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Rubin|first1=Rebecca|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/ticket-to-paradise-black-adam-star-power-box-office-1235411915/|title=Black Adam, Ticket to Paradise Benefit From Star Power at Box Office|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=24 October 2022|access-date=21 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024133553/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/ticket-to-paradise-black-adam-star-power-box-office-1235411915/|archive-date=24 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Pale Blue Eye'', adapted from the [[The Pale Blue Eye (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[Louis Bayard]], was released in December 2022, receiving mixed reviews from critics.<ref name="producer"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Hayes|first=Patrick|url=https://movieweb.com/pale-blue-eye-good-bad-critics/ |title=Why The Pale Blue Eye Has Been Greeted with Such Critical Negativity |publisher=[[MovieWeb]] |date=11 January 2023|access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121230212/https://movieweb.com/pale-blue-eye-good-bad-critics/ |archive-date=21 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> With his involvement in the 2023 Japanese animated film ''[[The Boy and the Heron]]'', Bale voiced a character in an English-language dub of a film by Hayao Miyazaki for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Drew|url=https://www.thewrap.com/hayao-miyazaki-boy-and-the-heron-english-dub-christian-bale/|title=Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' English Voice Cast Includes Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=17 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017162608/https://www.thewrap.com/hayao-miyazaki-boy-and-the-heron-english-dub-christian-bale/|archive-date=17 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Bale will next play [[Frankenstein's monster]] in [[Maggie Gyllenhaal]]'s fantasy period film ''[[The Bride!]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sharf|first1=Zack|url= https://variety.com/2024/film/news/christian-bale-frankenstein-monster-the-bride-first-look-maggie-gyllenhaal-1235960315/|title= Christian Bale Transforms Into Frankenstein's Monster in First Look at Maggie Gyllenhaal's 'The Bride'|work=Variety|date=4 April 2024|access-date=4 April 2024}}</ref> |
Bale will next play [[Frankenstein's monster]] in [[Maggie Gyllenhaal]]'s fantasy period film ''[[The Bride!]]'' It is scheduled for release in 2025.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sharf|first1=Zack|url= https://variety.com/2024/film/news/christian-bale-frankenstein-monster-the-bride-first-look-maggie-gyllenhaal-1235960315/|title= Christian Bale Transforms Into Frankenstein's Monster in First Look at Maggie Gyllenhaal's 'The Bride'|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=4 April 2024|access-date=4 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615021754/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/christian-bale-frankenstein-monster-the-bride-first-look-maggie-gyllenhaal-1235960315|archive-date=15 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<!--Bale is slated to produce and play a preacher in the film ''The Church of Living Dangerously''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fleming|first1=Mike Jr|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/christian-bale-the-church-of-living-dangerously-charles-randolph-new-regency-drug-dealing-preacher-john-lee-bishop-movie-deal-1234820186/|title=New Regency Acquires 'The Church Of Living Dangerously' For Christian Bale To Play Preacher On Hellish Drug Smuggling Road; Charles Randolph Scripting|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=23 August 2021|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225063311/https://deadline.com/2021/08/christian-bale-the-church-of-living-dangerously-charles-randolph-new-regency-drug-dealing-preacher-john-lee-bishop-movie-deal-1234820186/|archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>--> |
<!--Bale is slated to produce and play a preacher in the film ''The Church of Living Dangerously''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fleming|first1=Mike Jr|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/christian-bale-the-church-of-living-dangerously-charles-randolph-new-regency-drug-dealing-preacher-john-lee-bishop-movie-deal-1234820186/|title=New Regency Acquires 'The Church Of Living Dangerously' For Christian Bale To Play Preacher On Hellish Drug Smuggling Road; Charles Randolph Scripting|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=23 August 2021|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225063311/https://deadline.com/2021/08/christian-bale-the-church-of-living-dangerously-charles-randolph-new-regency-drug-dealing-preacher-john-lee-bishop-movie-deal-1234820186/|archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>--> |
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Revision as of 13:18, 12 July 2024
Christian Bale | |
---|---|
![]() Bale in 2019 | |
Born | Christian Charles Philip Bale 30 January 1974 Haverfordwest, Wales |
Citizenship |
|
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | c. 1982–present |
Works | Full list |
Spouse | |
Children | 2 |
Father | David Bale |
Relatives | Gloria Steinem (stepmother) |
Awards | Full list |
Christian Charles Philip Bale (born 30 January 1974) is an English actor. Known for his versatility and physical transformations for his roles, he has been a leading man in films of several genres. He has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Forbes magazine ranked him as one of the highest-paid actors in 2014.
Born in Wales to English parents, Bale had his breakthrough role at age 13 in Steven Spielberg's 1987 war film Empire of the Sun. After more than a decade of performing in leading and supporting roles in films, he gained wider recognition for his portrayals of serial killer Patrick Bateman in the black comedy American Psycho (2000) and the title role in the psychological thriller The Machinist (2004). In 2005, he played superhero Batman in Batman Begins and again in The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), garnering acclaim for his performance in the trilogy, which is one of the highest-grossing film franchises.
Bale continued in starring roles in a range of films outside his work as Batman, including the period drama The Prestige (2006), the action film Terminator Salvation (2009), the crime drama Public Enemies (2009), the epic film Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and the superhero film Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). For his portrayal of boxer Dicky Eklund in the 2010 biographical film The Fighter, he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Further Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations came for his work in the black comedy American Hustle (2013) and the biographical dramedies The Big Short (2015) and Vice (2018). His performances as politician Dick Cheney in Vice and race car driver Ken Miles in the sports drama Ford v Ferrari (2019) earned him a second win and a fifth nomination respectively at the Golden Globe Awards.
Early life
Christian Charles Philip Bale[1] was born on 30 January 1974 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, to English parents—Jenny James, a circus performer, and David Bale, an entrepreneur and activist.[2][3][4] Bale has remarked, "I was born in Wales but I'm not Welsh—I'm English."[5] He has two elder sisters, Sharon and Louise, and a half-sister from his father's first marriage, Erin.[4] One of his grandfathers was a comedian while the other was a stand-in for John Wayne.[6] Bale and his family left Wales when he was two years old,[7] and after living in Portugal and Oxfordshire, England, they settled in Bournemouth.[8] As well as saying that the family had lived in 15 towns by the time he was 15, Bale described the frequent relocation as being driven by "necessity rather than choice" and acknowledged that it had a major influence on his career selection.[7][9][10] He attended Bournemouth School, later saying he left school at age 16.[11][12] Bale's parents divorced in 1991, and at age 17, he moved with his sister Louise and their father to Los Angeles.[13]
Bale trained in ballet as a child.[14] His first acting role came at eight years old in a commercial for the fabric softener Lenor.[15] He also appeared in a Pac-Man cereal commercial.[16] After his sister was cast in a West End musical, Bale considered taking up acting professionally.[17] He said later he did not find acting appealing but pursued it at the request of those around him because he had no reason not to do so.[18] After participating in school plays, Bale performed opposite Rowan Atkinson in the play The Nerd in the West End in 1984.[12][15] He did not undergo any formal acting training.[12]
Career
Early roles and breakthrough (1986–1999)
After deciding to become an actor at age ten, Bale secured a minor role in the 1986 television film Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna. Its star, Amy Irving, who was married to director Steven Spielberg, subsequently recommended Bale for Spielberg's 1987 film Empire of the Sun.[19] At age 13, Bale was chosen from over 4,000 actors to portray a British boy in a World War II Japanese internment camp.[20] For the film, he spoke with an upper-class cadence without the help of a dialogue coach.[21] The role propelled Bale to fame,[22] and his work earned him acclaim and the inaugural Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor Award from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.[23] Earlier in the same year, he starred in the fantasy film Mio in the Land of Faraway, based on the novel Mio, My Son by Astrid Lindgren.[24][25] The fame from Empire of the Sun led to Bale being bullied in school and finding the pressures of working as an actor unbearable.[26] He grew distrustful of the acting profession because of media attention but said that he felt obligated at a young age to continue to act for financial reasons.[22] Around this time, actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh persuaded Bale to appear in his film Henry V in 1989, which drew him back into acting.[23] The following year, Bale played Jim Hawkins opposite Charlton Heston as Long John Silver in Treasure Island, a television film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's book of the same name.[27]
Bale starred in the 1992 Disney musical film Newsies, which was unsuccessful both at the box office and with critics.[28] Rebecca Milzoff of Vulture revisited the film in 2012 and found the cracks in Bale's voice during his performance of the song "Santa Fe" charming and apt even though he was not a great singer.[29] In 1993, he appeared in Swing Kids, a film about teenagers who secretly listen to forbidden jazz during the rise of Nazi Germany.[30] In Gillian Armstrong's 1994 film Little Women, Bale played Theodore "Laurie" Laurence following a recommendation from Winona Ryder, who starred as Jo March.[23] The film achieved critical and commercial success.[31] Of Bale's performance, Ryder said he captured the complex nature of the role.[31] He next voiced Thomas, a young compatriot of Captain John Smith, in the 1995 Disney animated film Pocahontas, which attracted a mixed critical reception.[32][33] Bale played a small part in the 1996 film The Portrait of a Lady, based on the Henry James novel of the same name,[34] and appeared in the 1998 musical film Velvet Goldmine, set in the 1970s during the glam rock era.[35] In 1999, he was part of an ensemble cast, which included Kevin Kline and Michelle Pfeiffer, portraying Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream, a film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play of the same name.[36]
Rise to prominence and commercial decline (2000–2004)
Bale played Patrick Bateman, an investment banker and serial killer, in American Psycho, a film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name, directed by Mary Harron. While Harron had chosen Bale for the part, the film's production and distribution company, Lionsgate, originally disagreed and hired Leonardo DiCaprio to play Bateman with Oliver Stone to direct. Bale and Harron were brought back after DiCaprio and Stone had left the project.[37][38] Bale exercised and tanned himself for months to achieve Bateman's chiseled physique and had his teeth capped to assimilate to the character's narcissistic nature.[39][40] American Psycho premiered at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. Harron said critic Roger Ebert named it the most hated film at the event.[41] Of Bale's work, Ebert wrote he "is heroic in the way he allows the character to leap joyfully into despicability; there is no instinct for self-preservation here, and that is one mark of a good actor."[42] The film was released in April 2000, becoming a commercial and critical success and later developing a cult following;[43][44] the role established Bale as a leading man.[15][45]
In the four years that followed American Psycho, Bale's career experienced critical and commercial failure.[46] He next played a villainous real estate heir in John Singleton's action film Shaft and appeared in John Madden's film adaptation of the Louis de Bernières novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin as Mandras, a Greek fisherman who vies with Nicolas Cage's title character for the affections of Pelagia, played by Penélope Cruz.[34] Bale said he found it refreshing to play Mandras, who is emotionally humane, after working on American Psycho and Shaft.[47] In 2002, he appeared in three films: Laurel Canyon, Reign of Fire and Equilibrium.[23] Reviewing Laurel Canyon for Entertainment Weekly, Lisa Schwarzbaum called Bale's performance "fussy".[48] After having reservations about joining the post-apocalyptic Reign of Fire, which involved computer-generated imagery, Bale professed his enjoyment of making films that could go awry and cited director Rob Bowman as a reason for his involvement.[49][50] In Equilibrium, he plays a police officer in a futuristic society and performs gun kata, a fictional martial art that incorporates gunfighting.[34][51][52] IGN's Jeff Otto characterised Reign of Fire as "poorly received" and Equilibrium as "highly underrated", while The Independent's Stephen Applebaum described the two films along with Shaft and Captain Corelli's Mandolin as "mediocre fare".[53][54]
Bale starred as the insomnia-ridden, emotionally dysfunctional title character in the psychological thriller The Machinist. To prepare for the role, he initially only smoked cigarettes and drank whiskey. His diet later expanded to include black coffee, an apple and a can of tuna per day.[55][56] Bale lost 63 pounds (29 kg), weighing 121 pounds (55 kg) to play the character, who was written in the script as "a walking skeleton".[57] His weight loss prompted comparisons with Robert De Niro's weight gain in preparation to play Jake LaMotta in the 1980 film Raging Bull.[58] Describing his transformation as mentally calming, Bale claimed he had stopped working for a while because he did not come upon scripts that piqued his interest and that the film's script drew him to lose weight for the part.[59][60] The Machinist was released in October 2004; it performed poorly at the box office.[57][61] Roger Moore of the Orlando Sentinel regarded it as one of the best films of the year, and Todd McCarthy of Variety wrote that Bale's "haunted, aggressive and finally wrenching performance" gave it a "strong anchor".[62][63]
Batman and dramatic roles (2005–2008)
![A headshot of Bale from 2008](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Christian_Bale_-_002.jpg/170px-Christian_Bale_-_002.jpg)
Bale portrayed American billionaire Bruce Wayne and his superhero alias Batman in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, a reboot of the Batman film series. Nolan cast Bale, who was still fairly unknown at the time, because Bale had "exactly the balance of darkness and light" Nolan sought.[64][65] For the part, Bale regained the weight he lost for The Machinist and built muscle, weighing 220 pounds (100 kg).[66] He trained in weapons, Wing Chun Kung Fu and the Keysi Fighting Method.[67] Acknowledging the story's peculiar circumstances involving a character "who thinks he can run around in a batsuit in the middle of the night", Bale said he and Nolan had deliberately approached it with "as realistic a motivation as possible", referencing Wayne's parents' murder.[54] Bale voiced Wayne and Batman differently. He employed gravelly tone qualities for Batman, which Nolan believed reinforced the character's visual appearance.[68] Batman Begins was released in the US in June 2005.[69] Tim Grierson and Will Leitch of Vulture complimented Bale's "sensitive, intelligent portrayal of a spoiled, wayward Bruce who finally grows up (and fights crime)."[34] The performance earned Bale the MTV Movie Award for Best Hero.[70]
In the same year, Bale voiced the titular Howl, a wizard, in the English-language dub of Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle, a Japanese animated film adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones's novel of the same name.[71] He committed himself to voice the role after watching Miyazaki's animated film Spirited Away.[72] Later that year, he starred as a US war veteran who deals with post-traumatic stress disorder in the David Ayer-helmed crime drama Harsh Times, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.[34][73] He portrayed colonist John Rolfe in The New World, a historical drama film inspired by the stories of Pocahontas, directed by Terrence Malick. The film was released on 25 December 2005.[74] The following year saw the premiere of Rescue Dawn, by German filmmaker Werner Herzog, in which Bale portrayed US fighter pilot Dieter Dengler, who fights for his life after being shot down while on a mission during the Vietnam War.[34] After the two worked together, Herzog stated that he had considered Bale to be among his generation's greatest talents long before he played Batman.[75] The Austin Chronicle's Marjorie Baumgarten viewed Bale's work as a continuance of his "masterful command of yet another American personality type."[76]
For the 2006 film The Prestige, Bale reunited with Batman Begins director Nolan, who said that Bale was cast after offering himself for the part. It is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Priest about a rivalry between two Victorian era magicians, whom Bale and Hugh Jackman play in the film.[77][78] While it attracted acclaim from critics, the film performed more modestly during its run in theatres, earning $110 million against a $40 million budget.[79][80][81] In his review for The New York Times, A. O. Scott highlighted Bale's "fierce inwardness" and called his performance "something to savor".[82] Bale next starred in the 2007 drama films I'm Not There, portraying two incarnations of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, and in 3:10 to Yuma, playing a justice-seeking cattleman. He characterised his Dylan incarnations as "two men on a real quest for truth" and attributed his interest in 3:10 to Yuma to his affinity for films where he gets to "just be dirty and crawling in the mud".[83][84] Bale reprised the role of Batman in Nolan's Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight, which received acclaim and became the fourth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide upon its July 2008 release.[85][86] He did many of his own stunts, including one that involved standing on the roof of the Sears Tower in Chicago.[87] The Dark Knight has been regarded by critics as the best superhero film.[88][89]
The Dark Knight trilogy completion and acclaim (2009–2012)
In February 2008, Warner Bros. announced that Bale would star as rebellion leader John Connor in the post-apocalyptic action film Terminator Salvation,[90] directed by McG, who cited Bale as "the most credible actor of his generation".[91] In February 2009, an audio recording of a tirade on the film's set in July 2008 involving Bale was released. It captured him directing profanities towards and threatening to attack the film's cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, who walked onto the set during the filming of a scene acted by Bale and Bryce Dallas Howard, and culminated in Bale threatening to quit the film if Hurlbut was not fired.[92][93] Several colleagues in the film industry defended Bale, attributing the incident to his dedication to acting.[92][94][95] Bale publicly apologised in February 2009, calling the outburst "inexcusable" and his behaviour "way out of order" and affirming to have made amends with Hurlbut.[96][97] Terminator Salvation was released in May 2009 to tepid reviews.[98][99] Claudia Puig of USA Today considered Bale's work to be "surprisingly one-dimensional", while The Age's Jake Wilson wrote he gave one of his least compelling performances.[100][101] Bale later admitted he knew during production that the film would not revitalise the Terminator franchise as he had wished.[102] He asserted he would not work with McG again.[99]
![Photograph of Bale alongside Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth and their respective Academy Awards](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Christian_Bale%2C_Natalie_Portman%2C_Melissa_Leo_and_Colin_Firth_2011_crop.jpg/240px-Christian_Bale%2C_Natalie_Portman%2C_Melissa_Leo_and_Colin_Firth_2011_crop.jpg)
Bale portrayed FBI agent Melvin Purvis opposite Johnny Depp as gangster John Dillinger in Michael Mann's crime drama Public Enemies.[103] Released in July 2009,[104] it earned critical praise and had a commercially successful theatrical run.[105] Dan Zak of The Washington Post was unsatisfied with the casting of Bale and Depp, believing their characters' rivalry lacked electricity, while The New Republic's Christopher Orr found Bale's "characteristically closed off" performance "nonetheless effective".[106][107] The following year, Bale starred in the role of Dicky Eklund, a professional boxer whose career has ended due to his drug addiction, in David O. Russell's drama film The Fighter. It chronicles the relationship between Eklund and his brother and boxing trainee, Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg. To balance Eklund's tragic condition, Bale incorporated humor in his characterisation. The portrayal, for which he lost 30 pounds (14 kg), was acclaimed, the San Francisco Chronicle's Mick LaSalle describing it as "shrewdly observed, physically precise and psychologically acute".[108][109] Bale won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his performance.[110][111] In 2011, he starred in Zhang Yimou's historical drama film The Flowers of War, which was the highest-grossing Chinese film of the year.[112] Critics described it as "nationalistic", "anti-Japanese" and "too long, too melodramatic, too lightweight".[112][113]
Bale played Batman again under Christopher Nolan's direction in the sequel The Dark Knight Rises, released in July 2012.[114] He described Batman in the film as a remorseful recluse in poor mental and physical health, who has surrendered following the events of The Dark Knight.[115] Following the shooting at a midnight showing of the film in Aurora, Colorado, Bale and his wife visited survivors, doctors and first responders at The Medical Center of Aurora as well as a memorial to victims.[116] The Dark Knight Rises was the 11th film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide, surpassing The Dark Knight.[117] Nolan's Batman film series, dubbed the Dark Knight trilogy, is one of the highest-grossing film franchises.[118][119] It is also regarded as one of the best comic book film franchises.[120] Bale's performance in the three films garnered universal acclaim,[15][121] with The Guardian, The Indian Express, MovieWeb, NME and a poll conducted by the Radio Times ranking it as the best portrayal of Batman on film.[122] Bale later revealed his dissatisfaction with his work throughout the trilogy, saying he "didn't quite nail" his part and that he "didn't quite manage" what he had hoped he would as Batman.[123]
Continued critical success (2013–2018)
In 2013, Bale played a steel mill worker in Scott Cooper's thriller Out of the Furnace.[124] Cooper rewrote the film's script with Bale in mind before the two even met and would not proceed with the project without the actor's involvement.[12] Critics commended the film and deemed it an excellent beginning of the next phase in Bale's career after playing Batman,[125][126] with Kristopher Tapley of Variety noting his work in the film was his best.[127] That same year, he starred in American Hustle, which reunited him with David O. Russell after their work on The Fighter.[128] To play con artist Irving Rosenfeld, Bale studied footage of interviews with real-life con artist Mel Weinberg, who served as inspiration for the character.[12] He gained 43 pounds (20 kg), shaved part of his head and adopted a slouched posture, which reduced his height by 3 inches (7.6 cm) and caused him to suffer a herniated disc.[129][130] Russell indicated that Robert De Niro, who appeared in an uncredited role, did not recognise Bale when they were first introduced.[131] Writing for the New York Daily News, Joe Neumaier found Bale's performance to be "sad, funny and riveting".[132] He was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his work.[111][133]
Bale portrayed Moses in Ridley Scott's epic film Exodus: Gods and Kings. Released in December 2014, the film faced accusations of whitewashing for the casting of Caucasian actors in Middle Eastern roles. Scott justified casting decisions citing financing needs, Bale stating that Scott had been forthright in getting the film made.[134] Its critical response varied between negative and mixed,[135] and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Williams called Bale's performance in the film the most apathetic of his career.[136] Bale appeared in Terrence Malick's drama Knight of Cups, which The Atlantic critic David Sims dubbed a "noble failure".[137] During its premiere at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2015, he said he filmed the project without having learned any dialogue and that Malick had only given him a character description.[138] Later that year, he starred as Michael Burry, an antisocial hedge fund manager, in Adam McKay's The Big Short, a biographical comedy-drama film about the financial crisis of 2007–08.[34] He used an ocular prosthesis in the film.[139] The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern found his portrayal "scarily hilarious—or in one-liners and quick takes, deftly edited".[140] The role earned Bale Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.[141][142]
In the 2016 historical drama The Promise, set during the Armenian Genocide, he played an American journalist who becomes involved in a love triangle with a woman, played by Charlotte Le Bon, and an Armenian medical student, played by Oscar Isaac.[34] Critics disapproved of the film, which accrued a $102 million loss.[143] Reviewing the film for The New York Times, Jeannette Catsoulis wrote that Bale appeared "muffled and indistinct".[144] In Cooper's 2017 film Hostiles, Bale starred as a US Army officer escorting a gravely ill Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their home in Montana. He calls the film "a western with brutal, modern-day resonance" and his character "a bigoted and hate-filled man".[15][145] Bale learned the Cheyenne language while working on the film.[145] Empire critic Dan Jolin considered his performance striking and one of the strongest of his career.[146] In 2018, Bale voiced Bagheera in the adventure film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Rolling Stone's David Fear wrote that his voice work and that of Andy Serkis, who directed the film, "bring the soul as well as sound and fury".[147]
Recent career (2018–present)
![Photograph of Bale surrounded by fans in 2019](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/TIFF_2019_christian_bale_%2848711707823%29.jpg/170px-TIFF_2019_christian_bale_%2848711707823%29.jpg)
For the 2018 biographical comedy drama Vice, written and directed by Adam McKay, Bale underwent a major body transformation once again, as he gained over 40 pounds (18 kg) and shaved his head to portray US Vice President Dick Cheney.[129] He described Cheney, who is reckoned the most influential and loathed vice president in US history, as "quiet and secretive".[148][149] The film reunited Bale with Amy Adams, with whom he had co-starred in The Fighter and American Hustle.[150] It received positive reviews, and The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw commended Bale's "terrifically and in fact rather scarily plausible" Cheney impersonation.[151] Lauded by critics, the performance won Bale the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and garnered him an Academy Award nomination.[152][153] During his acceptance speech at the 76th Golden Globe Awards, Bale thanked Satan for inspiring his Cheney portrayal, which elicited a response from Cheney's daughter and US Representative Liz Cheney, who stated that Bale ruined his opportunity to play "a real superhero".[154]
Bale portrayed sports car racing driver Ken Miles in the 2019 sports drama Ford v Ferrari, for which he lost 70 pounds (32 kg) after playing Cheney.[155] Directed by James Mangold, the film follows Miles and automotive designer Carroll Shelby, played by Matt Damon, in events surrounding the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race.[156] The role earned Bale a fifth Golden Globe Award nomination.[157] While promoting the film, he said he would no longer go through weight fluctuations for roles.[155]
Bale played Gorr the God Butcher, a villain, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Thor: Love and Thunder, which was released in July 2022. He cited a character in the music video for the Aphex Twin song "Come to Daddy" as an inspiration for his characterisation of Gorr.[158] Bale's portrayal drew praise from critics, who deemed it "grounded and non-campy".[159] He produced and appeared in David O. Russell's period film Amsterdam and Scott Cooper's thriller The Pale Blue Eye,[160] reuniting with both directors for the third time.[161][162] Amsterdam was released in October 2022, receiving dire reviews and failing at the box office.[163][164] The Pale Blue Eye, adapted from the novel of the same name by Louis Bayard, was released in December 2022, receiving mixed reviews from critics.[160][165] With his involvement in the 2023 Japanese animated film The Boy and the Heron, Bale voiced a character in an English-language dub of a film by Hayao Miyazaki for the second time.[166]
Bale will next play Frankenstein's monster in Maggie Gyllenhaal's fantasy period film The Bride! It is scheduled for release in 2025.[167]
Artistry and public image
Bale is known for his exhaustive dedication to the weight fluctuations that his parts demand as well as "the intensity with which he completely inhabits his roles",[6][168] with The Washington Post's Ann Hornaday rating him among the most physically gifted actors of his generation.[169] Max O'Connell of RogerEbert.com deemed Bale's commitment to altering his physical appearance "an anchoring facet to a depiction of obsession" in his performances,[170] while the Los Angeles Times's Hugh Hart likened the urgency that drives Bale's acting style to method acting, adding that it "convincingly animates even his most extreme physical transformations."[129] Bale has said that he does not practise method acting and that he does not use a particular technique.[171] He named Rowan Atkinson as his template as an actor and added that he was mesmerised by him when they worked together.[172] He also studied the work of Gary Oldman, crediting him as the reason for his pursuit of acting.[173]
Bale has been recognised for his versatility;[40][127] Martha Ross of The Mercury News named him one of his generation's most versatile actors.[174] Known to be very private about his personal life,[9] Bale has said that his objective was to embody characters without showing any aspect of himself.[175] He explained that "letting people know who you are" does not help create different characters, viewing anonymity as "what's giving you the ability to play those characters".[18] During interviews to promote films in which he puts on an accent, Bale would continue speaking in the given accent.[176] Bale has also been noted for portraying roles with an American accent, with The Atlantic's Joe Reid listing him among those who "work least in their native accents";[177][178] in real life, Bale speaks in an "emphatic, non-posh" English accent.[15]
Bale was ranked at number eight on Forbes magazine's list of the highest-paid actors of 2014, earning $35 million.[179] He has been described as a sex symbol.[35][180]
Personal life
![Photograph of Bale and his wife, Sibi Blažić](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Christian_Bale_and_Sibi_Bla%C5%BEi%C4%87_Berlinale_2019.jpg/180px-Christian_Bale_and_Sibi_Bla%C5%BEi%C4%87_Berlinale_2019.jpg)
Bale has lived in Los Angeles since the 1990s.[15] He holds US citizenship.[148][181] Bale married Sandra "Sibi" Blažić, a former model, in Las Vegas on 29 January 2000.[176][182][183] The couple have a daughter and a son.[182] In 2000, Bale became feminist Gloria Steinem's stepson following her marriage to his father, who died in 2003 of brain lymphoma.[184][185]
Bale became a vegetarian at seven years old but in 2009 said he was "in and out of the vegetarianism now".[186] He had stopped eating red meat after reading the children's book Charlotte's Web.[176] An animal rights activist, he supports the organisations Greenpeace, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Doris Day Animal League, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.[187][188] While promoting The Flowers of War in December 2011, Bale, with a crew from the television network CNN, attempted to visit Chen Guangcheng, a confined blind barefoot lawyer, in a village in eastern China. He was forced to retreat after scuffling with guards at a checkpoint.[189] Bale finally met Chen at a dinner held by the nonprofit Human Rights First the following year, during which he presented Chen with an award.[190] Bale voiced Chen's story in Amnesty International's podcast, In Their Own Words.[191] He co-founded California Together, an organisation aiming to construct a village in Palmdale, California to help siblings in foster care remain together.[192]
On 22 July 2008, Bale was arrested in London after his mother and his sister Sharon reported him to the police for an alleged assault at a hotel.[8] He was released on bail.[8] Bale denied the allegations and later called the incident "a deeply personal matter".[35] On 14 August, the Crown Prosecution Service declared they would take no further action against him because of "insufficient evidence to afford a realistic prospect of conviction".[193]
Acting credits and accolades
According to the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, which assigns films scores based on the number of positive critical reviews they receive, some of Bale's highest-scoring films are The Dark Knight (2008), Ford v Ferrari (2019), American Hustle (2013), Little Women (1994), The Fighter (2010), Rescue Dawn (2007), 3:10 to Yuma (2007), The Big Short (2015), Howl's Moving Castle (2005) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012); the first, third and last of which are also listed by the data website The Numbers as his highest-grossing films, alongside Terminator Salvation (2009), Batman Begins (2005), Pocahontas (1995), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) and Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014).[194][195]
Bale has garnered four Academy Award nominations, including two in the Best Actor category for his work in American Hustle and Vice (2018) as well as two in the Best Supporting Actor category for his work in The Fighter (2010) and The Big Short; he won one for The Fighter.[196] He has earned two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role in The Fighter and Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in Vice, and received two nominations for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his performances in American Hustle and The Big Short and a nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for his performance in Ford v Ferrari.[111][157] Bale has also been nominated for eight Screen Actors Guild Awards,[197] winning in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role category for The Fighter and the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category as part of the American Hustle cast.[198][199]
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- ^ Turan, Kenneth (16 January 2020). "Performances we love: Christian Bale fools us again". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
- ^ Kit, Borys; Powers, Lindsay (30 January 2011). "SAG Awards 2011: Christian Bale Surprised On Stage by Dicky Eklund". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
- ^ "American Hustle cast tops SAG awards". BBC News. 19 January 2014. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
Further reading
- Holmstrom, John (1996). The Moving Picture Boy: An International Encyclopaedia from 1895 to 1995. Norwich: Michael Russell. p. 394. ISBN 978-0859551786.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Christian Bale at IMDb
- Christian Bale at AllMovie
- Christian Bale collected news and commentary at The New York Times
- 1974 births
- Living people
- People from Haverfordwest
- 20th-century English male actors
- 21st-century American male actors
- 21st-century English male actors
- American male film actors
- American male voice actors
- Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (film) winners
- Best Supporting Actor Academy Award winners
- Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe (film) winners
- English emigrants to the United States
- English male child actors
- English male film actors
- English male voice actors
- Male actors from Surrey
- Naturalized citizens of the United States
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- Male actors from Bournemouth
- People educated at Bournemouth School