Christian Bale is known for playing some of the most complex characters in film history. He is incredibly committed to his craft and undergoes drastic physical transformations to look the part. Be it the Batman films, Rescue Dawn, The Fighter, or Vice, the actor is a complete chameleon and is ready to do anything in his pursuit of authenticity.
His most unbelievable physical transformation to this day remains his turn as Trevor Reznik in the 2004 psychological thriller The Machinist. One would have thought the actor dreaded being skinny for the film. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the most freeing and comfortable state that he had ever been in his life.
Christian Bale Felt the Most Relaxed and Invincible In his Trevor Reznik Physique
Christian Bale underwent a drastic physical transformation for his role as Trevor Reznik in The Machinist. The actor lost 27 kg and achieved this astonishing feat by consuming an apple, a tuna can, and a black coffee per day. It was a pretty dangerous commitment and the actor himself has admitted to taking it too far with that transformation.
However, he revealed in an interview with The Guardian that he found it to be the most relaxed and comfortable state he has ever been in his whole life with that physique. He could even do some incredible feats like sleeping only 2 hours a day and reading continuously for 10 hours. He compares his state to a being of pure thought. He said,
“It’s an amazing experience doing that. When you’re so skinny that you can hardly walk up a flight of stairs … you’re, like, this being of pure thought. It’s like you’ve abandoned your body. That’s the most Zen-like state I’ve ever been in my life. Two hours sleep, reading a book for 10 hours straight without stopping … unbelievable. You couldn’t rile me up.”
It is interesting to hear how Bale’s physical transformations affected his ability to perform everyday duties and even being capable of doing some incredible things. Bale’s performance in the film was raved by critics and audiences and is considered one of the best films in his career.
Christian Bale Is Going Bald for Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Frankenstein
It was announced recently that Christian Bale will be the lead in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s popular gothic novel Frankenstein. The actor will be playing Frankenstein’s monster and will start shooting the film very soon. He talked to The Hollywood Reporter about the project and his excitement about working with Gyllenhaal and the other cast of the film.
The film will follow Bale’s monster seeking love and in search of a companion. He revealed that he would be shaving his head next week for the film. He also praised director Gyllenhaal and expressed excitement about working with Jessie Buckley and all the talented actors who will be starring in the film. Bale said,
“I’ve got to shave my head next week [for a movie]. I’ll be working with the wonderful Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessie Buckley and so many talented actors in the cast. I’ve got to get busy getting on the rack, breaking my bones, and eating lots of fertilizer or something to try and grow.”
In addition to Bale and Buckley, the film will also star Annette Bening, Penelope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard. Gyllenhaal is not the only director trying her hand at the Frankenstein lore as Guillermo del Toro is also doing an adaptation of the beloved novel titled Dr. Frankenstein. Jacob Elordi will be playing Frankenstein’s monster and the film will also star Oscar Isaac, Christoph Waltz, and Mia Goth.
