Christian Bale is celebrated for his chameleon-like method of acting, known to immerse himself deeply into roles, sometimes to the brink. Yet, he’s also adept at knowing just where to draw the line.
His reputation for going a bit too method is legendary in Hollywood circles, and in a 2019 interview, his friend and Ford v. Ferrari co-star Matt Damon finally set the record straight on a persistent myth surrounding Bale’s approach.
Thank Goodness Matt Damon Busted This Christian Bale Myth!
Christian Bale has earned global acclaim for his daring feats of method acting, yet his approach is not as extreme as many believe. In the 2019 film Ford v Ferrari, where he portrayed British-born car racer Ken Miles, audiences were naturally curious about how deeply Bale delved into his character.
Surprisingly, his methods weren’t as immersive as expected. During an interview with Conan O’Brien, on his TBS show CONAN, his co-star Matt Damon revealed that Bale stayed committed to the role physically but kept his mind detached from the role once the director yelled “cut”. He explained,
Christian is a good example of someone who stays in the voice and physicality of the character for the entire time, but he is not like I’ve known his wife longer than him. I’ve known his wife for more than 20 years, and we would have very normal conversations on set; it’s just that he’s speaking in that way for years and in that physicality.
It’s not like I say, “How is CB doing?” and he goes, “I don’t know who that is, I’m Ken Miles.” It would just mean he’s crazy.
He further explained,
We were interviewed the other day, somebody asked him that, and he said if that were the case, when I got in the car and drove away, I just keep going. We get a call sheet every day that says you have to show up here at 7 in the morning, we have to start work, yes we know we’re making a movie, it’s just that’s what works for him and that guy’s process is clearly working well. It’s like that’s an absolute, it’s just a practical thing for him
Although, being British might have helped a bit. As much as Christian Bale loves method acting he also knows how to keep it practical, choosing methods that resonate and contribute to his artistry without disturbing others. He prepares meticulously and stays dedicated on set, fully becoming his character while respecting teamwork.
The Extreme Measures Christian Bale Has Taken for His Roles
Christian Bale has made the headlines a bunch of times for pushing the boundaries of method acting. Take for example his drastic weight loss for the role of Trevor Reznik in The Machinist, a transformation that continues to be a topic of conversation nearly two decades later.
During filming, Bale stuck to an extreme diet consisting primarily of an apple, water, coffee, and occasional whiskey, limiting his daily intake to a mere 100 calories as per his former assistant Harrison Cheng (via Far Out Magazine). This rigorous regimen was in stark contrast to his subsequent role as Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Begins, where he bulked up almost immediately to play the iconic superhero.
Prior to The Machinist, Bale had already demonstrated his commitment to his craft with his portrayal of Patrick Bateman in 2000’s American Psycho. In this role, Bale meticulously studied and adapted Bateman’s mannerisms, body language, and narcissistic tendencies to create a hauntingly accurate depiction of the psychopathic Wall Street banker.
His ability to immerse himself so deeply into these diverse roles showcases Bale’s versatility and dedication to delivering authentic and compelling performances that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
Ford v Ferrari is available on Apple TV for rent.
