printerati

Reign Of Fire.

B5Erik

I first saw Christian Bale in Swing Kids over a decade ago, and haven't seen him in much since then. (I know he's done a fair number of films, I just haven't been all that interested in them.)

He was good as a teenager in Swing Kids (and if you haven't seen it - rent it, buy it, but see it), and he was very good as Batman. He's definitely got the Deniro-esque work ethic when it comes to preparing for a role...

Giantrobo

Patman

Also, can Christian do a musical or sing? Hugh Jackman might be a more versatile actor if you broaden the definition of "versatile".

Ayre

I think Hugh Jackman & Christian Bale are more versatile than Oldman & Deniro. But Oldman & Deniro have earned the respect over a body of work. I certainly wouldn't confuse respect with versatility.

exharrison

To be fair, Oldman and Deniro have far more movie credits to their name than Jackman and Bale. That does tend to skew things a little bit. As does the fact that I am a fan of Bale somewhat recently whereas I have seen far more from Deniro and Oldman, and as such I probably feel that they are more versatile because I have seen them in a wider variety of roles.
Although, Bale does get points for losing 63 pounds and his perspective on choosing movies.

Giles

he seems to be in alot of recent roles where he is supposed to mask his British accent, to hear him in 'The Prestige' (with British accent) was a tad jarring.

Giles

Did Christian have a singing role in 'Newsies'? (I havent' seen it)

Giantrobo

I totally agree Giles. And the recent ones have not been "posh" accents.

Patman

up to now, Ewan McGregor has done a wider range of roles (rom-com, musical, action, drama, fantasy).

Giles

obviousily to pay the bills.

Ewan though has his share of stinkers
- Stay
- Valiant
- The Island
- Nightwatch

Jadow

Tom Wopat

Match

I thought this was kind of interesting. I got this from imdb.com
"He has an uncanny ear for accents - he has used a different accent for each of his films to date."

NoirFan

He's so versatile, he can play Kermit the Frog.

iamiam

Another vote for Ed Norton. One of the finest actors of our time.

KongHeart

No he isn't. He can't do comedy. Michael Keaton is 100 times better actor and was the best Batman. He can do comedy and drama both and dominate the movie screen. Bale Cant.

Seantn

When has Bale done a comedy?

nightmaster

Bale is a great actor and is plenty versatile but there are lots of old school actors who can lay claim to being able to pull off lots of different roles. Gene Hackman and Sean Connery were incredibly busy actors who played all sorts of roles.

RichC2

I like Ed Norton, versatile though he isn't. Though to his credit, not many of his roles really required it of him.

Christian Bale is fairly versatile and I give him props for that, disagree about Keaton, though I do like the guy (and FWIW, Bale is imo, the best Bruce Wayne, and Kevin Conroy is the best Bats, animated or not.)

JackBurton

Ever see American Psycho?

Goat3001

newsies!

Jazzbutcher

I gotta go with Oldman, but have to give props to Kurt Russell.

The man has done everything: televison (numerous roles, including the Charles Whitman biopic Deadly Tower and a kickass Elvis Presley), family-oriented fare (Strongest Man in the World, Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Sky High), Sci Fi & Horror (The Thing, Escape From New York, Stargate), Comedy (Overboard, Captain Ron, Big Trouble in Little China,Used Cars) and Drama (Silkwood, Tombstone, Backdraft)

Solid Snake

I think Bale is one of those rare actors that pop up that can heavily take a Summer blockbuster film and do an independent film and both be good consistently. I mean look at the film he did about the POW, Red Dawn I think it was...or is that that 80s Commie takeover flick? He's bankable, he's a fine actor, and he doesn't mind small roles. But his roles do tend to be these psychological kind of figures..so...I assume he heavily prefers thsoe than say.....a role like...in a Tarantino film. Where the characters are what they are and that's good for Tarantino, but for Bale I dunno. Though..that'd be interesting...Bale in a Tarantino flick...hmmmmm

EDIT: It's Rescue Dawn....fucking huge difference in the type of films they are..lol

islandclaws

Johnny Depp. He's my standard answer for most film role questions like this. I'm always convinced that Depp can play almost anything. Obviously, as with anyone, there are some roles he'd never be able to nail ( I can't see him as Batman) but I feel he'd be able to do a great job in just about any film.

iamiam

Did you even see Death to Smoochy?