Cover HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Christian Bale attends the Premiere of FOX's "Ford v Ferrari" at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 04, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Christian Bale attends the Premiere of FOX's "Ford v Ferrari" at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 04, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
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Known for his versatility as an actor, Christian Bale has delivered countless performances, all worthy of an Oscar (or two). Here are some of his best to date
An actor since his youth, Christian Bale is now one of the most celebrated Hollywood A-listers we know. Having starred alongside the likes of Steve Carrell, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway and more, Bale is a true American legend on his own merit. Check out some of his most incredible acting performances through the years:
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1. American Psycho
Perhaps one of Christian Bale's most renowned performances was in the 2000 film American Psycho. Playing the titular character himself, Bale portrays Patrick Bateman, who executes a series of murders on both colleagues and strangers. Though the viewer soon finds Bateman to be an unreliable narrator, they are still doubtless left in awe of Bale's incredible performance.
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2. The Machinist
A psychological thriller like no other, The Machinist is one of Christian Bale's most dramatic movies. The intensity of the plot—which revolves around the mental instability and paranoia of a factory worker named Trevor—is only further proof of his incredible acting prowess. Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh and John Sharian, The Machinist also portrays Bale's commitment to transforming his physique for his various roles.
3. Empire of the Sun
A touching drama amid the backdrop of war, Empire of the Sun is one of Christian Bale's movies done in the '80s. Though just a young man in the film, Bale wonderfully portrays Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy who is taken as a war prisoner alongside American sailor, Basie. Maintaining his dignity and high spirits proves to be difficult, but Bale portrays Graham's plight with much sophistication despite his youth.
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4. The Fighter
Based on a true story, The Fighter won Christian Bale an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Though Bale did not headline the movie, he did give a fantastic performance as Dicky, the protagonist's half-brother and boxing trainer. Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams are also among the star-studded cast of the film.
5. Vice
A political drama with a bit of comedy in the mix, Vice sees Christian Bale play Dick Cheney, a CEO and former politician. In the film, Cheney is picked to be the Republican running mate of Gov. George W Bush; earning him incredible power in politics, military, and energy around the country. One of Bale's most memorable roles to date, alongside an A-list cast that includes Amy Adams and Steve Carrell.
6. The Big Short
Extending his skills to accommodate the slightly comedic and sardonic tone of The Big Short, Christian Bale impresses with his portrayal of Michael Burry, a Wall Street guru who takes advantage of the economic collapse in America. Together with Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling, Bale breathes life into a world that is humorous yet true-to-life.
7. The Dark Knight Trilogy
Perhaps one of Christian Bale's most high-profile roles was Batman in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Superhero fans are sure to remember the epic fight scenes that gave us all goosebumps when we first watched them in cinemas. The movie itself has earned countless accolades, with Bale taking home a few such as the 2009 USA People's Choice Awards for Favourite Cast and Favourite Superhero.
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8. Newsies
In the 1992 musical Newsies, we saw Christian Bale as New York City newsboy Jack Kelly. When a hard-hearted publisher named Joseph Pulitzer creates new rules that make it harder for newsboys around the city to earn a living, Kelly, his two friends, and a sympathetic journalist prepares for an inter-city battle like no other. Starring a very young Bale, Newsies is a must-watch for all self-proclaimed fans of the seasoned actor.
9. American Hustle
An exciting romance that first premiered in 2013, American Hustle is a true testament to Christian Bale's versatility. In it, he plays Irving Rosenfield, a loan shark who falls for grifter Sydney Prosser (played by Amy Adams). After being caught red-handed, the pair are forced to work for the FBI in a sting operation to nail a corrupt politician. Funny, with a bit of that je ne sais quoi that will keep one on the tips of his toes, American Hustle is also based on the infamous Abscam case from the '70s.
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