Christian Bale's dramatic weight change for roles (11 photos). Christian Bale's incredible body transformations

Since the 2000s, actor Christian Bale has slowly begun to win the title of one of the highest paid artists in Hollywood. This man amazes viewers with his ability to transform. Of course: he has been acting continuously since he was 12 years old. What is significant for his filmography is the role in the film “The Machinist,” and what sacrifices did the actor have to make to perform it?

Christian Bale: filmography and short biography

Christian Bale, a native of Great Britain, first appeared on the set at the age of nine. True, then it was just filming in advertising. Then the boy got the role of Tsarevich Alexei in the television drama: “Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna.” And a year later, Christian even went to filming in Yalta, since he was approved for the role in Vladimir Grammatikov’s film “Mio, my Mio.”

Then Bale got into Steven Spielberg's film Empire of the Sun - this was a great start for his career. Christian played in films with such celebrities as Nicole Kidman, etc. But all these roles went unnoticed until the young man appeared as the cleric John Preston in the film “Equilibrium.”

"The Machinist" is a film in which Bale starred immediately after "Equilibrium". For the sake of this role, Christian turned from an athlete into an emaciated and skinny man. Both viewers and critics were scratching their heads: how did he accomplish this transformation in just a year? Christian Bale the machinist captivated both the audience and the directors. Immediately after this work, the actor received a role in Christopher Nolan's action film Batman Begins.

Brief plot of the film "The Machinist"

“The Machinist” is a film about a man who works as a lathe operator on a machine. An ordinary, non-stressful profession, but for some reason Trevor Reznik finally and irrevocably lost the ability to sleep. Over time, insomnia has completely driven the man to the point of exhaustion: Trevor begins to hallucinate and periodically confuses reality with the world of illusions.

Over time, it turns out that guilt is the reason why Christian Bale does not sleep. The driver once became involved in the death of a man, and since then it has tormented him. The main thing is not even what Trevor did by an absurd accident, but that he fled the crime scene, leaving the man to die.

In many details of the plot one can find similarities with a whole series of Dostoevsky’s novels, such as “Crime and Punishment”, “The Double”, “The Idiot”. However, director Brad Anderson did not hide his “borrowings”, but directly pointed out them in the film. For example, in free time Reznik reads Dostoevsky's book "The Idiot" in one of the tunnels main character sees the inscription Crime and Punishment - “Crime and Punishment”.

Film crew

The film “The Machinist” was directed by American Brad Anderson.

Before The Machinist, he was a regular director on the drama series The Wire. It has already been mentioned that Anderson is well acquainted with Russian literature, in particular with the legacy of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Subsequently, the director more than once gravitated toward Russian motifs. For example, in 2007 it was released crime film"Trans-Siberian Express", the action of which takes place supposedly in Russia. In 2010, Anderson also directed the horror film Vanishing on 7th Street with Hayden Christensen, and in 2014, Resident of the Damned with leading role.

The film “The Machinist” had to be filmed in Spain, despite the fact that the action takes place in Los Angeles. The producer was Carlos Fernandez, a famous Spanish football player. The cameraman was found in Spain - he became Shavi Jimeness, who at one time filmed the director's "Agora" with the title role.

Christian Bale: The Machinist. Preparing for the main role

In the story, Christian Bale's character is exhausted by his insomnia. To achieve an external resemblance to Trevor Resnick and fully experience the state of exhaustion, Christian Bale made enormous sacrifices. The changes in the actor’s weight are still considered a record for Hollywood: minus thirty-one kilograms.

Back in 2002, on the set of Equilibrium and Reign of Fire, Bale weighed about 84 kg, and his muscles were noticeably visible on his body. Exactly a year later, in the film “The Machinist,” the actor appeared withered and skinny, without a hint of his former athleticism. “I ate just one can of tuna and an apple a day,” Christian Bale shared his secret, whose weight changes amounted to a Hollywood record 31 kg.

In order not to break down, the actor drank a little whiskey every evening. A little later, Bale admitted that he would no longer agree to such experiments. However, he still had to do something similar when in 2010, for filming the film “The Fighter,” he lost weight again, but by 20 kg.

It is noteworthy that following The Machinist, Bale received a role in Christopher Nolan’s Batman, for which he gained weight again and increased his muscle mass to 86 kg.

Other actors involved in the film

However, not only Christian Bale starred in the film. “The Machinist” was honored with her presence by another star of American cinema - Jennifer

The actress became famous for her role as Hedy Carlson in the thriller Lonely white woman" Jennifer also played the leading role in the Coen brothers' eccentric comedy "The Hudsucker's Henchman" and in adventure film"Existenza" by David Cronenberg.

In addition, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, known mainly to Spanish viewers, was involved in the film “The Machinist”.

Christian Bale's subsequent projects

The Machinist is an independent film and did not play a special role in Christian Bale's Hollywood career. But thanks to the feat that the actor accomplished for the sake of filming in this film, perhaps he felt more confident during the screen tests for the film “Batman.” Of course: only Batman will be able to carry out such manipulations with the body and remain in working shape at the same time!

Christian Bale got the role of a superhero, and then played in many more great films: “The Prestige”, “The Fighter”, “Train to Yuma”, etc.

MOSCOW, February 5 – RIA Novosti. Bradley Cooper presented David O. Russell's Oscar-nominated film "American Hustle" in Moscow on Wednesday. At a press conference dedicated to the film's release in Russia, the actor spoke about improvisation on film set, curling his hair, and also about the belly of his co-star Christian Bale, who had to gain almost 20 kilograms for the role.

"I was hoping that all film crew will be able to come to Moscow, but, unfortunately, you only have me,” Cooper greeted the journalists.

The plot of the crime comedy "American Hustle" is partly based on real events— a secret government operation during which several congressmen were detained on corruption charges. A couple of scammers (Christian Bale and Amy Adams) find themselves caught red-handed and, in order to avoid going to jail, agree to a deal with FBI agent Richie Di Masso (played by Bradley Cooper), who intends to infiltrate their criminal network and thus expose the evildoers into the hands of politicians and mafia bosses. According to Cooper, this is "a story about people who can't wait to change their lives, it's a story about the art of survival."

© Sony/Columbia (2013) Still from the film "American Hustle"

© Sony/Columbia (2013)

The actor admitted that most often he is asked about the hairstyle of Richie, who appears on screen with curls, and said that at first it was about using a wig. But after trying on several options, Cooper decided that, like his character, he would curl his hair. The film takes place in the 70s, so the characters here not only wear unusual hairstyles, but also corduroy jackets, scarves and shiny dresses with deep necklines.

"The characters in the film have absolutely no self-irony, they don't realize how funny they look. Richie Di Masso in particular, he behaves like a 12-year-old boy who dreams of becoming a man and who just can't succeed. He curls his hair, imitating black players in baseball, he tries to dress differently and goes to the Studio 54 club,” Cooper said.

If Cooper himself learned to use curlers to work on the role, then Christian Bale, who played the main character, the swindler Irving Rosenfeld, had to not only acquire a fake bald head, but also gain 18 kilograms.

"Let's talk about Christian's belly in this film. The belly is the first thing that appears on the screen, and it's about the transformation - both of Bale's body and of his character, who, and this is also shown in the film, sticks artificial hair on his bald head and dresses , as an Englishman, although we know that he is from the Bronx,” Cooper shared with reporters.

According to him, Bale studied the biography of Melvin Weinberg, who served as the prototype for the image of Irving, and David O. Russell allowed him to add some characteristic external features to the image.

"American Hustle" holds the record for the most Oscar nominations this year, with the film being honored by the Academy in 10 categories, and Bradley Cooper is up for best actor for the second year in a row, this time for his supporting role. Answering the question whether he is waiting for this award, the actor honestly admitted that he is not thinking about the statuette for himself, but he really hopes, as the film’s producer, that “The Scam” will still be recognized by the Film Academy the best picture of the year.

In addition, David O. Russell can also receive a gold statuette, both as a director and as a screenwriter. Bradley Cooper, who is working with David O. Russell on his second film in a row (last year the film “My Boyfriend Is Crazy” was released), did not hide the fact that he was happy to work with this director again, and shared with journalists some details of the filming process.

“We can’t say that we improvised, we had a script, but David O. Russell wrote it as the action progressed - he stood next to the camera and composed dialogue for the characters who were in the frame at that moment,” said the actor.

When asked how the filming locations were chosen, Cooper said that the actors and director were so eager to start filming that on the first day they had to quickly rent an apartment in Boston, which becomes Ritchie's apartment in the film. The dining table was moved to the kitchen, and so the idea was born that Cooper’s character eats while sitting in the bathroom, since he cannot stand the company of his mother and unloved bride.

“American Hustle” will be available to watch in Russian cinemas on February 13th. Concerning creative plans Bradley Cooper himself, the actor did not hide the fact that currently is preparing for a role in Clint Eastwood's film "American Sniper", filming of which could begin in March, and in the summer he and Jennifer Lawrence can be seen in Susanne Bier's film "Serena".

Among modern actors, Christian Bale is one of the most talented. An actor's skill is largely measured by his ability to transform himself, and Bale is a true master at this.

We admire the dedication and wonderful roles for which Christian Bale literally turns into a character that has nothing in common with himself. Such transformations in different films are especially evident when Bale significantly changes his weight.

Below are a few examples of weight changes, up and down, that few actors have made as often or as critically as Christian Bale.

Help from Wikipedia: Christian Charles Philip Bale is a British film actor originally from Wales who received American citizenship in 2010. Winner of the Golden Globe and Oscar awards in the category “Best Supporting Actor” for the film “The Fighter”.

News Sellers (1992)

Seventeen-year-old Christian appeared in his usual image in the musical “News Sellers.” His character, wearing a scarf around his neck, sang and danced so professionally that Bale was nominated for a Young Actor Award for this role.

Velvet Goldmine (1998)

One of the most subtle and graceful transformations in Christian's career. This film about glam rock shows the artist as a fully grown man. A man who sometimes uses shadows, but still does courageous things.

American Psycho (2000)

For the role of a maniac and murderer, Bale had to gain some muscle mass. He spent four months creating such sculptural forms, studying in gym three hours six times a week.

Machinist (2004)

For the role of Trevor Resnick in the film The Machinist, Bale lost 28.5 kg. This is one of his most famous roles. The actor had to get rid of his athletic form and lose 26 kg in just four months. His diet consisted of water, coffee and one apple a day. Christian Bale received an award for his role in this film. best actor at the Catalan Film Festival in Sitges.

Batman Begins (2005)

The actor was faced with the task of gaining weight in a short period in order to portray the indestructible Batman in all his glory. Bale switched to a high-carbohydrate diet and returned to three-hour workouts. I gained 27 kg before the film and another 18 kg during filming. He was awarded the MTV Award as “Best Hero”.

American crime tragicomedy filmed by director David O. Russell / David O. Russell.

Main roles in the film " American scam"/"American Hustle" played by Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence. The film also stars Robert De Niro.

Wrote the film script Eric Warren Singer/ Eric Warren Singer, then rewritten by David O. Russell. The plot is based on real story FBI sting operations in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The film received seven Golden Globe nominations.

American Hustle crew

• Director: David O. Russell.
• Actors: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Alessandro Nivola.

The plot of the film American Hustle

In 1978, small businessman and swindler Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) met stripper Sydney (Amy Adams) at a party. Irving began cheating on his unstable wife Rosaleen (Jennifer Lawrence), but he did not want to divorce her because he was afraid of losing his son Danny.

Irving develops another fraud scheme and passes Sidney off as British aristocrat Edith Greensley in order to attract investors. However, FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) becomes a victim of Irving's fraud. He catches Irving and Sydney and offers them a deal: he will let them go if they help catch the other crooks. Richie convinces Sydney that Irving will stay with Rosaleen to gain her sympathy.

With the help of his friend posing as an Arab sheikh, Irving comes into contact with Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), the new mayor of Camden, who has authorized gambling in Atlantic City. Richie comes up with an operation and asks his boss Stoddard Thorsen ( Louis S.K./ Louis C.K.) two million dollars for its implementation. He refuses, but Richie manages to get money and support from Thorsen’s boss, Anthony Amado (Alessandro Nivola).

Meanwhile, Irving meets Polito personally and takes a liking to him. However, at a party, he records how mobster Victor Telleggio (Robert De Niro) offers Polito a bribe to grant American citizenship to a sheikh who is supposedly going to invest in his new casino in Atlantic City.

Thorsen refuses to give Richie any more money. Irving begins to worry that Telegio will find him and take revenge when he finds out about the fraud. Rosaleen cheats on her husband with Telleggio's henchman Pete and tells her lover about his relationship with the FBI. Telleggio demands that Irving prove that the Sheikh is real.

Interesting facts about the film American Hustle

Scenario Eric Warren Singer was included in the top ten of the 2010 Black List of Unfilmed Scripts.

Having received an offer to direct the film, David O. Russell rewrote the script, making the characters closer to their prototypes.

Christian Bale said that during filming the actors had to constantly improvise, as the director was more interested in the characters than the plot.

Filming " American scam” began in March and ended in May 2013. The film was shot in Boston and New York. Filming had to be suspended when a terrorist attack occurred during the Boston Marathon.

The budget for the film American Hustle was $40 million.

The film received nominations Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and David O. Russell- for directing and script. The film was nominated for an award in the category " Best Comedy or a musical." Jennifer Lawrence received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film won the Best Ensemble Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Friends, hello everyone. We continue our series of stories about famous personalities who are trying to create something with their physical fitness. And today in this issue we will talk about the craziest of people on television, by the way, this person is one of my favorite actors - Christian Bale, the transformation of Christian Bale is just something special!

Christian Bale

• Date of birth: January 30, 1974.
• Height: 183 cm.
• Weight: from 55 to 90 kg.

In my opinion, best movies, in which Bale starred: “ The Dark Knight: Revival of a Legend", "Prestige", "Equilibrium", "Terminator: May the Savior Come", "American Psycho". I also recommend watching all these films, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

And so, Weight from 55 to 90 kg, why such a spread? Below is a photo that shows Christian Bale's transformations over the years.

As you can see, it is impossible to give an absolutely accurate weight this person, because it is constantly changing. For example, before the start of the film, driver Bale weighed 83 kg. In 4 months (which was exactly the period of time he spent preparing for the film The Machinist), he lost 28 kg (63 lbs), thereby dropping his weight from 83 kg to 55 kg.

A depressing sight, isn't it? How did he do this? The answer is very simple: 1 apple, a can of tuna, 3 cups of coffee and all this for the whole day. In addition, he used a complex of vitamins and minerals. Total: about 200-250 calories per day. Can you imagine it? Of course, with such a calorie content, the result was a sharp loss of both fat and muscle. That's basically it. Christian Bale's ideas were very simple, he had no goal of preserving muscle, he was ready to sacrifice both fat and muscle mass, but still physical exercise were present.

But it is not physical exercise with weights, this is a kind of cardio exercise, stretching, isometric exercises, that is, he was physically active, but he ate very little.

What do I mean by this? An adult with a height of 183 cm, brought himself to a weight of 55 kg, having all the temptations that you can imagine in this life, I simply cannot imagine how you can have such endurance, discipline, in general, this is very cool!

Do you think that's all? Hehe, this is just the beginning. It's even cooler!

After filming the film The Machinist, it turned out that filming began on the film “Batman Begins” where Christian Bale plays the main role of Batman. Judge for yourself, what the hell is Batman made of bones and skin? Christian again had to work hard to look like his fairy tale hero. So, over the course of 5 months, Christian Bale gains 45.5 kg of lean muscle mass (100 pounds).

How does his diet and training change?

Christian radically changes the amount of carbohydrates and protein in his daily diet.

• Protein 2.5 grams per 1 kg of desired body weight), i.e. gradually increases to 250 grams per day.
• Carbohydrates 3 grams per 1 kg of desired body weight), i.e. gradually increases to 300 grams per day.

And, of course, the training itself changes radically. From aerobic exercise, he switches to heavy exercise physical work, what is called building muscle mass. The most interesting thing is that he gained more than he had before the film as a driver (85 kg), but became 100 kg.

In general, before the film The Machinist he weighed 85 kg, in preparation for the film The Machinist he dropped to 55 kg, and after 5 months his weight became 100 kg. In 9 months, he undergoes various transformations with his body so radically.

But this is not the end, in 2010 Christine Bale was preparing for the main role in the film The Fighter, the actor again lost a lot of weight, although this was not required by the contract, losing weight from 100 to 66 kilograms.

It’s simply incredible, after conducting such an experiment on yourself at least once, no matter how long, you will learn so much about your body that you can do whatever your heart desires! Christian is proof of that.

Well, this is where we come to the end. I bow to Christian Bale from the bottom of my heart, he is an excellent actor, he always immerses himself in the character, in general, in one word - good man. I hope you liked it, leave your comments. Until next time.

Best regards, administrator.