Christian Bale is almost universally known for his intense method-acting formula in Hollywood. His jaw-dropping performances in movies like American Psycho, Machinist, Nolan’s Batman trilogy, and American Hustle, account for his immovable presence on-screen and he keeps dominating each narrative moment until he eventually disappears into his role, making the audience forget he was ever there, to begin with.
The latest among Bale’s haunting performances appears in the form of Gorr the God Butcher. This marks his introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a post-Infinity saga villain with a credible cause and skills to match his ambitions. Christian Bale’s Gorr debuts as the primary antagonist in Taika Waititi’s film, Thor: Love and Thunder, this year.
Also read: Thor 4 Theory: Gorr Killed The Celestials To Become The God Butcher
Christian Bale’s Method Roles
The actor was 13 when he debuted in Hollywood in Steven Spielberg’s coming-of-age war drama, Empire of the Suns. Since then, he would go on to span a brilliant 35-year career term, inspiring and enthralling the audience with each performance better than the last. Beyond the sheer multitude of talent lies his ability to go to extraordinary lengths to physically transform himself to suit his roles.
Also read: Christian Bale’s Batman Is The Perfect Movie Dark Knight But The Worst Comic Accurate Batman
For his movies, Bale lost extreme weight, shaved his head and eyebrows, packed on muscle, and even developed a hunch thus incurring a herniated disc. Among the most notable of his method roles, which also include his epic physical transformations, are:
- The Fighter
- Vice
- The Machinist
- American Hustle
- Batman Begins
However, The Machinist unquestionably takes the cake when it comes to Bale’s death-defying physically strenuous journeys. Variety claimed Bale’s “haunted, aggressive and finally wrenching performance” gave the movie “a strong anchor”.
Also read: Kim Kardashian Admits Extreme ‘Christian Bale’ Diet Saved Her Met Gala Appearance
Gorr the God Butcher and His Bald Prosthetics
Christian Bale’s most anticipated role as Gorr the God Butcher in MCU comes with its own baggage of surprises. Although a comparatively new villain in terms of its comic origin, he is nonetheless more than qualified. In a post-Thanos wrecked universe, Gorr’s story puts him in the perfect position to fuel an entire movie’s plot.
Also read: Reasons Why Gorr Is The Most Powerful MCU Villain Till Date
As Thor: Love and Thunder‘s second trailer drops, Gorr’s appearance and consequently Bale’s first look is revealed to the audience, and Waititi’s terrifying new villain doesn’t fail to deliver on the terror department. However, as was confirmed by the make-up department, Bale did not shave his head for the film’s reshoots. Although originally going bald, fans have been taken by surprise by the actor’s relying on prosthetics for the later additions.
Taika Waititi, upon seeing Bale’s bald prosthetics, commented in his signature comic tone, “That looks great — now we no longer need bald people!” Fan reactions on Twitter were quick to follow.
Thor actor, Chris Hemsworth has said about Christian Bale’s character that “Gorr is not a straightforward villain. There’s a real complexity to him” and he “has a truthful motivation” which will allow the audience to understand “why he’s been tipped over the edge and why he’s gone down this path.” In addition, Waititi added, “Gorr’s backstory involves being wronged by the gods and a lot of his motivation is getting revenge for these wrongdoings.”
Source: The Direct
