Discourse with Christian Bale, of David Ayer's latest film, "Harsh Times," reveals the British actor's charisma and competence, both of which have impacted his unique span of roles.
In his early career, Bale starred in Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" (1987), and worked his way through box-office misfires like "Shaft" (2000). Critics consistently applauded his roles despite the poor production values of his films, but "Batman Begins" (2005) won him the attention of critics as well as national audiences. His ability to skillfully interact with new environments fuels his talent on screen.
Bale's latest foray takes a radically different turn with his portrayal of Jim Davis, an ex-Army Ranger immersed in the Los Angeles underworld, and his friendship with Mike Alonzo (played by Freddy Rodriguez).
Question: Your character [in "Harsh Times"] is tormented by his past. Did you talk to ex-Army Rangers or seek out people who have consistent nightmares from the military for inspiration for your role?
Christian Bale: Yes I did. I spoke with a variety of people who let me in on very personal stories. I would not have repeated them to anybody else. Some denied any feelings about that whatsoever. Some said that if you're a true soldier, then it does not affect you in that manner.
I've never been in those extreme life-death circumstances. Those people were certainly wiling to tell me very painful tragic stories. I'll always honor their privacy and be grateful that they allowed a stranger in on something that is so personal to them.
Q: Doing this film as a character who is from South Central L.A., do you have any new insights or thoughts about the vast contrasts of social classes within L.A.?
CB: I come from England, where there is some class system. This is the reason why a lot of English people like to come to America. It's difficult to accept the melting pot of the U.S., but that's what everybody around the rest of the world admires the U.S. for. It's the whole appeal to the rest of the world of the American dream that makes America so bloody special.
This is why I'm here. There are enormous provides [sic]. I've been living in L.A. for 14 years. I kind of view it as a lot of towns that are stuck right next to each other. There are a lot of things you don't experience because you're in a car so much, but you retreat to the parts you know well. This film was a great opportunity to find out about other people. You get to make friendships with people and immerse yourself in a whole other lifestyle. The Chicano culture is a very influential one within Los Angeles. It was an excuse for me to be a part of it.
Q: Of all the films dealing with the morality between military ethics and social life, how do you think "Harsh Times" adds to this discussion?
CB: In any stories that interest any of us - they're essentially human. We repeat ourselves again and again. None of us are actually frightened by the war in Iraq and Afghanistan immediately. It's kind of a distant war. Like any war throughout history, whether it be a confused war or a war that everyone agrees with or disagrees with, it doesn't matter.
People are asked to turn every ethic that we're taught in society on its head. It's not surprising that people can't turn that off again in civilian life.
A lot of children are taught not to solve problems with violence. Many nations solve problems with violence. It's a fascinating topic. It is something that can be argued, that man's nature is violent.
Q: You've played a variety of roles. What do you look for when you're shooting a part and what specifically about "Harsh Times" were you attracted to in the role of Jim?
CB: It's not particularly what I look for. It depends on what mood I'm in and what happens in my life. It's whatever is intriguing. If I were to ask you what your favorite books were and why they're your favorite books, it would be more of a gut feeling.
You don't analyze it and you feel very personally towards it, as if you own it somehow. When you first read the script, it is your own private discovery.
With "Harsh Times" it was very personal to Dave [Ayer] and it was completely himself. It was a part of his soul, and it came across.
I thought Jim was one of the biggest pricks to find yourself in a room with. He wants you to think he's a "black and white" thug and he's not. There's a thing that he denies showing to anybody.
There's an awful lot there in many people's lives, certainly my own, but certainly not as extreme as the violence he's perpetrated and also witnessed.
But there's an awful lot there that I could relate to, and I think many people would be able to in the more timeless pieces. Jim is experiencing what many of us experience, but in an extreme fashion. It's just one thing that I couldn't forget about and this is something that I personally would want to see.
