Happy Dark Knight Day everyone!
By the time you read this blog post, I’ll have already seen the latest Batman movie and likely be scrambling to get a review up for you guys, but in the meantime, I have a Friday Question for you.
Christian Bale is everywhere these days and in upcoming future days. He gets awesome roles, from Bruce Wayne to John Connor, and puts a ton of effort into pull off performances, like he did in The Machinist.
So the big question is:
What is your favorite Christian Bale movie?
I have to say, I loved him in The Machinist because of what he went through. He lost so much weight that his skeleton was showing through his skin, causing his friends to be very concerned.
That level of effort put into that role really moved me. You don’t see many actors with that type of commitment, especially in a movie that wasn’t even mainstream. I’d be surprised if 4 out of 10 people have heard of it.
That’s my favorite Bale movie just because of what he did for that part. But I also loved Rescue Dawn, another film that I don’t think everyone saw. It’s an AMAZING true story and he completely shines in it.
I have liked Christian Bale back to the days of Newsies and Swing Kids, but I think his most riveting piece of work has been The Machinist. He was crazy committed in that movie. If you haven't seen it and want it, make sure you do with plenty of snacks.
Does the Dark Knight count? Cause I've seen it!!! If I cant choose that one, I'd have to say I REALLY REALLY liked him in Reign of Fire….
This is a tough one. I would say that The Machinist was definitely one of his best acted roles because of his level of dedication, but I'm not sure it's my favorite because it wasn't THAT much fun to watch.
I think I might would actually go with 3:10 To Yuma just because it was so good. It wasn't an especially taxing role for him or anything, but it was fun. Reign of Fire was also pretty fun.
Of course, American Psycho was a trip. And we can't forget about The Prestige which was pretty underrated.
He was also great in The Prestige.
Swing Kids! Newsies!
Both classic pieces of cinema!
“Reign of Fire” was awesome and under-appreciated. But honestly, it was Matthew McConaughey's performance that stunned me in that one moreso than Bale's.
For subtlety in the way he played the role, I might hafta cast my vote for “American Psycho,” even tho I really didn't enjoy the movie all that much. Not so much a likable movie, but his portrayal was, um, maybe riveting.
I think I'd have to go with “The Prestige” as one of the better balances of a great role and an equally great movie. Sometimes even a great performance can't bring a dumper of a movie back in from the ledge.
A prime example: I'll give Bale huge props for the physical transformation in “The Machinst,” but the movie wasn't worthy of Bale's talents. To entirely his credit, it was painful to watch, but the payoff wasn't worth enduring all of that - either for the audience or the actor. I felt like I wasted my time watching the film.
And I defy anyone to say that they truly liked “Harsh Times.” Gawd…
Bale did a fine job in “Dark Knight” and I thoroughly enjoyed the film, but Heath Ledger stole that show.
Gary Oldman and Aaron Eckhart were also excellent in this.
Wheres Nikki and her favorite Bale performance?!?
So, this is sad that this post came out while Nicky and I were in the hospital, but better late than never…
I thought he was great in The Prestige, but it really hard to choose just one.
I'm trying to guess what Nicky will say… “Little Women”??
Seriously sad Adrian
LOL…. hope Nicky is doing better btw… =)
American Psycho.
OH GOSH MIKE! i can't believe you did this when i was MIA. you are a stinker for sho.
of course i love Little Women, he was Laurie. the most perfect romantic character ever, stupid Jo for ditching him over creepy professor man.
but as for acting chops, he should have been nominated for an Oscar for American Psycho. now that was some crazy intense acting!!
i love him in every movie though, even stupid ones like Laurel Canyon or silly ones like Velvet Goldmine.
nerd alert!
coming from a man in a mullet wig…hey you're the one who spent 10 minutes in the car explaining HDMI cables to me. know who's the nerd?
Guilty as charged
I don't think I've ever heard of those last two :0
Been there, done that
I love everything that he is in. He is absolutely amazing, in every way! But my favorite movie with him in it, would have to be, American Psycho, Reign of Fire, Batman Begins, or Batman: The Dark Knight!!!