Bale has an intensity and edge to him. I find the best actors (especially male) are the roles where you lose perspective of the actor. Number one favorite actor to watch--Gary Oldman. Once you starting listing off movies he's done, a common response..."That was him?!"
True Romance--Pimp
The Professional--Bad Cop
Immortal Beloved--Beethoven
Bram Stoker's Dracula--the Count of course
Lost In Space--Dr. Smith
to name a few

If you get a chance, track down "Nil by Mouth" (1997). A must see film! Written, directed, and produced by Oldman. Very intense film. Make sure you watch the very end to see the dedication tag. Reveals the intent of the film. Very impacting.
"Nil By Mouth was listed by Time Out as number two of the top 50 best British films ever."

Enough of Gary. Bale is able to shed his personal identity and create some solid and believable characters.

Here's a good topic thread: Male Actors you can't watch.
Top of my list:
Tom Cruise
I forced myself to watch "War of the Worlds" only because my g-friends daughter had it. Great movie for bass. Cruise--tolerable. My distaste for Cruise mostly stems from his philosophical expressions (publicly).
Ben Affleck--flat, flat, flat
However, is directorial debut is a great movie! "Gone Baby Gone", one of the best films for supporting cast. The South Boston characters are incredibly realistic and gritty. Leading role Casey Affleck (younger brother) was very well done.

Good food for thought.

I will have to Netflix "Rescue Dawn". I haven't heard of this one. Good suggestion. BTW--what was Bale film with the dragons?

AK