American Psycho
Christian Bale is an actor who goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to physically preparing for a role.
Over the years we have seen him lose weight, gain weight, put on muscle and the lose it all over again.
He is back on the big screen this week in America Hustle, and we take a look at just what he has put his body through over the years.
- American Psycho
In 2000 Christian Bale grabbed everyone's attention by being in fantastic shape for American Psycho.
The movie was based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, and saw Mary Harron in the director's chair.
The character of Patrick Bateman is described as having an 'Olympian physique' in the novel, and Bale trained hard as he prepared for the role to obtain that look.
- The Machinist
In 2005, Bale really did show his dedication to his craft as he starred in The Machinist.
The Machinist was directed by Brad Anderson and saw Bale take on the central role of Trevor Reznik.
Reznik is a man suffering with insomnia and has lost weight as a result. It was this dramatic weight loss that grabbed everyone's attention as the actor lost sixty three pounds for the role.
His skeletal appearance in the film is truly shocking, and he weighted just 8st 9lbs by the end of filming.
- Batman Begins
Bale went from The Machinist straight to Batman Begins - a role that required him to bulk up.
He had just six months to go from the skeletal figure to a beefed up superhero. In the space of six months he put on 100lbs.
With the help of a personal trainer Bale met his six month deadline as he ended up at 230lbs - however, that was too much weight and he dropped down to 190lbs for the star of filming.
- Rescue Dawn
Rescue Dawn saw Bale lose weight again as he told the true story of Dieter Dengler in Rescue Dawn.
The movie told the story of Dengler, who is a prisoner of war having been shot down during the Vietnam War. He escapes the camp and sets out into the jungle.
Bale lost the weight to play a prisoner of war, and put all of the weight back on during the course of the shoot.
- The Fighter
The Fighter was a role that once again required Bale to lose weight.
The Fighter was directed by David O. Russell and told the story of professional boxer Mickey Ward (played by Mark Wahlberg).
Bale took on the role of Mickey's brother Dicky Eklund, a man who is battling with a drug addiction.
Bale's dedication to his craft paid off as he scooped a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his fantastic performance.
- American Hustle
American Hustle sees Bale reunite with director O.Russell - a movie that is already being tipped as an awards contender.
This role sees a more portly Bale on the big screen, as he gained 40lbs to play this role.
Bale plays con-man Irving Rosenfeld who, along with his sidekick, is forced to work with an FBI agent.
Bale has already picked up a Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Golden Globe nomination, and could find himself in the Oscar mix once again.
American Hustle is out now.
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