Set in the 1930s, Amsterdam finds three friends (Christian Bale, John David Washinton, and Margo Robbie) witnessing a murder and end up being framed for that murder.
While trying to clear their name the trio uncovers one of the most outrageous plots in American History. BackstageOl’s Dave Morales sat down with Christian Bale to chat about the star-studded dramatic comedy. (The full interview can be seen below.)
Crafting Amsterdam
Christian Bale tells BackstageOL how he and director David O. Russell took six years to craft the film’s elaborate plot and fantastic characters.
“David and I started talking about this project six years ago. We would just sit and meet in diners regularly and put this together and create characters. It was a very organic process because there was no rush, no timeline obviously, it was six years.”
Bale goes on to say “We were just blessed with how many people started getting attracted to different characters that we had created and the beautiful story that he (David) made up. And also the discovery of this event in American history that was completely unknown to us that creates the backdrop of the story.”
With American history as the film’s backdrop, Bales tells Morales how he and Russell focused on the characters, their lives, and everything they had to endure during those times.
“We wanted to make a film just all about humanity, friendship, love, and how you overcome the trials of life. There can be tons of pain and suffering but just how much we were in love with people who managed to still be joyous and find wisdom in that pain and suffering. People that you just want to hang around with and that’s what we wanted to create and in many ways I missed that whole process I loved putting this together with David.”
The Heart of the Story
Filled with murder, comedy, and crazy plot twists, Bale explains what lies at the heart of Amsterdam.
“The heart of the story is about heart, people can take the history of it and recognize history repeating itself. That’s their choice, to me once you finish making a film the audience owns it. Whatever you think of it, you’re right. If people think totally different things about the film they’re both right, because you do own it.”
Lastly, the veteran actor explains the joy of working with an incredible ensemble cast and what keeps him going back to rewatch Amsterdam.
“For me, the thing that really moves me and gives me goosebumps and makes me want to just watch this film, again and again, is this friendship. This triumph of people who’ve been through hell but who are kind of making heaven on earth for themselves and they’re just fun. It is a fun bunch to hang out with and they stay joyful in the midst of these miserable bastards who we meet in the film.”
Amsterdam starring Christian Bale, Margo Robbie, and John David Washington releases in theaters on October 7, 2022.
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