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“Trump is Bigger Than You Think” | Interview with Christian Bale about ‘Vice’
He is Hollywood’s chameleon: for “The Machinist” he lost 30 kilos. Sporting a big belly, 30 kilos heavier and bald, he appeared in “American Hustle”. In the end, Christian Bale, born in Wales in 1974, won the Oscar for “The Fighter”. That could happen once again for his performance as Dick Cheney in the political satire “Vice”, which has received an impressive eight nominations in total.
Once again, Bale really piled on the weight to portray the burly US Vice President. We met the actor at the Berlinale, where “Vice” had its “out of competition” premiere.
Mr Bale, how do you feel about attending the Oscars?
Bale: For me, the Oscars are about celebrating filmmaking, it’s nothing to do with competition as far as I’m concerned. Of course, I’m grateful for the nomination, it’s wonderful. But let’s be realistic: there are outstanding acting performances that get no recognition. Besides, good films are always the result of teamwork. I’m looking forward to a lovely evening. You’re pleased for whoever wins and celebrate together.
You put on loads of weight for roles, then lose scary amounts, and now in this film you’re as beefy as the real Dick Cheney. What does your family make of it?
Bale: There was the idea to play Cheney without looking like him. But we scrapped that after two minutes, it just wouldn’t have worked. For me, body and mind are connected. Make-up artists can achieve flawless results with prosthetics. But I don’t want to set myself any limits. I do whatever I think is necessary. I’m not a formally trained actor and I throw everything into the mix that matters for the role – that can include a physical transformation.
Aren’t such rigorous transformations rather exhausting?
Bale: Sure, but shouldn’t they be? I actually like hard work. It gives you a sense you’ve achieved something.
Does it shock you when you look in the mirror fully made up as Dick Cheney?
Bale: That only happens at the beginning, when we’re still experimenting with the look. Once I’ve reached the desired weight and the mask gets more detailed, you quickly get used to the new appearance.
How long do the make-up artists take for this transformation?
Bale: It took four hours before the mask was finished.
In “American Hustle” you said your daughter loved your Buddha-belly. How was it this time?
Bale: This time my son was absolutely thrilled. He bounced around on my belly and had a great time. My wife also likes the big belly as it means she looks much slimmer by comparison. (Laughs)
Do your children like you as “Batman”?
Bale: Our kids have never seen “Batman”. We don’t spend our time watching me. (Laughs)
What do you think is the most important quality in this profession?
Bale: Endless curiosity, I would say. With every new role I have no idea how I’m going to play it. People often say I’m a method actor, but I’m really not. I approach my role as I act it.
Do you need to have overlaps with your roles? Or can you play anyone?
Bale: Some very good actors say the character must always be an extension of themselves. For me, I want to free myself as much as possible from a role. I see my job as creating my character from scratch. Whether I succeed, that’s for the audience to decide.
Is there anything you actually like about this powerful man, Dick Cheney?
Bale: You have to admire how he unhesitatingly supported his daughter Mary when she came out – which was completely against his conservative views. Everyone I spoke to described Cheney as a very loving father and husband.
How much did you know about Dick Cheney before the film?
Bale: Of course I’d heard the rumours that Cheney was the big puppeteer in politics and pulled the strings in the Iraq war. But how long he’d been involved in politics and the methods he used, that was all completely new to me.
You once compared Cheney to Darth Vader…
Bale: Cheney very much likes to compare himself to Darth Vader. He fitted out his grandchildren’s nursery with Darth Vader toys. He also used to frighten his staff by sitting behind his desk in the office wearing a Darth Vader mask. You can find plenty of examples on YouTube where he calls himself Darth Vader and has a great laugh about it.
Do you think Dick Cheney is more dangerous than Donald Trump?
Bale: An intelligent person who understands things is always more dangerous than someone who’s impulsive and loud. I’m not saying Trump isn’t dangerous – of course he is. But he’s no comparison to Cheney. Cheney was a power chess player – can you imagine Trump playing chess?
You’ve met Trump before…
Bale: We shot scenes for “Batman” in Trump Tower, which in the film becomes Wayne Tower. Trump invited me to his office and the producers said you’d better go or he might throw us out. So I met him in my Bruce Wayne costume, with red tie and slicked-back hair, I looked a bit like Trump Junior. He wanted to show me loads of souvenirs. His office is decorated with plenty of gold and Trump is taller than you’d think.
Do you have a list of characters you’d still like to play? The Pope? The Queen? A transgender person?
Bale: No, I don’t have a plan and I tend to accept the chaos of my job and enjoy the unknown. But your list doesn’t sound bad: Pope, Queen, transgender – preferably all three together! (Laughs)
Photos: © Matt Kennedy / Annapurna Pictures