Few actors in Hollywood that rarely fail are as beloved as Christian Bale. Following stardom during the 1980’s, Bale has made memorable movies. Whether its caped crusaders, psychopathic killers or drivers, Bale has portrayed various characters. Through his unique approach of method acting, Bale has created characters that are fascinating. Given the number of movies that Bale has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Dark Knight
When it comes to the world’s greatest superheroes that have earned a huge fan following, it’s worth discussing Batman. Created during the 1930’s, Batman has appeared in memorable movies. With his bravery, dedication and larger-than-life presence, the caped crusader has stood the test of time as an iconic character. I adore all the Batman movies, but “The Dark Knight” remains my favourite. Released in 2008, Christopher Nolan’s film changed the comic-book genre. In the greatest performance of his career, Christian Bale transforms into the iconic superhero with a burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most iconic role. Bale does an extraordinary job of capturing both the personal struggles of Bruce Wayne and the heroism of Batman. He brings out an emotional side to the superhero that audiences haven’t seen in previous iterations. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” Bale’s greatest movie is its meaningful message. The film delivers a meaningful message about heroism that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years following the creation of the caped crusader that became a hero in popular culture, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with abilities to portray compelling characters whose timeless movies audiences will forever treasure.
2. The Fighter
One of the qualities that makes Christian Bale an outstanding actor is his dedication to method acting. Bale has always shown a commitment to crafting characters in entertainment. Bale’s commitment as an actor dedicated to complex characters is clearly evident in “The Fighter”. Released in 2010, David O. Russell’s Oscar-winning movie found the actor playing a real-life boxer. In the role for which he won an overdue Oscar, Bale transforms into a real-life athlete that changed the world of boxing forever. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a real-life boxer in history, but Bale succeeds tremendously. Not only did he lose weight for the part, but he pours his heart and soul into creating a powerful boxer. Ultimately, what makes “The Fighter” one of Bale’s best movies is its meaningful message. More than just a film about boxing, it’s a beautiful movie about brothers. It delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone that has bonded with siblings at an early age. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of boxing to appreciate it. 40 years after a fighter family of brothers achieved victories in the boxing ring, it’s an engaging reminder of an actor that thrives playing compelling real-life characters whose movies are worth celebrating.
3. Ford v. Ferrari
Race car driving is an activity that I’ve rarely ever found engaging. As far back as I can remember, I have never understood the appeal of race car driving. At an early age, I became afraid of go karting that caused emotional damage. I would feel a sense of terror whenever I had to get behind the wheel. As someone with no interest at all in race cars with energy, I was surprised by how much I adored “Ford v. Ferrari”. Released in 2019, James Mangold’s movie offered an engaging glimpse at the real-life Le Mans race that changed history. In the most physically demanding role of his career, Christian Bale transforms into a real-life icon that drove speeding cars without fear. What stands out most about this performance in Bale’s career is its enthusiasm. Bale truly pours his heart, soul and energy into portraying a real-life race car driver that forever changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Ford v. Ferrari” a powerful film is its message. It delivers a message about the importance of teamwork with which everyone will engage. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Ferrari to appreciate the movie. Nearly 50 years following the Les Mans race, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor whose movies about obstacles athletes face movie-goers will forever embrace.
4. American Psycho
Serial killers with scary personalities have always made for memorable movies. Ever since Hannibal Lecter stunned police into silence through violence, movies about serial killers have earned a huge audience. Witnessing detectives questioning what’s in a box has always made for movies that are entertaining. I’ve seen several films about serial killers, but few have impacted me as strongly as “American Psycho”. Released in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie introduced one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. In his most colourful role, Christian Bale captures the psychotic personality of a serial killer whose life spirals out of control. Patrick Bateman is a larger-than-life serial killer giving the actor a chance to showcase his knack for dark humour. Whether he’s murdering a business associate with joyful music playing or abusing a poor man on the street, Bale creates a despicable serial killer through dark humour. Despite the despicable crimes he has committed, Bale makes Patrick Bateman a killer that leaves audiences fascinated. It’s hard to not marvel at an actor that manages to make a serial killer likeable. A powerful portrait of psychotic serial killers committing murders that are catastrophic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a one-of-a-kind actor that thrives playing complicated characters that aren’t always sympathetic.
5. Batman Begins
Childhood trauma has played a pivotal role shaping my persona. At an early age, my life forever changed when my family endured a bombing causing damage. Through a sheer miracle, my family managed to achieve survival. However, the traumatic aftermath of the incident stayed with me forever. Few films I’ve seen have captured the beginnings of childhood trauma as powerfully as “Batman Begins”. Released in 2005, Christopher Nolan’s groundbreaking movie introduced a dark version of Batman for the first time on the big-screen. One of the major reasons why the film is successful is because of its leading performance. In her first comic-book role, Christian Bale embodies personality of the larger-than-life hero. Stepping into the shoes of Bruce Wayne for the first time, Bale excels at capturing the character’s pain. Whether it’s the caped crusader’s voice or Bruce Wayne’s childhood trauma, Bale embodies both sides of the superhero’s persona. It’s a phenomenal performance that marked the beginning of a brilliant franchise. As strong as Bruce Wayne’s desire to overcome childhood trauma, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters with charisma whose movies are treasured as precious pieces of Cinema.
6. American Hustle
When it comes to the most notorious scandals in American history, it’s worth discussing ABSCAM. During the 1970’s, the ABSCAM scandal was a notorious event in which con-artists committing felonies. In 2013, Christian Bale did an extraordinary job of bringing the ABSCAM scandal to the big-screen in his film “American Hustle”. In the most drastic physical transformation of his career, Bale embodies a real-life con-artist facing a heavy burden to bear. With his funky hair-do, goofy glasses and sharp sense of humour, the actor transforms into a real-life con-artist that changed the world forever. Bale is best known for taking on serious roles with gravitas, but “American Hustle” is his most comedic performance. Whether he’s conning politicians or arguing with associates, Bale does an excellent job of depicting a real-life con-artist. Nearly 40 years after the ABSCAM scandal in which con-artists committed crimes through their hustle, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that thrives played relatable characters in movies about real events that are educational.
7. The Prestige
Double roles are tricky to pull off effectively in movies. It isn’t simple for actors to play two characters at once in a movie. Playing two different characters in the same movie often poses challenges for actors. Despite challenges involved in playing two different characters in one movie, Christian Bale pulls it off successfully in “The Prestige”. Released in 2005, Christopher Nolan’s movie found the actor playing a double role as a magician with spellbinding magic tricks. In the most complex role of his career, Bale does an extraordinary job of playing two different roles at once. It’s a challenging role requiring a certain degree of commitment, but Bale pulls it off successfully. Alongside Hugh Jackman who is also excellent, Bale creates a compelling magician whom audiences can easily identify with. A powerful portrait of prestigious magicians performing magic tricks that are dangerous, it’s a rousing reminder of a courageous actor that excels at playing devious characters whose timeless movies audiences forever consider precious.
8. The Big Short
The financial crisis is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies. A complicated subject matter, the financial crisis has rarely resulted in movies that attract audiences to the theatre. It’s challenging to make a movie about a complicated financial crisis entertaining. However, Christian Bale pulled off this big task when he made his film “The Big Short”. Released in 2015, Adam McKay’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the financial crisis on the big-screen. In the most analytical role of his career, Bale embodies a market analyst that predicted the financial crash. It’s a role that gives the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a character different from his previous roles. 20 years after the downfall of the economy which analysts forecasted, it’s a captivating reminder of a celebrated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to leave audiences captivated by making movies about complicated subjects leaving viewers educated.
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9. The Dark Knight Rises
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start off on a high note but end with a whimper. However, “The Dark Knight Rises” is an exception. Released in 2012, Christian Bale’s final Batman film brought a franchise to a satisfying conclusion. In his final role as the caped crusader, Christian Bale embodies emotions a legendary comic-book character. Bale brings out an emotional, vulnerable and sensitive side to the hero audiences have never seen before. For instance, the scene where Bruce Wayne rises out of the pit with determination is the most emotional performance the actor has given. A captivating conclusion to a celebrated franchise about superheroes that are inspiring, it’s a compelling reminder of an actor that thrives playing complex heroes whose soaring movies are worth appreciating.
10. Empire of the Sun
War often has a negative impact on the lives of children. A traumatic experience, war can often cause children to lose their sense of innocence. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured impact of warfare destruction on children as powerfully as “Empire of the Sun”. Released in 1987, Steven Spielberg’s film did a great job of capturing the impact of war on children’s identities. In his first major role, a young Christian Bale beautifully captures hardships children in wars go through. It’s a demanding role for a child, but Bale pulls it off. A powerful portrait of the turmoil children in war go through, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that thrives playing compelling characters that audiences can easily relate to whose movies I will forever value.
The Film Buff 