19 Best Christian Bale moments to celebrate his 51st birthday

"Vice" Premiere - 69th Berlinale International Film Festival - Source: Getty
"Vice" Premiere - 69th Berlinale International Film Festival - Source: Getty

9. Playing Melvin Purvis as he rescues Billie in Public Enemies (2009)

Public Enemies (2009) | Image Source: Universal Pictures
Public Enemies (2009) | Image Source: Universal Pictures

In Public Enemies, Christian Bale stars as FBI agent Melvin Purvis, responsible for capturing infamous bank robber John Dillinger. When Dillinger's girlfriend, Billie Frechette, is arrested and subjected to a harsh interrogation, the story's turning point occurs. It is at this moment that Purvis's sense of justice and moral correctness makes him interfere with the tormenting interrogation of Billie. In this scene, Bale also reveals Purvis's inner battle with the lines between duty and moral obligations by further developing his character and exposing the complexity involved in law enforcement at that time.

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Edited by Sangeeta Mathew