I don’t usually bother to check out these gossip tidbits but stuff this juicy is just too good to pass up and when it reaches levels like those we haven’t seen since the David O. Russel vs. Lily Tomlin debacle, you have to take a second look.
I discovered this via the good folks at Cinematical who picked it up from the gossip wires of TMZ. Apparently, the audio was recorded on the set of the upcoming Terminator Salvation when some poor schmuck, from the sounds of it the cinematographer, walked into a scene in the middle of shooting. Bale loses it and let’s the f-bombs fly as he rips the guy, if it is indeed the cinematographer that would be Shane Hurlbut, a new one.
On the one hand, I find this a little humourous and on the other a little scary because I can just picture Bale screaming, red-faced, veins and eyes popping.
This is really not safe for work as every second word is the f-bomb but if you’re really curious, just be sure to turn down the volume a little. Now that you’ve been warned, check out the audio here.
This discussion currently has 63 responses.
you are all so well-adjusted and interested in everything...
February 2, 2009
Hehehe .. Now get a reserve=ation @ Dorsia you *bleep-bleep-bleep*
February 2, 2009
Wow. Of course without seeing what’s going on it’s hard to say, but can you say “over-reaction?” What a dick. At one moment it sounds like he actually begins to walk over to the guy with the intent of doing physical harm. And he calls him unprofessional?
And yes, he mentions the name “Shane” in his rant and does say DP. So you are right Marina, it’s definitely Shane Hurlbut – who’s worked on many films before.
February 2, 2009
“can you say “over-reaction?” What a dick”
Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.
February 2, 2009
Jeez. I think Bale has let his recent success go to his head. Sounds like his ego rivals that of Russell Crowe. Poor DP. I’ve worked on film sets and the crew never gets the recognition they deserve for all the hard work they do. And they definitely don’t deserve to be treated like this over one tiny mistake, which the guy was clearly sorry for. I hope this publicity forces Bale to think over his actions and give a public apology.
February 2, 2009
Wow, Shane Hurlbut went to the same school my brother goes to. That’s awesome.
February 2, 2009
Ha ha. Bale better relax. His job’s really not that serious. If he were a neurosurgeon, maybe. He’s making a movie about killer robots.
February 2, 2009
Not to disagree that it was an overreaction, but if a DP is repeatedly walking into a shot then he’s a moron.
February 2, 2009
lol wut?
February 2, 2009
[...] a comment » I first heard about it on Defamer then saw a subsequent post at Row Three linking to Cinematical and to the ultimate source, [...]
February 2, 2009
I love when these incidents see the light of day…
I work in film, have spent a lot of time on sets, and have to admit that MOST actors I’ve come into contact with are complete idiots. Seeing them in interviews acting so phony really drives me crazy, so when the general public gets to see/hear these things it sheds some light on who these people actually are. I hope Bale really eats this one – he’s an idiot.
February 2, 2009
Take into consideration that we don’t hear any of the lead up. Working with actors ain’t easy but what they do isn’t easy either. Someone walking into a scene, which is what sounded like what happened.. in the background, is ridiculous. Ridiculous. Waste of time, money and concentration and possibly can spoil a moment that can never be created again.
February 3, 2009
Well, if the scene isn’t properly lit, then the scene is equally ruined. I understand that getting a good performance is very difficult and very very difficult to keep doing in multiple takes. But that is Bale’s job, and on a major, massive scale film like Terminator 4, there is bound to be several interruptions from the crew members.
The big problem here is McG who just kowtows to Bale and doesn’t do his fucking job, which is mainly “TO DIRECT” the set. He should have told Bale to take a moment, and then should have consulted with his DP instead of letting this abuse go on. That is bad management.
Sure we don’t know all the details, but a good director should be paying attention to this sort of thing so it never reaches a point like this.
So really, this is an epic fail for McG.
February 3, 2009
Readjusting the lights during a take isn’t going to fix anything either Kurt. If the DP is repeatedly not getting the scene prepared before tape roles then he is failing at his job.
I’m sure McG is kowtowing because Bale is far more important to the film then he is, and he knows it.
February 3, 2009
Matt: Both fair observations. I think Bruce Franklin who is referred to in the recording was actually directing the scene (he is the AD and also one of the producers of the film). I’m sure a number of people are all trying to get their job done simultaneously on an expensive and short shooting schedule, so yea, pressures are going to run high. My point is that when things explode the director should be stepping in and taking charge of the situation to keep things moving with the minimal of bad-blood and off-the-hook screaming.
February 3, 2009
Unless you are David O Russell… I want to see him team up with Bale… probably a youtube splice in the works as we speak.
February 3, 2009
I think Bale is taking up the batshit crazy mantle that Brando once held.
February 3, 2009
Yup. As I think about it, context means nothing in this situation. No one should behave like this at work. No one. I mean what kind of person goes after someone else at work with the intent to kick his/her ass? That is the definition of “assaninity.” Bale just lost a lot of my respect… unfortunately.
February 3, 2009
This dance remix is the friggin’ funniest thing I’ve heard in ages!
February 3, 2009
And Andrew: completely agree.
February 3, 2009
http://balevsoreilly.ytmnd.com/
oh jesus
February 3, 2009
Christian Bale needs to be knocked down a peg or two. Right, I get it. You’re Batman. And the savior of planet Earth from killer robots.
The ironic thing is threatening someone at work is about as unprofessional as you can get.
February 3, 2009
I like him even more because of this. Is that strange?
February 3, 2009
Ashley: a bit repetitive, but funny none the less.
Though I like Goon’s link better. That made me smile. While at the outset I’d say Bill O has no chance, he is like 6’5 or something and when he’s raging, watch out.
February 3, 2009
From the sounds of it, I believe Shane was adjusting a light that was not in the shot, but he was in Bale’s sight.
Andrew, completely agree. So unprofessional.
Kurt, completely agree. It is not Bale’s job to manage the crew.
February 3, 2009
“Well, if the scene isn’t properly lit, then the scene is equally ruined. I understand that getting a good performance is very difficult and very very difficult to keep doing in multiple takes. But that is Bale’s job, and on a major, massive scale film like Terminator 4, there is bound to be several interruptions from the crew members.”
It’s the DP’s job to make sure the scene is properly lit before a take. As you mentioned, if it’s not properly lit, it’s equally ruined. If there are adjustments to be made, it should be happening between takes. Doesn’t seem like there’s any point doing it in the middle to me. Wouldn’t that just screw with the continuity mid-scene?
“The big problem here is McG who just kowtows to Bale and doesn’t do his fucking job, which is mainly “TO DIRECT” the set. He should have told Bale to take a moment, and then should have consulted with his DP instead of letting this abuse go on. That is bad management.”
I wouldn’t be so quick to try and use this as an excuse to slam McG Kurt (Not that I particularly feel the need to defend him). I would think the 1st AD should’ve been taking care of business as it is HIS job to manage the set and make sure everything is running smoothly. It’s also the DP’s job not to walk around on set during the take. What McG should’ve been doing is figuring out how to use Bale’s anger to his advantage in the scene.
February 3, 2009
Let me digress for just a sec…
According to Film Junk site it was the “most emotional scene in the film.”
http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/02/03/terminator-salvation-assistant-director-responds-to-christian-bale-meltdown/
So riddle me this… why was the Assistant Director sitting in McG’s chair on the most important day?
February 3, 2009
I’ll reproduce (roughly) my comment over at FilmJunk here:
“pfft. It’s Terminator 4. ‘most emotional scene?’ Puh-lease.”
February 3, 2009
TyWebb: If you listen to the clip again, it’s very clear that McG is present and trying to calm him down. Christian even says his “name”, G.
February 3, 2009
@ Jay C…
You’re right, at 1:18 Bale says “McG, do you have something to say to this prick?”
February 3, 2009
It’s completely justified to get angry at somebody if you think they are fucking you over needlessly.
February 3, 2009
Yep. It’s okay to get angry. It’s not okay to threaten, and I believe these were his exact words, ‘I’m going to kick your fucking ass.’ That’s a crime.
Let’s practice what us big kids like to call ‘self control’.
February 3, 2009
I wish people were using hash tags on Twitter with the new turn of events which centers on Harry’s stance that he won’t post the gossip. It’s pretty freakin’ hysterical to follow along with the back and forth.
February 3, 2009
It’s not okay to threaten, and I believe these were his exact words, ‘I’m going to kick your fucking ass.’ That’s a crime.
And the winner of the Henrik is ….
February 3, 2009
I have no douche vs. acceptable opinion. This whole thing is just funny. Thats where my bias goes.
February 3, 2009
“And the winner of the Henrik is ….”
Huh?
February 3, 2009
Doesn’t change my opinion of him any more than knowing the antics and outbursts of Klaus Kinski or Marlon Brando change my opinion of them.
Doesn’t bug me any at all. Amusing, definitely, and I admit to being curious as to how he will respond when an interviewer inevitably brings this up. As long as interviewers don’t have to sign a contract agreeing to not talk about it or something.
I love that remix though, Ashley. CATCHY!
February 4, 2009
a well reasoned take over at Chud:
http://chud.com/articles/articles/18020/1/THE-DEVIN039S-ADVOCATE-CHEER-UP-CHRISTIAN-BALE-PART-2/Page1.html
February 4, 2009
‘The problem with the guy is that he seems like an angry asshole who takes himself too seriously so he needs to prove that he doesn’t take himself too seriously (even if he actually takes himself too seriously, which I suspect is the case). He should be on the phone to Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller right now.’
Goon, great article.
February 4, 2009
How is it a problem to take yourself too seriously? I think it’s just a case of all the moronic fanboys wishing Christian Bale was their father, now feeling deep disappointment within their hearts when it turns out he is not worthy of worshipping as a moral compass.
I think his fit is awesome, and I am in his corner on this one. He may be a shitty actor, but McG and his team have never worked with anybody who gave a shit about their performance, so they probably suck to work with if you take pride in your acting.
February 4, 2009
“How is it a problem to take yourself too seriously?”
Why am I not surprised it is you who are the one who ends up saying this
I mean geez Henrik, we’re not talking about people who take themselves seriously, we are talking about people who take themselves TOO seriously.
too (adverb) – to an excessive extent or degree; beyond what is desirable, fitting, or right
If you take yourself too seriously, you may just you know, start hitting and yelling at people? In situations that don’t merit that level of response? That may not be a good thing for yourself, others, or your career.
“McG and his team have never worked with anybody who gave a shit about their performance”
David Straitharn and Ian McShane never gave a shit about their performance? Bill Murray? Sam Rockwell? Luke Wilson?
Just because McG is a dork doesn’t give you license to say whatever the fuck you want and have it be true.
Geez. Fuck.
February 4, 2009
anyways the only ‘scandal’ this week I actually really give a fuck about is the Super Bowl lip syncing, not because I really give a damn about lip syncing, but the excuses are so sad and pathetic it angers the blood:
“This was such an important performance, because it’s the first time everyone has seen Jennifer.”
“There’s too many variables to go live. I would never recommend any artist go live, because the slightest glitch would devastate the performance.”
Thanks weasel headed producer, for letting us know that the Super Bowl national anthem is too important to actually do live. You just justified everything the American media criticised the Chinese for doing at their opening ceremonies. You see, there’s just too many variables to let the girl who is actually singing the song actually perform live, becuase the slightest glitch in her imperfect face would devastate the performance. It’s such an important performance, because it’s the first time China truly opened up to the world. Excuses excuses.
February 4, 2009
If a woman had done this I would lay down money a lot of the people sticking up for Bale (I mean in general, not necessarily on this board) wouldn’t be so quick to defend. If Nicole Kidman threw a tantrum, it wouldn’t matter if she was right or wrong. She’d just be a ‘bitch’.
February 4, 2009
Isn’t all the Super Bowl stuff lip synching though?
I guess I just rephrase, my point is that with artists, who is to judge what is too much? If he was like that at his dinner table every night and I was in his family, I would tell him he took himself too seriously, but as an artist doing art, this is nothing. I think Stanley Kubrick was awesome when he made Shelley Duvall and Scatman Crothers cry during the making of a movie, that’s fucking dedication, you have any idea how akward it is to make somebody else cry? It’s all for the final product. Artists are allowed to be as big assholes as they want, and we will judge the as artists, and not as people.
I guess too should be left out.
Have you seen Sam Rockwell in Charlies Angels? Was he the bad guy in that? I have not seen that plane movie McG did.
“David Straitharn and Ian McShane never gave a shit about their performance? Bill Murray? Sam Rockwell? Luke Wilson?”
This is entirely possible though. Bill Murray? That guy is cynical, he’s done alot of stuff for the cash. You think he cares about Garfield? Luke Wilson, are you kidding me? Of course he does shit without caring. Same for the rest of them, entirely possible. When you go make a movie like Charlies Angels Full Throttle or whatever, you don’t do it for the art, you do it for the paycheck, or if you’re lucky to have some fun while you’re earning.
February 4, 2009
“Isn’t all the Super Bowl stuff lip synching though?”
By this, I mean the halftime shows.
February 4, 2009
“Isn’t all the Super Bowl stuff lip synching though?”
Maybe, but its the first time Ive heard of it.
So… to recap. You insist that McG doesnt work with people who care about their performance, and when I give you a list of noteworthy actors, you make your assumptions that maybe they dont care.
Yet you dont consider we could also make the assumptions that Bale doenst care about his performance either and was just letting off steam, and assume he’s a douchebag. I mean if thats the game we’re playing to let ourselves off the hook for absolutely retarded statements, game on.
What the fuck is wrong with you today? You are reaching new levels of absurd.
February 4, 2009
When has McG made a performance-heavy movie, or a movie relying on a performance in any way? In the movies I’ve seen by him, performance was probably 6th or 7th on the list of priorities to make the movie work, but he might just be some sort of chameleon person who can do it all and the ones I’ve seen have just been ones that didn’t call for performances.
I think Christian Bale cares an insane amount about his performances though, even if it’s in nonsense like Batman or The Machinist or American Psycho or DragonHunters. The clip seems to suggest the same.
February 4, 2009
what is the big deal if she lip synced? that happens constantly and jesus christ, the woman’s mother and brother were MURDERED AND SHOT IN THE HEAD just a matter of a couple of months ago.
also, what is with the “people wouldn’t be giving a woman a break” crap? if it was somebody that was an intense actress like Kate Winslet, i would defend her too. Bale is an intesne actor and people know this. he doesn’t hide it. he isn’t very personable outside of his movie making it seems. so, something like this isnt a surprise and it doesn’t change my view of him as an actor. got it?
February 4, 2009
I say if you can’t handle singing, you probably shouldn’t pretend that you can handle singing. It isn’t worth it.
February 4, 2009
I like how the DP is now being thrown under a bus. Now various crew members have been going public claiming the guys was “the most hated person on set” and that Bale was the only person willing to take him on.
February 4, 2009
henrik, it wasn’t her idea. it was the producer’s idea. go on all you want about the fact that she could have said no, but ultimately it is the producer’s idea.
as for the DP, he probably DID deserve it.
February 4, 2009
if anything i have lost all respect for McG.
February 4, 2009
“In the movies I’ve seen by him, performance was probably 6th or 7th on the list of priorities to make the movie work”
So my point still stands, if you’re making assumptions on how much the actors care about their work based on assumptions on what priority McG puts acting, I’m free to speculate right back based on Bale joining McG in a movie.
“what is the big deal if she lip synced? that happens constantly and jesus christ, the woman’s mother and brother were MURDERED AND SHOT IN THE HEAD just a matter of a couple of months ago.”
Neither of those is an excuse and I don’t know how the holy hell you came to the conclusion that they were.\
“henrik, it wasn’t her idea. it was the producer’s idea. ”
She agreed to do it. She wanted the ‘comeback’ exposure of the Super Bowl without doing the actual work of performing live. Fuck that shit. I didn’t see Bruce Springsteen up there pretending to strum a guitar.
February 4, 2009
whatever. lip syncing is a reality. whoopedymotherfuckingdoopedy. who gives a shit.
February 4, 2009
Bruce looked like he was lip synching his first number. Various half time acts have lip synched in the past and the National Anthem has been lip synched for years now.
February 4, 2009
Well Matt apparently you’re wrong, and that Bruce’s vocals were the ONLY thing that happened live at the Super Bowl
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/148938-e-street-band-didnt-play-live-at-the-super-bowl-omg
“who gives a shit.”
Say you somehow scored front row tickets to see your favorite band, and they show up live, but then they air band their hits. You could watch your friends do that for free.
February 4, 2009
Goon, to give Ralph a little credit, he is talking about lip syncing the national anthem before a football game, not a concert that people paid tickets for – unless somebody paid to go to the Super Bowl specifically to see Hudson sing.
I see the absurdity in it (why do people fear the possibility of imperfection that much?), but it isn’t really a big deal and I’m not sure why anyone really cares.
February 4, 2009
Did anyone see Blagojevich’s Bale reference on Letterman last night? This thing is everywhere.
February 4, 2009
It’s about the excuses they made up to justify it Jonathan, from the producers who say that they had to assure it was ‘perfect’ to the dumb excuse here of her family being dead.
February 4, 2009
*shrugs* I get what you’re saying, but I don’t know. I just can’t get worked up over something like that. It’s just a producer saving face, a producer being a producer. Regardless, it doesn’t really change my opinion of what I saw for those couple of minutes. I could care less. But that is obviously just me.
February 4, 2009
Isn’t the halftime show acts done like the eurovision song contest, in that everything EXCEPT the main vocals is playback? Bruce may have been singing, but he might actually HAVE been pretending to strum his guitar.
February 5, 2009
Well Matt apparently you’re wrong, and that Bruce’s vocals were the ONLY thing that happened live at the Super Bowl
Possibly, it was clear in every song but the first he was actually singing, but when you have a 60yo man running around the stage and never once is out of breath during the song that screams lip synching. Do I care? Nope. It’s been done for ages and is done in all sorts of entertainment, movies being a perfect example. Pretty much all dialog in a film is dubbed, sound effects are dubbed, music is dubbed in, so according to you what is the point? Might as well have your friends act out The Dark Knight.
February 6, 2009
The F-bomb free apology.
February 6, 2009
I find his lack of cursing disturbing.