Chloë Sevigny and Josh Lucas have opened up about their experiences working with Christian Bale on the 2000 film “American Psycho,” where they found themselves intimidated by Bale’s intense method acting approach.
In a conversation for Vanity Fair, Lucas admitted he initially thought Bale’s performance seemed “false” and like “bogus acting,” but later realized it was a “brilliant choice” and that Bale was operating on “a completely different level” with his layered performance as the psychopathic investment banker Patrick Bateman.
Sevigny, who played a secretary in the film, said she tried to respect Bale’s process but found it challenging as she is typically “gregarious and silly” on set. She was confused by Bale’s seriousness and lack of sociability, stating, “I was really intimidated by his process and intimidated by him.”
Despite finding Bale’s method acting intimidating at the time, both actors came to admire his dedication. Lucas expressed admiration for method actors like Bale who are solely focused on their performance, noting that many others can be distracting with their ego-driven processes.
Sevigny also reflected on Bale’s journey from being a child actor to adopting such an intense method approach as an adult, calling it an “interesting trajectory.”
Beyond Bale, Lucas admitted feeling nervous on set as a newcomer, recalling how co-star Willem Dafoe reassured him that feeling nervous was a good thing.
Sevigny, already an acclaimed indie darling at the time, shared lighthearted memories of trying to flirt with the “very handsome boys” on set and encourage everyone to socialize at the hotel spa.
Their candid reflections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the cult classic film and the impact of Bale’s immersive acting style on his co-stars.