Review of Harsh Times (2005) by Brandon M — 19 Mar 2009

I've heard the now famous Bale-flipping-out recording recently and concluded that the guy is a douche bag and that, though I don't think him to be a "bad" actor, this douche-baggery of his must be the reason why I always end up feeling apprehensive of his work.

In short, I wrote him off. Well, how good it is to be wrong (sometimes)! A lot of what makes this film such a high caliber one, doesn't have anything to do with Bale's performance (the director, the co-stars, the cinematographer, all bring some very solid ideas to the table), but, I'll be damned if Bale doesn't do a genuinely wonderful and moving job here.

At a certain point near the end, as I was identifying with his character particularly close, I even caught myself cracking a tense smile as I imagined a DP walking into the shot just then. Sensing just how much blood, sweat and tears he pours into his work, made that reaction of his almost seem justified.

Almost.