Alec Baldwin and Christian Bale have a fair bit in common. Both are well-known actors and both have been accused of being particularly volatile, particularly after recordings of them going off surfaced.

Both actors have done some really great work that I've thoroughly enjoyed.

But there are some profound differences. For example, one is going to trial for manslaughter stemming from the irresponsible use of a prop gun. The other is likely to never be in those shoes.

Christian Bale’s reputation as a method actor precedes him. He’s the kind of actor who doesn’t shy away from diving into the grittiest, most challenging aspects of his roles. Whether it’s consuming maggots and pig offal or enduring intense physical transformations, Bale’s dedication knows no bounds. However, when it comes to firearms, Bale draws a firm line.

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In a candid GQ interview alongside Matt Damon during the promotion of their film Ford v Ferrari, Christian Bale delved into the array of challenges actors face for their roles, from daring stunts to enduring extreme weather conditions. Reflecting on the lengths actors go to for authenticity, Bale revealed a personal boundary, his unease with using guns as props.

Despite being game for many things, he confessed that when it comes to firearms, he can’t help but feel a sense of paranoia. Bale emphasized his meticulous approach, always double and triple-checking for safety, ensuring a secure environment on set. He said,

The thing that I’m actually very, very aware of is anything involving guns. As soon as any guns come out, I’m always checking and double-checking the barrel, checking the chambers. Because that happens.

While he’s tackled numerous daring challenges on-screen more than fans can count on fingers, the presence of firearms gives him pause. He understands the gravity of the responsibility that comes with handling firearms on set and ensures that safety protocols are strictly adhered to, ensuring the well-being of himself and his fellow cast and crew members remains number one on the list.

Truth be told, a certain degree of paranoia is the exact correct response to having a gun in your hand, especially if you're an actor who has to point it at other people and pull the trigger. You should be wary. You should be scared that something will go wrong, at least enough so that you know good and well that there's not a live round in the chamber.

Yes, Hollywood could do better with regard to how guns are handled in their movies, but Bale is doing what he can to make sure the gun in his hands is as safe as humanly possible, at least within the confines of what's being demanded of him.

Bale is the kind of actor that will do horrific things to his own body. Just look at how thin he got for The Machinist. Nothing about that was healthy and he probably shaved years off his life with that. Then he put on more than a safe amount of weight to play Dick Cheney. Again, not healthy.

But those decisions only put his life at risk. He wasn't likely to hurt anyone by doing that beyond himself, which is within his rights to do if he so desires.

Mishandling a firearm, like Baldwin did--and no one disputes the fact that he was pointing the gun in an unsafe direction or that he was holding it when it fired--is very different. Two innocent people were shot, one was killed.

A lot of actors could learn a lot from Bale. Unfortunately, far too many are likely to be more like Baldwin.