Christian Bale: His Most Amazing Character Transformations

Bale is no stranger to changing weight, learning new integrated skills, and embodying characters even when not on the call sheet.

As with the best method actors before him: Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Ben Kingsley, Bale is famous for remaining in character until the movie wraps. Subsequently, he often speaks in different accents when interviewed during a shoot.

In anticipation of another incredible transformative turn in the upcoming film Amsterdam, here are 10 of Christian Bale's most amazing character transformations ever.

“I came up with the absolutely brilliant idea of just smoking cigarettes and drinking whiskey to lose weight,” said Bale in a G.Q. interview about his acting.

The Machinist (2004)

This transformation won Bale his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and elevated him to the toast of Tinseltown. This time he plays Dicky Eklund, the half-brother, and trainer of former WBU welterweight boxing champion Micky Ward.

The Fighter (2010)

It is never easy to play polarizing characters like former Vice President Dick Cheney if you are a darling of the entertainment industry. Who would want to be associated with any politician, let alone one who controlled U.S. foreign policy for so long? Step forward, Mr. Bale.

Vice (2018)

This film makes it onto the top spot of Christian Bale listicles everywhere for a good reason. Some argue American Psycho is his career-best performance. Bale, with slicked-back hair, an Italian suit, and a sharp ax, is irresistible.

American Psycho (2000)

It is hard to choose one of the three Batman franchise performances — Bale is so good in each. However, The Dark Knight catches him in his first complete transformation as the Caped Crusader.

The Dark Knight (2008)

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