Christian Bale or Edward Norton - Who's the better actor?

[clutchCAT420]

Batman> Bruce banner

 

[EvilDDS]

Too close to call, imho.

That's like trying to figure out who is better between prime Big Nog, & prime Crocop.

Which I guess means, if Norton cheats & grabs the ropes, maybe he can get an armbar on Bale.

Bale was in TLJ!!








Kidding!

Norton curb stomps Bale!

 

[Organic Damage]

Bale has a much better resume imo

Yeah.

A better question might be, which one is the bigger asshole? (again I'm going with Norton, probably explains why he gets so few plum roles)

 

[suizuri]

good thread. tough choice. i'd say bale is a little better.

 

[revoltub]

Norton is always Ed Norton in every role. Bale can actually become a character. Guys like Bale and DDL you can close your eyes and forget its them. Cant do that with Norton.

Now that doesn't mean Bale is a better actor or has had better performances. But IMO Bale is the better actor,

 

[Protectandserve]

I feel like Bale is way more diverse.

 

[Drain Bamage]

Norton is always Ed Norton in every role. Bale can actually become a character. Guys like Bale and DDL you can close your eyes and forget its them. Cant do that with Norton.

Now that doesn't mean Bale is a better actor or has had better performances. But IMO Bale is the better actor,

Yep.

Norton has no range.

 

[greygoose]

Norton for me. I think his reputation of being a bag of dicks is cause for him not getting any good roles over the past decade though. Think he's had plenty of varying roles, although a lot of the good ones have been kind of similar. That being said, I really want to see Vice

 

[Midnighter]

Bale

 

[ithinktheymad]

Bale

 

[KnightTemplar]

Both are A Level, and Norton's performance in American History X is astonishing. But I still have to give this one to Bale.

Batman by arm bar, fifth round.

 

[minute bull]

Lol, no offense, but this is such an MMA forum response. Acting isn’t a strongman competition, or a weight loss challenge. If it is, then Anthony Rumble Johnson >>>>> Daniel Day-Lewis.

*searching for validity in this post

 

[HaulParris]

Great actors both, can’t choose

 

[Sansnom]

Fight Club
American History X
25th hour

vs

The Machinist
Equilibrium
American psycho
The fighter

I believe Bale is slightly better as an actor, and he sacrificed more for his role.
He has more good quality movies, although Norton has 3 of the best...

How do you not have Primal Fear? It has one of Norton's best performances.

 

[MikeMcMann]

Bale

This isn't that close imo Norton is bland

Funny how taste is so subject.

I see it as exactly the opposite. I think Bale overall has had the slightly better movies but he is generally kind of bland in them. Norton I find has, more range and is less bland but has not had the quality of roles Bale has had.

 

[Shaungotti]

Fight Club
American History X
25th hour

vs

The Machinist
Equilibrium
American psycho
The fighter

I believe Bale is slightly better as an actor, and he sacrificed more for his role.
He has more good quality movies, although Norton has 3 of the best...

I'd definitely add The Score to Norton's list.

 

[HunterAcosta]

Edward is the more technical, theater trained actor and can deliver intense performances. Both can be wooden at times Ill take Bale just on his physicality. Dude has a legit physical presence. Norton did in American History X. I like both but if you had a gun to my head, Id take Bale.,

 

[KAZSoliloquy]

how is this even close? bale is miles ahead of norton. i mean fucking miles.

 

[Peteyandjia]

Then I'm at the right place. So comparing an MMA fighter to an actor is the logical response?
Bale is a methodical actor and a notch better than Norton. That was the purpose of the example I provided with the Machinst and Batman.

An actor’s physical transformation can be impressive, even amazing, but it still feels like a sidenote to me. If it’s an amazing performance it’s an extra layer of frosting for sure, but if it’s not, it won’t save it.

As far as Bale & Norton, I can’t choose. At their best they are both so goddamn great, and they have both been at their best in about the same handful of roles.

 

[Peteyandjia]

But you got to say what Bale achieved physically in The Machinist is nothing short of extraordinary. And than bulking up in matter of months to play Batman is quite a method acting achievement imo.

Agree with the former, not the latter. Any rich actor can bulk up and it’s not impressive to me.