Latest news with #ChristianBale
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Don't miss these 3 Netflix movies all with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes – they're all leaving soon!
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As all of the best streaming services give their libraries a refresh, there's plenty of new Netflix movies to watch this month – however, 'in with the new' also means 'out with the old', with a host of content set to leave the streamer in the coming weeks. While plenty of the best Netflix movies will be around to stream for a while yet, some flicks don't make the cut, so to keep you ahead of the game, we've picked out three movies that you'll want to make sure you catch before the service bids them farewell. From superhero action, to gangster epics and moving romance, there's something for all tastes, so if you're looking to make the most out of your Netflix subscription, we've got you, with these three classic movies that you'll want to catch before they're gone. Leaving Netflix: Sunday, June 1Runtime: 152 minutesMain cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary OldmanDirector: Christopher Nolan The middle chapter in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight is considered by many to be among the greatest superhero movies ever made. The films follows the efforts of Batman (Christian Bale), Gotham PD lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to crack down on organized crime, that is until the Joker (Heath Ledger) surfaces and begins to create anarchy across the city, kicking off a chain of events that have personal ramifications for all three men. The film was released to huge acclaim back in 2008, particularly for Ledger's Academy Award-winning portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime which critics have called 'one of the best performances of the last twenty years.' But while that performance in particular dominated review headlines back in 2008, Little White Lies point out 'as gigantic as it was, it is only one important feature of an intricately wrought canvas.' The Independent echoed much of the critical sentiment regarding the deft way the film grounds a big superhero movie in an realistic setting, saying 'Among the great strengths of The Dark Knight is the way it combines hardboiled naturalism with the kind of stunts and set-pieces you expect in summer blockbusters.' Taken as a whole, Nolan's trilogy is a masterclass in blockbuster cinema and perhaps the director's best work, but as a stand alone film, The Dark Knight requires little foreknowledge and will have you gripped from opening titles to closing credits. Leaving Netflix: Sunday, June 1Runtime: 146 minutesMain cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul SorvinoDirector: Martin Scorsese Another epic film about male angst from a legendary filmmaker, Goodfellas sees Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi adapt Pileggi's book, Wiseguy. Often brought up in the same conversation as The Godfather, Goodfellas is perhaps the magnum opus of Scorsese's gangster film output. The film charts the rise and fall of Mafia member Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) along with his associates, including Robert De Niro's Jimmy Conway and Joe Pesci's Tommy DeVito. Starting in 1955, the film follows Henry's journey from his rundown Irish-Italian neighborhood in New York, to his rise through the ranks of an organized crime syndicate, ending in 1980 with his entry into the FBI's witness protection programme. Critics have praised the nuance of the film and its realistic portrayal of a world many movies depict as glamorous. Screen Rant called it 'a sobering cautionary tale warning against a life of crime,' while The Telegraph commented that 'seldom has violence been portrayed less glamorously or with more moral effectiveness.' Other critics have noted its importance among Scorsese's body of work, with The Times calling it 'the one towards which all his subsequent films have been reaching,' while Film4 says the film is 'arguably Scorsese's finest hour.' If you're in the mood for an epic journey through the moralities, the lure and the consequences of a life of crime, you could do a lot worse than one of the godfathers of gangster cinema. Leaving Netflix: Tuesday, June 17Runtime: 119 minutesMain cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, Kyle ChandlerDirector: Todd Haynes Based on Patricia Highsmith's book The Price of Salt, Carol is a beautiful portrayal of forbidden love between two women in 1950s New York. Cate Blanchett plays Carol, a woman going through a divorce, struggling to find happiness in the world around her. Entering a department store to buy her daughter a toy train for Christmas, she lays eyes on store assistant Therese (Rooney Mara) and finds herself instantly in love. Conspiring to meet Therese again via a toy delivery and a missing pair of gloves, Carol insights a friendship that soon blossoms into a captivating romance. Drawing favorable comparisons to Brief Encounter, Carol wowed critics on release, while earning Academy Award nominations for both Blanchett and Mara, whose performances Herald Sun called 'Achingly precise (and unexpectedly poignant).' Many reviews praised the cinematography and direction from Todd Haynes, with Flickering Myth saying 'there isn't a single scene that is anything less than stunning to look at,' while RTÉ called it 'a sensuous, enchanting piece of work.' A gorgeous and moving romance, you'll want to catch the film Next Best Picture called 'a timeless love story' on Netflix while you still can. For more Netflix TV show-based coverage, read our guides on Stranger Things season 5, One Piece season 2, Squid Game season 3, and Knives Out 3.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
There's Something So Beautiful About the Bond Between Brothers
During my pregnancy with my second son, I worried constantly about my first. Could my heart really hold enough love for them both? Would dividing my time and attention be cheating my firstborn out of something? Would they hate each other? Should we have had a second baby at all? The first time we placed our newborn in his brother's lap, my oldest — only 3 years old at the time — counted the teeny pink toes peeking out from beneath the blanket, looking him over with an expression that I couldn't quite read. I held my breath in anxious anticipation of how he'd react. More from SheKnows Christian Bale Has Tapped Leonardo Dicaprio & Other A-Listers for This Suprisingly Sweet Project Finally, leaning close to the baby, he whispered his first-ever words to his brother: 'Do you want some of my Skittles?' I let out my bated breath in a sigh of relief. If the first thing he did was offer to share, maybe this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship — because everybody knows toddlers aren't exactly world champions at sharing. Of course, sharing isn't always the norm. They're both teenagers now, and we've since added two more brothers to their world, bringing the grand total to four boys (and a lot of squabbling). They wrestle regularly, tackling and pummeling, huffing and heaving, even now that nearly all of them are the size of grown men. But like a storm cloud in a strong wind, any animosity blows over quickly, and I'll find them moments later watching TV or TikTok in a heap, their physical closeness — leaning against each other, an arm draped over a back — reminding me of the way twins are entangled in utero. They tease one another relentlessly, about crushes and taste in music and … well, everything, really. But if someone outside their circle of brotherhood dares to pick on any of these traits, they're quick to jump to one another's defense. They are evidently allowed to prey on each other's insecurities — it's what siblings do, after all — but no one else should even think about trying. Where one of his brothers is concerned, even the most non-confrontational of the bunch is quick to stand up for any perceived injustice. The way they love each other overwhelms my heart, and always has. It's one of them saving allowance for something special and then deciding to use it on a gift for his brother instead. It's one of them comforting another after he gets in trouble. It's sharing a snack they wanted to keep for themselves, or handing down a prized Pokémon card, or sending each other text messages that always end up with 'love you', or staying up late at night hanging out in one another's bedrooms just talking. It's doing all these things, even though they've all, at one time or another, proclaimed in a fit of annoyance to 'hate' their brothers. The best gift I ever gave my sons was the magic of brotherhood. But really, that brotherhood has been just as big as a gift to me. In their relationships, I see the kind of future I hope for them — where they lean on each other even when they're all grown with families of their own. And I see a reassurance, even on days when I feel like I'm failing as a mom (and there are plenty), that something is going right. Brotherly love is intricate and complex, and not even a whole novel's worth of words could ever do it justice. Brothers are one another's worst enemies and greatest allies. They are built-in playmates, and at other times, they're sparring partners. They're each other's first best friend, learning valuable lessons about compassion, love, forgiveness, and compromise just by virtue of being brothers. And if you've been privileged enough to witness this bond, you know it's deep and indestructible, wonderful and beautiful. … Even if there's some pummeling involved once in a while. Launch Gallery: Celebrity Mothers Who Love Being 'Boy Moms' Best of SheKnows Tween & Teen Slang 2025: A Definitive Guide to 'What the Hellyante' Your Kid Is Saying Right Now Celebrity Moms Who Were Honest About Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss — Because It Matters Every Single Time Shemar Moore Proved He's the Proudest First-Time Girl Dad
News.com.au
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Nicolas Cage's co-star quits over nude scene clash
A supporting actor in Nicolas Cage's forthcoming film, Madden, reportedly quit the movie abruptly after director David O. Russell allegedly used the N-word. The actor, whose name has not been disclosed, walked away from the film — which stars Cage as NFL legend John Madden and Christian Bale as late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis — two weeks into production due to alleged racism and a full frontal nudity scene, TMZ reported today. Five members of the Madden cast and crew spoke to the outlet about the allegations against Russell, sharing that the screenwriter, 66, was working with the unnamed actor on an impromptu monologue when he allegedly said a racial slur. Russell's alleged use of the N-word reportedly upset the actor and others on set, prompting them to walk off before lunch and wrap for the day. Amazon Studios sources told TMZ that it was the actor's idea to include the slur in the monologue but the word was ultimately not used when they shot the scene. Insiders claimed Russell did not say the N-word while shooting the scene, but declined to tell the outlet what he did to upset the actor and other people working on the film. Additionally, the unnamed actor reportedly told Russell one day prior that he did not want to be nude in a locker room scene, which allegedly upset the Silver Linings Playbook director, who TMZ said had an 'unprofessional' reaction. Studio sources told the outlet that an intimacy co-ordinator attempted to make the actor more comfortable. However, he still had an issue with the naked scene, which prompted Russell to tell him that he didn't have to be in the shot at all. The studio told TMZ that everyone knew in advance that certain body parts would be on display during filming. Sources also noted that the actor could return to film and 'conversations' were ongoing. Page Six has reached out to reps for both Russell and Amazon Studios for comment but did not immediately hear back. Russell has been involved in several controversies over the years, including allegations of abusive on-set behaviour and sexual assault. In June 2000, George Clooney alleged that the five-time Oscar nominee yelled and screamed at people 'all day, from day one' on the set of Three Kings, publicly embarrassed a camera-car driver and reduced a script supervisor to tears. Russell's transgender niece also filed a police report in January 2012, alleging that he sexually assaulted her at a Florida gym on December 30, 2011. The dad of two admitted to a responding officer that he touched his niece's breasts because he was curious about how the hormones affected her body parts. Four years later, Amy Adams alleged she was mistreated by Russell on the set of American Hustle so badly that she cried.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Madden director David O. Russell accused of using N-word on set as supporting actor QUITS 'messy' biopic
Controversial filmmaker David O. Russell appears to be up to his problematic antics yet again as a supporting actor just quit his new film Madden last Friday. The 66-year-old hot-tempered director allegedly said the N-word to the unnamed actor while discussing an impromptu monologue, which upset him and others so much he stormed off the Atlanta set - according to TMZ. The mystery man seems to be portraying an NFL football player as he refused to go fully nude for a pre-planned locker room scene last Thursday despite cajoling and expertise blocking from an intimacy coordinator. David reportedly expressed his anger in an 'unprofessional' fashion, but calmly told the actor he 'didn't have to be in the shot.' The door is still open for the actor to return as 'conversations' are ongoing, but production on the Amazon MGM Studios flick - which shoots through July - has apparently been a 'mess' with conflicts. Tensions are running high as both leads - Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale - are Method actors staying in character in between takes but, thus far, 'nothing improper involving either actor' has occurred. The 61-year-old Oscar winner donned a prosthetic fat suit to better inhabit the late John Madden, who was an NFL offensive tackle turned Oakland Raiders coach turned Emmy-winning commentator. The 51-year-old Oscar winner is equally unrecognizable as the late Al Davis, who was the Oakland Raiders manager for 39 years until his 2011 death at age 82. John Mulaney, Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, Shane Gillis, and Dan Matteucci are also featured in the Madden ensemble. Despite his notorious reputation, Russell has successfully directed seven different actors in Oscar-nominated performances and three in Oscar-winning performances - Bale, Melissa Leo, and Jennifer Lawrence. On Monday, Julia Stiles told The Times that she had 'a hard time' with the five-time Oscar nominee on the set of his 2012 movie Silver Linings Playbook. 'His style is very challenging, but I did learn a lot from him and he does make good movies,' the 44-year-old Emmy nominee noted. Last August, George Clooney recalled grabbing David in the throat after he headbutted him on the set of his 1999 film Three Kings, which was 'the worst experience of my life.' 'And so it's not just like, "Oh, I'm going to go do a really good film, like Three Kings, and I'm going to have a miserable f*** like David O. Russell making my life hell,' the 64-year-old Oscar winner told GQ. The mystery man seems to be portraying an NFL football player as he refused to go fully nude for a pre-planned locker room scene last Thursday despite cajoling and expertise blocking from an intimacy coordinator (set pictured May 9) Tensions are running high as both leads - Christian Bale (L) and Nicolas Cage (R) - are Method actors staying in character in between takes but, thus far, 'nothing improper involving either actor' has occurred The 61-year-old Oscar winner donned a prosthetic fat suit to better inhabit the late John Madden, who was an NFL offensive tackle turned Oakland Raiders coach turned Emmy-winning commentator The 51-year-old Oscar winner is equally unrecognizable as the late Al Davis, who was the Oakland Raiders manager for 39 years until his 2011 death at age 82 '"Making every person in the crew's life hell." It's not worth it. Not at this point in my life. Just to have a good product.' In 2011, Paul Reubens alleged that Russell screamed at him 'at the top of his lungs' on his first day working on his 2015 film Accidental Love. The Amsterdam filmmaker not only made Amy Adams cry with his 'manic' style of directing on the set of his 2013 film American Hustle, he paid her and Lawrence less than their male co-stars. 'He did [make me cry]. He was hard on me, that's for sure. It was a lot,' the 50-year-old Oscar nominee confessed to British GQ in 2016. 'I was really just devastated on set. I mean, not every day, but most.' And in 2007, footage leaked of David's notorious, expletive-laden tantrum at Lily Tomlin while shooting his 2004 film I Heart Huckabees. 'I used to compare David to Bob [Altman]. In a kind of opposite way, he was like Altman. They have a similarity — maybe it's just originality. Bob would never flip out,' the 85-year-old comedian recalled to THR Magazine in 2015. Russell not only made Amy Adams (L) cry with his 'manic' style of directing on the set of his 2013 film American Hustle, he paid her and Lawrence less than their male co-stars: 'He was hard on me, that's for sure' The 85-year-old comedian recalled to THR magazine in 2015: '[David and I] made up in just a few hours, and then we had a second fracas. By then, I was like stoic in my suffering. But we've overcome it. It dissipates and it's gone' '[But David and I] made up in just a few hours, and then we had a second fracas. By then, I was like stoic in my suffering. But we've overcome it. It dissipates and it's gone. In 2003, the New York Times reported that Russell put Christopher Nolan in a headlock at a Hollywood party over using the actor Jude Law in I Heart Huckabees. And yet, A-list actors continue to line up like Robert De Niro and Jenna Ortega, who signed on to star in the four-time Independent Spirit Award winner's upcoming pool hustler film Shutout - according to Deadline.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Women really DO love a bad boy: Men with psychopathic traits are rated as more attractive, study finds
From Christian Bale in American Psycho to Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, psychopaths in films are often played by very handsome actors. And according to a new study, this is no coincidence. Researchers from Hunan Normal University have revealed that men with psychopathic traits are rated by women as more attractive. In their study, the researchers showed over 500 women photos of men with varying degrees of Dark Triad traits - narcissism, machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The women were asked to rate the men for attractiveness and trustworthiness. The results revealed that men with high Dark Triad traits were seen as both more trustworthy and more attractive. 'In short-term cooperative settings, individuals with high Dark Triad traits tend to inspire more trust,' said study author, Dr Qi Wu. '[This is] partly due to being seen as more attractive based on their facial features.' Psychopathy has been widely studied for decades. For example, previous studies have uncovered a link between the condition and eye-gaze, sadism, and being single. However, until now, the link between psychopathy and trustworthiness has remained largely unstudied. To address this research gap, the team enlisted 592 participants, who were split across four studies. In the first study, participants were shown neutral facial photos of men with varying levels of Dark Triad traits, and asked to rate them for trustworthiness. The second study was a trust game, while the third centred on another facial evluation taks - this time requiring participants to rate the men for dominance, extraversion, and attractiveness. Finally, the fourth study repeated tasks from the second and third studies, involving different participants. The results revealed that, across all four studies, men with high Dark Triad traits were rated as more trustworthy. Surprisingly, traits like dominance and extraversion did not play a big role in this effect. 'Notably, their faces still prompt greater trust even when other traits like dominance, extraversion, and attractiveness are accounted for, suggesting facial features have a unique influence on how trustworthy people are perceived,' Dr Wu added. The study comes shortly after scientists found a link between psychopathy and 'sadism' – deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering or humiliation on others. Everyday examples of sadism include trolling people online, killing video game characters, killing bugs and even sticking pins on voodoo dolls. So if you engage in these sadistic behaviours – even if it's just making other people feel embarrassed online – you could be a psychopath. WOULD YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT A PSYCHOPATH? Psychopaths display different traits depending on their disorder. Common signs include superficial charm, a grandiose notion of self-worth, the need for stimulation and impulsiveness, pathological lying, the ability to manipulate others and a lack of remorse and empathy. But despite the popular association, not all psychopaths become killers. Experts claim people usually find psychopaths intriguing, but can't put their finger on why. This is down to incongruous behaviour because psychopaths tend to do a lot of acting to deceive, or mimic normal reactions, sometimes changing their views and reactions quickly. For example, Self-professed psychopath Jacob Wells said that upon meeting someone, he tries to become 'the most interesting person they know' and presumably adopts suitable interests and responses to do this. His response also gives away another common trait - a grandiose notion of self-worth - in that he can be the most interesting person in the room. Psychopaths occasionally tend to exhibit unconvincing emotional responses, with slip-ups including tone of voice or body language. This may be because they are unable to understand emotions such as fear and love, but can mimic them. Generally psychopaths' 'emotions' are shallow and short-lived and there is a manipulative ulterior motive to showing them. For example, Mr Wells said he offers to do favours and tells false secrets to people to gain their complete trust. He also displays insincere charm - another trait associated with psychopaths. He says: 'I keep secrets, and tell them fake secrets to further gain their trust, and once they trust me enough, I ask for favours, reminding them of the favours I did them. I can get literally anything from them, which is incredibly useful.' Psychopaths typically display an incredible ability to manipulate others and sometimes take pleasure in doing so. Psychopaths often have an air of superiority about them, perhaps shown by Mr Wells' belief he can spot other psychopaths
