Christian Bale plays a steelworker forced to go up against criminals to find his brother in this sneak peek at "Out of the Furnace."
In Out of the Furnace, Christian Bale has none of Batman's superhero qualities lingering from the Dark Knight trilogy.
That's just how director Scott Cooper wanted it for his film about a steelworker standing up against tough criminals, Cooper's first foray since writing and directing 2009's Crazy Heart. Out of the Furnace is set to open Nov. 27.
"You often find superheroic people wearing capes and costumes in film today," says Cooper. "But working-class Americans are the real heroes. This is the story of this man who works in a blast furnace, but with themes of justice, retribution and courage."
"Russell is not of that personality, nor does he wish to be," says Bale. "But he finds himself having to confront these people in order to do the right thing. He's only got his own fortitude and will power, nothing else."
To capture the blue-collar spirit, Cooper insisted on filming in Braddock, Pa., where he set the story. The director was impressed with the way Bale immersed himself, taking none of his own clothing on the shoot — wearing only what Russell would wear. Bale also experienced work on the steel furnace.
"It's long hours, unhealthy conditions and intense heat.," says Bale. "It's dangerous work. The guys had recently lost a friend who had died on the job. But there's a great bond. And they have a love for it, despite the hardships."
