Has Christian Bale Lost Steam?

[Evil Twin]

I think it's pretty evident that Bale can't "open" a non-Batman movie, just like Hugh Jackman can't open a non-Wolverine movie. At least, not by himself. He's a well respected actor, not a movie star. Then again, that's not uncommon these days. Outside of Will Smith, which star guarantees an opening? Even Depp, outside of POTC and Willie Wonka, isn't a huge draw. (Heck, if Julie & Julia does The Devil Wears Prada / Sex and the City / Mamma Mia (domestic) business, it might be time to consider Meryl Streep a star that draws people in.)

I do think it would be a wise decision though for Christian Bale to vary up his role in a big mainstream movie. I don't think anyone is suggesting that he take a role without substance, but a conscious decision to take a high profile role that's less serious would probably be a good choice at this point. Heck, if there's a romantic comedy out there that's on par with It Happened One Night, The Apartment, Annie Hall, then he should consider a rom com.

 

[K.B.]

it might be time to consider Meryl Streep a star that draws people in.

At one time she did. She isn't new to film it's just how the cycle of showbiz goes.

 

[stargazer]

Blasphemy! Name one who's name isn't Brandon Routh.

I kid I kid.

pfft, Depp, Hanks, Oldman, Penn, Gibson, Malkovich... and more.

Look, the guy has talent, but like other have said, his choice of roles are not showing his acting chops/range much.





And I love Brandon but he is still not up there; need to see him in more movies to decide how good he can really be.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

Most ridiculous thread ever, filled with people jumping to conclusions and exaggerating about pretty much everything.

Unlike Johnny Depp or Will Smith, Bale doesn't feel that he needs to be the lead of every movie. Yes, he was overshadowed by Heath in TDK, but that wasn't only because of Heath's performance, but also because of his death and the media circus that surrounded it as TDK was released. Still, Bale didn't appear to be bitter in the least. He still gave a solid performance and was a part of one of the biggest movies ever.

Also, let's not forget that the Joker by nature is a scene-stealer. Nicholson stole every scene from Keaton in 1989, why would this be any different? The Joker is a colorful, flamboyant character that chews up the scenery, unlike Batman, and I still thought Bale held his own against Heath in the interrogation scene.

Then Bale's made choices like being in I'm Not There, The Prestige, 3:10 to Yuma (again playing a more subtle role against Crowe's more outgoing character) and Public Enemies (same deal), none of which feature him as the singular "lead". I think he's happy to have some of the limelight off of him, and he doesn't care about being the "star" of everything like some other actors do. He just makes whatever movies interest him. We all know he had no interest in doing Terminator until Jonah Nolan polished the script and things started looking a little better. It's not his fault it didn't turn out to be a masterpiece.

If you've seen him in American Psycho, you know the dude can carry a film. That movie is all him, all the time, and it really shows the range that he has. Thinking of how funny and psychotic he acted in it, you realize he could just as easily have played Dillinger in Public Enemies, or even some variation of the Joker! He's a very talented guy that has a long career ahead of him. I don't really think it's fair to count him out just yet.

Just thought I'd quote this again... good job man!

Kinda sums this pathetic thread up really!

 

[Cain]

So if a thread doesn't match up with your personal sensibilities therefore it must be a horrible or pathetic thread?

only on the Hype

 

[Wiseman]

only on the Hype

That's not true, 6 year olds are just as mature as Hype members

 

[Cain]

That's not true, 6 year olds are just as mature as Hype members

Touché, you are indeed a wise man.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

So if a thread doesn't match up with your personal sensibilities therefore it must be a horrible or pathetic thread?

only on the Hype

Absolutely... and it's a personal opinion of mine.

In my personal OPINION... this thread is pathetic!

Any questions?

 

[Cain]

Absolutely... and it's a personal opinion of mine.

In my personal OPINION... this thread is pathetic!

Any questions?

I just think it's a little condescending to call a thread "pathetic" but hey, do you man.

 

[Eggyman]

Absolutely... and it's a personal opinion of mine.

In my personal OPINION... this thread is pathetic!

Any questions?

I have questions, but I'd rather ask someone who can give a decent answer.

 

[stargazer]

That's not true, 6 year olds are just as mature as Hype members

6 year olds are more mature than many hypesters. Seriously.

Absolutely... and it's a personal opinion of mine.

In my personal OPINION... this thread is pathetic!

Any questions?

Well, you just have to... suck it up, though. I know all about it.

 

[TheRunningMan]

I have questions, but I'd rather ask someone who can give a decent answer.

that goes for me too

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

I just think it's a little condescending to call a thread "pathetic" but hey, do you man.

Now I completely understand what your saying, but at 8 pages in people are arguing about Christian Bale's career...

First of all, it's just fans vs non fans which doesn't accomplish anything really

and secondly... well i just don't think the thread was a good idea at all.

 

[Eggyman]

Now I completely understand what your saying, but at 8 pages in people are arguing about Christian Bale's career...

First of all, it's just fans vs non fans which doesn't accomplish anything really

and secondly... well i just don't think the thread was a good idea at all.

It isn't just fans vs. non fans at all. A lot of the negative comments have come from people who do actually appreciate his work, myself included. Stop trying to make this something it isn't.

 

[TheRunningMan]

It isn't just fans vs. non fans at all. A lot of the negative comments have come from people who do actually appreciate his work, myself included. Stop trying to make this something it isn't.

yeah what he said

 

[Cain]

yeah what he said

You have the greatest Arnie related screen name on this site

"Hey light head!, hey christmas tree!"

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

It isn't just fans vs. non fans at all. A lot of the negative comments have come from people who do actually appreciate his work, myself included. Stop trying to make this something it isn't.

Fair enough... but this thread is an open invitation for comments such as... ''oh here comes the Christan Bale fan service''. It's things like this on the hype which makes it hard to have a serious discussion.

And yes... I realize that I fueled the fires here today myself and for that I apologize.

Perhaps the thread has a valid question... one where a yes or no with reasons would suffice. I just don't see this thread going anywhere positive and that's merely my viewpoint.

yeah what he said

And without the risk of sounding rude... who are you his back-up singer?

 

[Cain]

Fair enough... but this thread is an open invitation for comments such as... ''oh here comes the Christan Bale fan service''. It's things like this on the hype which makes it hard to have a serious discussion.

And yes... I realize that I fueled the fires here today myself and for that I apologize.

Perhaps the thread has a valid question... one where a yes or no with reasons would suffice. I just don't see this thread going anywhere positive and that's merely my viewpoint.



And without the risk of sounding rude... who are you his back-up singer?

I was just joking man, some of you guys need to lighten up. My posts aren't always 100% serious I do say stuff in jest. "Ever heard of the healing power of laughter?"

At least you're man enough to apologize a lot of cats on here aren't as civil.

 

[TheRunningMan]

You have the greatest Arnie related screen name on this site

"Hey light head!, hey christmas tree!"

I live to see you eat that contract but I hope you leave enough room for my fist because I'm going to ram it into your stomach and break your gaw amm spine!!!!

 

[Wiseman]

"Ever heard of the healing power of laughter?"

It doesn't really work, I used to tell my cat jokes all the time and the cancer still took him

 

[Cain]

I live to see you eat that contract but I hope you leave enough room for my fist because I'm going to ram it into your stomach and break your gaw amm spine!!!!

"here is sub-zero....now plain zero!"

lol I love that movie so much man I know that **** by heart.

 

[TheRunningMan]

It doesn't really work, I used to tell my cat jokes all the time and the cancer still took him

hey there was this guy who blew bong hits into his iguana's face and tried to make it watch cartoons with him

 

[Cain]

It doesn't really work, I used to tell my cat jokes all the time and the cancer still took him

damn, it worked on my hamster but then he fell in the garbage processor

 

[TheRunningMan]

"here is sub-zero....now plain zero!"

lol I love that movie so much man I know that **** by heart.

"What happened to Buzzsaw?"
"he had to split."

 

[Cain]

hey there was this guy who blew bong hits into his iguana's face and tried to make it watch cartoons with him

wasn't that a Marlon Brando movie?