Christian Bale on Studying Moses: He Was a 'Freedom Fighter' for Hebrews, 'Terrorist' to Egyptian Empire
Actor spoke about studying the Biblical figure for 'Exodus: Gods and Kings.'
— -- To prepare for the role of Moses for the upcoming film, “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” Christian Bale studied the biblical story, and came to realize that Moses was a very complicated figure.
“He was so much more human than I had ever imagined... had all sort of temptations and indulgences that he had grown up with,” Bale said in an interview with “Nightline.” “[He was] absolutely seen as a freedom fighter for the Hebrews, but a terrorist in terms of the Egyptian empire.”
Moses has been an inspirational icon for liberation movements throughout history, and is a central figure in the three Great Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
“What would happen to Moses if he arrived today?” Bale pondered. “Drones would be sent out after him, right?”
Ridley Scott, who directed “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” depicted another ancient empire in upheaval in the 2000 movie, “Gladiator.” He teamed up with frequent collaborator Steve Zaillian, who wrote the script, for “Exodus: Gods and Kings.”
“What he is writing is a story of revolution,” Bale said. “And that’s a story that can resonate, no matter what time.”
Watch ABC’s Chris Connelly’s full interview with Christian Bale and Ridley Scott HERE.