Onward Christian spirit
Being boring is a sin, actor says
In his decades-long career, Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale has undergone dramatic weight changes to play a variety of roles. When he signed up to portray the slender race car driver Ken Miles in Ford v Ferrari, he had to shed the 70 pounds he’d gained to play Dick Cheney in Vice.
Q What was it about this David vs. Goliath-type story that clicked with you?
A In essence, it’s all about the triumph of these misfits having completely unrealistic dreams, but just passionately pursuing them. And how when these incredible events happen ... it always comes down to these rather eccentric, somewhat unrealistic individuals who really move the world forward and achieve progress.
Q What was the training regimen like to be able to drive these cars?
A Well, let’s not get carried away. The racing sequences would not have been some of the best I’ve ever seen if it was just me driving the whole time ... I did as much as I could. I spun that thing out a bunch of times from pushing it too hard. But it was exhilarating beyond belief.
Q You’ve played several real-life characters. What’s the appeal?
A I love the research and being able to access a person’s history ... I actually find it quite liberating playing a real-life person. I know that sounds wrong, but it’s been my discovery.
Q You’ve been acting for more than 30 years. If one of your old movies comes on, which do you stop to watch?
A I always feel a little embarrassed to do that. If you walked into my house, you wouldn’t be able to tell I had anything to do with film. But what you’re asking doesn’t really happen at all. I usually just watch whatever my kids have on.
Q What film of yours are you particularly fond of that didn’t get its due?
A I would say Hostiles and Out of the Furnace — two Scott Cooper films ... I loved The Machinist and that is really dear to me, as well. Harsh Times. Those are ones that in my understanding, about two people went to see.
Q Your big break came when you were 13 in Empire of the Sun. Your dreams came true pretty early on.
A I only had one dream. I wanted to get on a motorcycle and disappear and travel around the world. I have yet to do that, but I will one day. But acting was something I think all kids do naturally, however, it become something that sort of came my way in a very fortunate moment. My dad had just become quite ill and we were going through tough times, sleeping on friends’ couches and stuff like that. Suddenly I became the breadwinner. So acting became a real lifesaver for me and my family. But I have to confess, it was never a dream of mine whatsoever.
Q What’s the best advice you ever got?
A Being boring is a sin.