Christian Bale's Weight Loss for The Machinist: This Dedicated Actor Lost a Whapping 63 Pounds to Play the Lead in This Movie

In mentioning the name, Christian Bale, most immediately associate him with Batman Begins, which was released in the summer of 2005 to the joy of avid Batman fans.  However, there are a few that also recognize that name with the darker suspense-filled movie, The Machinist.  

When The Machinist was first being talked about after its release in festivals around the country, the talk amidst all movie-goers was Christian Bale's dramatic weight loss.  Standing 6' exactly (according to IMDb.com) and normally weighing at 185 pounds, it was a shock to view his body withering away in this role.  

He lost a staggering 63 pounds for the role.  Much to my surprise, it wasn't at the advice of director, Brad Anderson.  Anderson is quoted as saying he never requested Bale lose as much weight as he did.  I was completely shocked by this because if this wasn't at the request or demand of the director, then why in the world would you care to lose that much meat off of your bones?!

In reading an article about this topic, Christian Bale answers questions about his mind-boggling weight loss for his role as Trevor Reznik (no relation to the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails).  Bale states that he never thought, at the time, that his dramatic weight loss would pose any health threat to his body.  He is quoted as saying, "I had what could be called a kind of stupid feeling of invincibility, like, 'Oh I can do it. I can manage it.' "  

Thank God he did because if he didn't fill the shoes of Batman, I don't know what I would've done.  His weight loss wasn't part of a specific diet or elimination of certain foods.  In fact, it was the elimination of almost all foods and a lot of exercise.  His exercise did not involve any type of weight lifting.  He only want to lose the fat and keep from bulking up at the same time.  His goal for the movie was to look like as if he had not slept for a year.  I'm sure I can vouch for everyone who's seen the movie that he definitely achieved this goal.