What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Chet, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:55:43 GMT

Excellent post Paige. About time someone in the media actually put down an intelligent word or two.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Darla Delles, St. Louis, Missouri — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:58:21 GMT

Well said! They [actors] are simply human and the general public should be thankful that all of their own misdeeds and tantrums aren't put on display as public fodder.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Brian Regal, Dallas, TX — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:58:45 GMT

I couldn't agree more about Bale. He's one of the most talented actors working today (even if his intentional voice graveling in 'The Dark Knight' does go a little too far). His performance in 'The Machinist' was superb and from that alone, he deserves some slack. The same goes for Joaquin Phoenix. His banter with Letterman was classic even if it was a put-on. It is a put on, by the way. That's a fact.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Doug, Dallas — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:58:54 GMT

These people make millions to play pretend on the big screen. That doesn't give them the right to belittle what they perceive as their underlings.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Doug, Iowa — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:11:03 GMT

I'd have to disagree with you. People need to be held accountable for their actions. And people like yourself, who give irresponsible or ghoulish behavior a pass simply because that person is a celebrity, do nothing more than encourage the behavior.

If celebrities expect praise and admiration from the public, then they need to earn it and not feel they're entitled to it no matter what they do or how they act.

The public is always willing to give a celebrity an outpouring of good will when the celebrity does something good (such as helping charities, donating to causes, etc.) or has a tragic event happen in his/her life. But they also need to expect that same public to condemn their bad actions, too. It's not a one-way street.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Greg Williams, Milford, OH — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:18:56 GMT

While there are many that are interested in defending the rant and roll of Bale and Phoenix, it all comes down to this: Don't judge; everyone has their day. Was it a mistake to rant at a fellow movie staffer? Ask the person who was the brunt of the tirade. Was Phoenix doing something wrong when he went on a comedy variety show and made people laugh? Ask Letterman, who got some great press and attention.

Bale and Phoenix... how many of us have had such a moment. And how many would lament our bad side? I can think of many moments when I wasn't so suave in front of people. Remember that before we call others up on the carpet.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Kevin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:41:54 GMT

Phoenix was harmless, but I might have shot Bale if he went off on me like that. He is an utter a-hole, and there was NO excuse.

I really wish he had gotten his ass kicked, but unfortunately that was unrealistic.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Robert Springer, Cincinnati, ohio — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:45:51 GMT

I do not agree with your statement that being in character is a reason to berate and verbally abuse another human being. And to say "We all have bad days" is yet another excuse to not be accountable for your behavior. Yes, I have my bad days and if I treated anyone near me even 1/10th the way Bale treated the director of photography I would be fired - I would be held accountable. In today's age of media expediancy - that is what is taking place - the public is asking for Bale to be accountable and then we encounter writers such as yourself who want the public to give him a break because he had a bad day - nope, sorry that does not fly. I had respect for him and the fact that he did apologize; however, the simple fact that the media wishes to continue make excuses (even after the apology) makes me realize that they do not want to accept the apology - afterall they would not have anything good to exercise their jaws and fingers with. As for Phoenix - well, he just appeared to be in a pathetic state and regardless of the reason - going on Letterman in that fashion is a simple cry for attention and a sad cry at that.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

jersey girl — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:49:23 GMT

I agree with you. I work in an office and sometimes people here lose their tempers, it may not be to the extent that Christian Bale did but so what. He was on a movie set in the middle of a scene with another professional who should've known better. If it wasn't for some jealous schmuck looking to get their 15 mins of fame, and immediately taping it and selling it to the highest bidder none of us would even know about this incident. Christian Bale is an incredible actor, so what he flipped out one time, he didnt beat the crap out of anyone, shoot them, run them down with his car. I think we could do without TMZ, YouTube, and all these other stupid gossip sites, and things set up for the sole purpose of humiliating someone or to make someone else feel more important

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

T Wash Richmond, Va — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:50:42 GMT

Enjoyed the article.

I think that most people who disagree with what Bale, Phelps, Phoenix, etc...have done, are people who are very quick to judge while living in their own blue bubbles. This includes those who enjoy the remixes and the jokes/parodies while trashing the actions that was the subject of these jokes. Interesting, and to me seems very hypocritical. Misguided calls and errors in judgement are human frailities that are a part of life. Anyone who claims that they are above these type of acts are lying to themselves and everyone around them. Just because they are actors, or athletes, or the size of their paychecks may be different, does not make them any less human than the public.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jamie, Philly — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:52:49 GMT

I agree with the article absolutely. Put your life on display & it probably wouldn't be so pretty. Also imagine getting yourself worked up & angry so you can play a character, you can't just turn off a mood at the snap of a finger...If you think you can, try it....

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jerry, Illinois — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:08:07 GMT

Doug, Iowa
Doug, Dallas

I’m not sure if you understand that they don’t have a job like you 2. They don’t go to work and try to keep it cool regarding of what’s going on inside their head. They have to try to forget their own mental state and get into somebody else’s shoes so they can deliver a believable performance. They are not engineers or constructions workers they are artists and their tool is emotion.
We can thank all the pigs (all media) for making of this something worth taking about.
I don’t care if an actor does whatever. I care about his performance in front of the screen. That’s what I judge. That’s what they get paid millions; not for being your cool boy next door. That's why he is in front of the camera and the other guy is holding a machine with a big bulb.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Anne — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:11:09 GMT

I half-agree with you. We do expect good behavior from celebrities, but I also think that's part of their job. However, everyone has bad days, and I have certainly yelled at someone unfairly. Thankfully, no one was there to tape it, and I can apologize privately.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Lemish, Minneapolis — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:16:37 GMT

Yeah.... some dude who (allegedly) beats his own mom and sister should totally get some slack, I mean they were probably asking for it right? And anyone who suggests that his complete freakout at that director shows a clear pattern of severe anger issues and lack of control just doesn't understand that the poor guy had a hard day....

Anyone who defends this type of behavior (Paige Newman) should be ashamed of themselves.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jeff B., San Diego, CA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:19:54 GMT

I couldn't agree more with this article. Who amongst us has never gotten frustrated or upset at a coworker, friend, or family member? Compound that with the nature of having to put your emotions into the role you're performing and you're going to have incidents like this. I can guarantee you this isn't the first time (or last) that this has happened, this just got caught on tape.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

T Wash, Richmond VA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:45:43 GMT

Incidentally, this is such old news, but seeing as how it was brought up, Bale did not "beat" his mother and sister. It was "verbal assault". His own mother and sister said so. He didn't lay a finger on them. Charges were unfounded by law enforcement after finding out that it was a shakedown by the mother/sister for money out of Bale. This happened within a week of the infamous audio rant by Bale. Dare I say the man was under intense pressure. Could any of us have withstood the pressure without breaking? And I also should mention that...the audio tape was taped illegally...not for consumption for the public to hear. This was on a closed movie set. Bale didn't rip this guy a new one in front of millions of people, however, ironically, that's exactly what the media helped to do to the DP when they released the tape. Bale apologized to the DP, cast/crew the day it happened according to Bryce Howard, who was there when this happened, and he now has apologized a second time to the world, who was not there when it happened. Bale has apologized twice for an incident that happened nearly a year ago. Most people have a problem apologizing for something they have done just one time.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Noelle — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:45:48 GMT

Please. If there is actually an actor out there that hasn't had that kind of meltdown on a set, I'd be surprised. The big difference is that Bale was recorded and someone decided to leak it. It's not right, but it was a moment in time. Did we hear what went on later, when he realized what he did? No. That would be boring.

I have also been personal witness to much worse behavior in a professional office. And the person was not held accountable because they were a successful sales rep, that was just "his personality". So to think that kind of stuff does not happen in the real world? Very naive.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

PLF, Pasadena CA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:47:38 GMT

It all boils down to, would you want someone to behave toward YOU the way Bale treated his co-worker? Could you just shrug a rant like that off and forgive him for having a "bad day" if you received it and the entire world heard it. There's never an excuse for being an a**hole. He's done some fine work but he's not the actor of our generation. There are too many more far better than he. He should feel lucky the guy didn't file harrassment charges.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

mamala — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:49:35 GMT

I think the two actors mentioned in this article are pretty similar people. Intense, intensely committed to their craft and intensely uncomfortable with the other side of being a successful actor - the media spotlight. I'm more familiar with Bale's story, but I think we can all assume it is similar for Phoenix considering the terrible loss he's suffered (publicly). These guys know no one is really spending much time looking into extenuating circumstances after hearing initial reports. For example, the "assault" charge against Bale involving his mom and sister. A. The charges were dropped. B. The charges were NEVER for physical assault, but a similar tongue lashing (which is considered "verbal" assault in UK). C. Both events happened within days of each other during a particularly intense period of promotion of Dark Knight world-wide and filming T4. Hey, he sounded like a pr*ck to me on that tape, too. But, if you take the time to download that and judge (and apparently care THIS MUCH about the whole thing), then I hope you'll also take the time to listen to his on-air apology. Pretty compelling. Either way I think we can all probably assume that (despite Doug from Iowa's comment above) neither of these guys really expects or requires the admiration of the public to do their work. And will both likely continue creating rich characters for us to enjoy for a very long time.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

K M — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:56:12 GMT

I agree absolutely. Nice to see some common sense expressed.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Dave Roberts, Claremont, California — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:20:55 GMT

People have always loved gossip, especially about celebrities, and the juicier the better.

Celebrities have always craved publicity, any publicity, believing there's no such thing as bad publicity.

One feeds off the other and those who provide profit.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Bernice Spina — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:46:52 GMT

Joaquin I think was having fun on the David Letterman Show. I love his acting and I think he is a good guy. I just wish he would go back to acting. Anything he does on screen, big and small, is always excellent.

As for Chritian Bale, he certainy should have apologize fo rhis behavior. At least Joaquin was not rude to anyone, just having fun.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Eli Castroverde, Manila — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:53:24 GMT

For those who say that people should be held accountable for their actions are right. And I think that that was what Christian Bale was doing to the DP. He called out that guy for being unprofessional.

This guy, the DP, wasn't some hapless victim who did no wrong. He was a known light fiddler who fiddled with the lights at the most inappropriate times. Bale had already brought this up with the DP guy in a polite manner and the guy totally does it again. So having Christian calling him out on his crappy behaviour actually falls under the "people should be held accountable for their actions" umbrella.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

No Longer a Bale Fan — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:08:43 GMT

Apparently - based on the replies above - if you are a celebrity then; a) your job is by far the most intense and hence your tantrums are ok, b) flying off is ok because your face is in the media more than others and c) acting is tough thus-there-by-default you are not accountable for your actions. Come off of it people - I can name a few dozen jobs more intense then "Getting into character mode to be realistic", all these points are just excuses - simple as that. I am imagining that the majority of the people who say Bale can be excused for this are the same type of people who simple do not hold themselves accountable. Again a very pathetic excuse and I for one will just avoid going to see his movies - that is my choice - one I am free to make.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jordan, St. Louis, Missouri — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:28:30 GMT

"If an opera singer went on a screaming rant, it would be OK." I couldn't disagree more. It's never "OK" for one human being to belittle another human being. To insinuate Bale was singled out for who he is, is completely ridiculous. They're being paid the big bucks to entertain us, so they do have a responsibility to act with a little more dignity and respect towards others. They are "just people," but if they chose their profession which happens to come with the spotlight and celebrity websites. Everybody should be held accountable for their actions, even celebrities.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Eli Castroverde, Manila — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:31:27 GMT

Oh yeah,for those who say that Bale should treat others the way he wants others to treat him. Well flip that and put the DP guy in that position.

The DP guy wants to be treated with respect? Well he should have been respectful of his co-workers and should have acted as a proffesional on the set. If he kept fiddling with the lights during a shoot that would have resulted in many re-takes. Re-takes take time, money and effort. Bale wasn't the only one affected by this guy. The Cameramen, the Cinematographer, the Grip guys, the Stunt Men and the Extras, the Director, etc. They have to re-do all their work because one guy decided he didn't like the way he set the lights.

In the normal world, if you cost the company money because of your bad behaviour, your ass would be gone. This guy is lucky to have kept his job.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Rebecca, Virginia — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:38:41 GMT

The problem with celebrities is that they are in the spotlight, more so now than ever. It's not excusing their behavior to say that they were having an off day. They are essentially treated like animals in a cage and someone else made the comment about the person who taped that and sold it (regarding Bale). I am sure actors in the "good old days" (i.e. 90s and before) have gone off on people they were working with. We live in a different world now where that immediately becomes "important news" now so we know when someone trips and falls.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

GLORIA,CORDOBA ESPAÑA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:41:36 GMT

WELL SAID!ACTORS LIKE BALE DESERVES ALL OUR RESPECT!ART IS NOT LIKE BEING A SECRETARY,FARMER OR WHATEVER, THEY TAKE US TO ANOTHER REALITY WHERE ALL OUR DREAMS AND FELLINGS COME TRUE,LIKE WHEN WE ARE READING A NOVEL, LOOKING AT A PICTURE OR LISTENING TO SOME GOOD MUSIC. I DON´T MIND AT ALL HOW CHIRSTIAN BALE IS DOING TO GET TO THIS LEVEL OR IF HE IS MORE OR LESS CALMED AND TRANQUIL I'M JUST EXPECTING FOR SOMETHING TO TAKE ME AWAY FROM MY DAY BY DAY AND I'LL ALLWAYS BE GRANTED FOR TO MR BALE.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

KendallJaye Springfield, IL — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:41:37 GMT

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I whole heartedly agree with your article and BRAVO for having enough guts to print it!
I've defended Bale's actions to several people. He is a master at his craft (yes, I squirmed uncomfortably through The Machinist.) His intensity is what gives him his edge. Don't expect the man to shut it off like a light switch while he's filming. The DP made a ROOKIE mistake. Not once, but twice. If something I poured my blood, sweat, tears, and soul into was destroyed by someone playing amateur hour, I'd be just as hostile.
For everyone up in arms, I want to ask "what don't you Fing understand?" :)

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Former Fan — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:03:41 GMT

If I ever went into a rage at work like Mr. Bale did, I'm quite sure that I'd be posting this from the PC at the unemployment office. It is one thing to express anger over the DP's error, but for Mr. Bale to continuously berate and belittle the person because he is the "star", is ugly and elitist. I am glad that Mr. Bale's antics were made public, sometimes people need to see their bad behavior from the other side. Now that he as apologized, hopefully he'll think twice before acting so psycho and superior to his co-workers again.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jean,Hillsboro,Oregon — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:16:53 GMT

OK how do we know Bale did not apologize in private? I to have had days where I totally went off on a co-worker, I know not acceptable but in the heat of the moment there it was. No we should not do it but we do, hopefully when we calm down we realize it was wrong and go back to make it right. As far as Joaquin he is a great actor! Although I was taken back by his performance on David Letterman.. I will miss him on the silver screen. Hopefully sometime in the future he will return ready to take it on once more.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Eli Castroverde, Manila — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:27:56 GMT

I don't get how Bale's tirade was elitist. His whole rant was about the guy's lack of professionalism. He never mentioned that he was better than anybody else because he's an actor.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Eli Castroverde, Manila — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:40:30 GMT

On Phoenix, this is not his first interview with Letterman where he acted strange. Awhile back there was an interview where Letterman was asking him something about his birthday and Joaquin replied that he doesn't remember when his birthday was. But that interview pales in comparison to the most recent one. It could be a Letterman thing with him, who knows.

No harm, no foul.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jersey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:48:20 GMT

@Eli
"I don't get how Bale's tirade was elitist. His whole rant was about the guy's lack of professionalism. he never mentioned that he was better than anybody else because he's an actor."

Exactly. The public/media perceived him to "think" this way.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Russ Brown — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:50:12 GMT

This article gave me some very good perspective on these two actors. Thanks for the info...well done. Thanks.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

matt — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:39:39 GMT

Bale doesn't have to apologize to anyone but the light grip, that's it. He doesn't have to apologize to you, me or his fans. He didn't do it out on a public street or at a supermarket. He did it on a closed set. I love how people are so quick to judge other's actions. Pathetic. I would love to see some of these people's skeletons like the two dougs above. Now that would be entertaining.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

James Dean — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:42:07 GMT

You people keep saying that you would have been fired from a job if you treated someone like that. I think it's safe to say that you would be fired because you don't make investors millions of dollars. When you produce lucrative results you are not going to get let go. You will be tolerated even though it isn't right.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Jamie — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:18:19 GMT

Kevin,
I love how tough you are behind the keyboard--so you're saying you'd go to prison for life/get the death penalty just because someone yelled at you for four minutes? Come on.

That's what's been angering me about this whole situation with Christian Bale--everyone--from the entertainment media to the average Joes and Janes on the street--seems to want to harp on about it, more than two weeks after he gave an apology (an apology nobody but the set workers deserved). Yet that *still* hasn't stopped people from making hypocrites out of themselves, as though they've never done anything in public that they regret. People are acting like CB is some sort of Nazi-loving, puppy-kicker just because he was unfortunate enough to have a bad moment released to the public by some loser.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Lynds, Fairfield, CA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:03:24 GMT

Christian had a bad day. I can understand that. But I think Joaquin is a little bit different. I actually think he is screaming for help. I'm afraid that he may end up like the Brother he watched die.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Sandy, Chicago, IL — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:08:26 GMT

Everyone and I mean everyone is capable of a having meltdown, whether in a public forum or private. Unfortunately for Mr. Bale and Mr. Phoenix, they have the celebrity that makes it a national news story. How many of us have used the anonymity of a phone to berate some poor cusomter service agent just trying to do their job? I know I have and I let my anger and frustration take over. I used language I would never have used in a face to face encounter. I felt so ashamed of myself that I called back to formally apologize, just like Mr. Bale did. However, I'm not on the news and I'm not selling newspapers or advertising time like celebrities do.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Kevin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:13:38 GMT

Hey Jamie, I would feel quite threatened by anyone who lost their temper that badly (based on his physique, I suspect roid rage personally). I would give him a chance to back off before I pulled the trigger, but if he advanced one step, it would be self-defense.

That was more than a bad moment. He was an out-of-control spoiled actor. His behavior was unacceptable under any circumstance, and anyone who defends him is a bit off in my opinion.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Dumeril Seven, Austin, TX — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:34:50 GMT

Here's the deal: I heard Bale's rant. If I did that at my job, I'd be fired. If I tried to play the "about the craft" card, I'd get laughed at and then fired. Its one thing to lose your cool, another to be verbally abusive and physically threatening to your co-workers. That's out of line and would get a person fired in most place of employment. Bale got away with it because its Hollywood, he's the star, and he brings the money. The normal rules do not apply, but perhaps they should. As for Phoenix, on that one I agree. He was just strange, but not abusive.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Melanie, Memphis, TN — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:09:37 GMT

I have to agree for the most part. And frankly I don't think Bale was that out of line. It was stated that the guy he yelled at kept walking into his shot. Well, knowing how hard Bale (or most actors, for that part) works to be in character when filming or rehearsing, any idiot (and this guy should be experienced enough to know better) deserves to be reamed for interrupting the process. We all get into snits and over-react from time to time. Christian Bale just had the misfortune of having it recorded and played to the public.

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:14:56 GMT

I could be wrong, but Bale's physique does not seem typical for someone using steroids. He is over 6ft tall, muscular and lean. He works out with a personal trainer and is a vegetarian. Reading is fundamental and jealousy is prevelant.

Back on subject...opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one, and because someone agrees to disagree does not mean that there is something wrong with them. It means that they DISAGREE with you.

Bale was in an emotional scene, he became distracted, lost control, and made it ugly. That's what HE said. HE did not make any excuses for it, HE did not blame anyone but himself when he apologized. HE didn't even blame the person leaking the freaking audio tape when the legal issues were brought up. What more does the public want? He's given you all he's going to give, and I for one, don't blame him. One poster said..."Not a fan anymore"...so what? Gripe all you want...he's not giving you any more. And people have enough nerve to call HIM a spoiled brat?

What's so bad about Bale, Phoenix?

christel hendrickson — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:39:37 GMT

JOUQUIN is the Man!! His EYES say it alone!