MovieChat Forums > American Psycho (2000) Discussion > Has Christian Bale ever given another te...

Has Christian Bale ever given another terrific performance?

posted 6 years ago by Otter (24464)
8 replies | jump to latest

I've never liked him much as an actor. Sure, he's handsome and competent, but in every other film I've seen him in he's a bit... lifeless. Not a bad actor, but never fun or touching or really exciting; he's not open to the camera, something is always held back, we can't look into his eyes and see his inner life.

He is SO different in this film! He's totally open, alive even as he plays a lifeless character. He's funny and terrifying and you can't take your eyes off of him.. has he ever been even half this good in any other film?

I admit I haven't seen everything he's made. but dang. You've got to wonder about a person who can only open up and enjoy his work when he's playing a serial killer.

[–] Renovatio (2990) 6 years ago

Empire of the Sun

[–] PeteRose (2893) 6 years ago

Empire of the Sun, Machinist, Prestige, but yes, I've always considered this film the crown jewel of his career

[–] DracTarashV2 (4474) 6 years ago

He gives a very similar performance to American Psycho in Shaft. It’s not quite as mesmerizing, but he is a loose cannon there. In the lesser Harsh Times, he doesn’t give a performance that’s on the same level as AP either, although he has a lot of fun in that role. As a matter of fact, I would say I’ve never seen him be so funny and... sleazy. He even “tries his hand” at speaking Spanish.

But his most intense and chameleon-like performance since American Psycho, is perhaps his Oscar-winning role in The Fighter. He is a force to be reckoned with in that film. Also while he is technically lifeless in the role, he is equally masterful in The Machinist (in a different way).

As for any other noteworthy and multi-dimensional performances, Rescue Dawn, The Prestige, The Big Short, American Hustle, and Empire of the Sun. Yes he can be just competent a lot of the times, but overall Bale is one talented actor as far as I’m concerned.

[–] vicky_lc2001 (1907) 6 years ago

You should watch him in Empire of the Sun.

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

He's got that terrific opening sequence in "Public Enemies" as he takes out a manically fleeing Floyd/Channing Tatum with set triggers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX1Gg1bdILc

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I'm a big fan of his work (The Prestige is one of my favorites) but I thought he was especially great in The Fighter.

[–] Alex (1477) 6 years ago

Mio min Mio (1987)

You've gots to check it out guys.

[–] ArmadilloKnight (456) 6 years ago

As far as 'terrific' goes, check The Fighter, his best performance IMO.