Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy was a pioneering effort in many ways. While humanizing and reimagining the concept of a superhero by making him vulnerable and flawed, it also delved into the psychology of being Batman and the darker aspects of living up to a celebrated legacy. Christian Bale as Batman personified these characteristics competently along with Heath Ledger whose performance as Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight became one of the most memorable portrayals in any superhero franchise.
The trilogy went on to become hugely successful critically and financially, making a staggering 2.3 billion dollars worldwide. But there was a time when Christian Bale was sceptical about its impact. The actor spoke about many occasions where doubts were cast in his mind owing to many people’s prediction about the films.
Christian Bale Was Discouraged To Do Batman Begins
Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy paved the way for a gritty, dark and more complex superhero whose flaws became his greatest strength. Christian Bale who played Bruce Wayne aka Batman in all three films, spoke about the impact of Nolan’s filmmaking and his unique superhero perspective that created a new wave for the genre. But not everyone was equally impressed by what Nolan was doing. Bale in an interview with Washington Post confessed that he was discouraged by many people to do Batman Begins.
I would [tell people] we’re going to sort of do Batman, but take him seriously. I had tons of people laugh at me and just say, ‘Well, that’s just not going to work at all. It’s wonderful to be a part of a trilogy that proved those people wrong,”
The American Psycho actor went on to say that he was fortunate to have disregarded these comments which allowed him to be part of a historic project. Bale also elaborated on the influence of Christopher Nolan and the trilogy in planting the seed of thought in franchises like Marvel to ultimately create the MCU.
Christian Bale Almost Quit Playing Batman Due To Claustrophobia
Among Christian Bale’s impressive repertoire of films, The Dark Knight Trilogy holds pride of place. Bale who portrayed Bruce Wayne aka Batman in the Christopher Nolan films, was part of a pioneering effort to reinvent the superhero genre. But it was not all smooth sailing for the Thor: Love and Thunder antagonist on set. The star recalled a time when he almost gave up on playing Batman owing to issues while wearing his bat suit.
“I told Chris he should recast because the claustrophobia was just unbelievable. I can’t breathe; I can’t think; this is too tight. This is squeezing my head. I’m about to have a nervous breakdown or panic attack right this second.”
As a coping mechanism, Bale requested his director and the technical crew to allow him 20 minutes of privacy as he mentally eased himself into the concept of wearing and performing in the suit. Ultimately, the minutes of solitude helped the actor to breathe easier while giving him space to contemplate on the importance of the role which would go on to give him cult status.
Source: Washington Post
