Your post only shows how well educated you are about fine movies and teh true art of acting. Bale is the new Bob de Niro of the industry.
Bateman is a character that every male can relate in a way or another, specially if you're in your late 20s to the beginning of your 30s and has a career going on.
When preparing for THE MACHINIST, Bale went on a very hardcore food regimen, he looked terrible, cadaveric to the fullest. He almost starved to death to fit in the role for the movie, almost to the brink of being hospitalized.
Right after The Machinist, Bale turned 180 degrees to gain muscular weight to interpret BATMAN on Batman Begins. The guy is a true chameleon, much like DeNiro has been known for at the beginning of his career (see Al Capone , on UNTOUCHABLES)
Yep, he says he was down to eating one apple a day, and after a couple weeks couldn't even eat an apple. He just chain smoked.
I just read his interview in GQ. Little known fact, he's British. Guess it's not that little known. Anyways, you guys should see Harsh Times, his latest. He plays a wigger in the Bario (sp?). Anyways, for any of you dudes that grew up in not so great neighborhoods, this guy should remind you of some of your friends. Awesome accent in the movie.
I kinda think he gets shit on recognition wise, but from what i read on the nerd forums, the new Batman should solidify him as the best Batman of all time (i think Michael Keaton's got that spot now).
Anyways, who's interested in joining team Patrick Bateman?