Christian Bale is a versatile and dedicated actor known for his transformative performances. With an impressive range, he has portrayed iconic characters like Batman and Dick Cheney. Bale’s commitment to his roles and chameleon-like ability to embody different personas have earned him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades.
His portrayal of the disturbed Patrick Bateman in American Psycho earned him widespread praise from critics, solidifying it as one of his most lauded performances. However, the intense and raw nature of his character, combined with the sheer brilliance of his acting, led to a situation where crew members felt compelled to resign.
Why Did Crew Members Quit American Psycho
The portrayal of Patrick Bateman by Bale in American Psycho carried the potential for controversy, causing speculation about Leonardo DiCaprio’s withdrawal from the film due to concerns about its impact on his female fan base. However, DiCaprio clarified that his decision was based on the film’s content or perceived lack thereof. DiCaprio once told The Morning Call,
“Eventually, I realized it [American Psycho] didn’t amount to anything and didn’t mean anything in the end.”
While DiCaprio held a different perspective on the project, Bale remained determined to secure the role. Christian Bale’s relentless persistence yielded fruitful results, as he went on to deliver a truly memorable performance in the film. However, the disturbing nature of his character, who victimized and cannibalized women, proved unsettling for many.
“It was a blast. The crew were busted up laughing most of the time. I mean, there were a few crew members whose wives made them quit. But for those who thought we were really psychotic misogynists, most of the crew were women, for Christ’s sake – the director, screenwriters, script supervisor,” he said.
Christian Bale’s Co-stars Didn’t Like His Acting In The Film
Bale’s performance didn’t receive immediate universal acclaim. Interestingly, Ford v Ferrari brought Bale back with his American Psycho co-star, Josh Lucas. During their time working together, Lucas shared a surprising revelation with Bale regarding his acting abilities.
“Josh Lucas and I did a film together recently and he opened my eyes to something that I had been unaware of. He informed me that all of the other actors thought that I was the worst actor they’d ever seen,” Bale told Movie Maker. “He was telling me they kept looking at me and talking about me, saying, ‘Why did Mary fight for this guy? He’s terrible.'”
While some fellow actors had reservations about Bale’s performance, the Oscar-winning actor’s approach unsettled certain co-stars. Chloe Sevigny, who portrayed Jean in American Psycho, found herself uncertain about Bale’s demeanor and method-acting techniques, unsure of how to interpret his immersive approach to the role.
Source: GQ
