Chat with... Christian Bale (Vice).

Wrapping up the Berlinale this year, and with just a week to go until the Academy Awards, we thought we’d bring you a slice of Christian Bale.
 
His latest performance as Dick Cheney in Vice has been recognised all over the award season, including the Oscars. So, we asked him five questions before the big day next Sunday…

How did you prepare for the role? And do you see similarities with Trump do you think, pushing his own agenda?
CB:
I had to do lots of research, lots of talking with different individuals to learn about the man. In regard to Trump, they are probably actually opposite in character. Cheney is more the silent type, Trump is sadly definitely not silent.
 
What about your change of appearance for Dick Cheney?
CB:
Well I obviously had to gain a lot of weight that’s for sure. Once I was offered the role, I did think I couldn’t see myself as Cheney, but Adam (McKay) had a vision and he saw it. Then after the research, it would be early set days at 2am for makeup for four hours.

You’re nominated for the Oscar for your role, how does this make you feel?
CB:
It’s great, it’s an important film and feels great to be recognised. Is there such thing as the best actor though? I think of it as a celebration of film.
 
What is it like acting as a real person as oppose to a fictional character? I imagine it is more difficult because maybe there’s an element of doing the person justice? Like for the audience to believe in it.
CB:
It’s true, when you do films like this it can go one of two ways. You either get the ‘impression’ bang on, or you mess it up and its rubbish. You do have to choose your roles because you become obsessed for several months.
 
And finally, you have worked with the writer/director Adam McKay multiple times now, what’s your working relationship like? Is it different to other directors?
CB:
All the directors I have worked with have given me great experiences. I enjoy working with Adam, we know each other and everything on set is always great. It’s long days on shoot, but great. We talked about this role in my back yard, we talked for several hours and then I went away and researched. He had a vision and I was it.
 
Vice is out now in cinemas UK-wide – certificate 15