[Disclaimer: Bale gives insight into the dynamics of the Batman character and talks about the symbolism within the relationships, which could be SPOILERS to some. If you don't want to read anything at all about TDK, turn back now.]

After playing Bruce Wayne and Batman for a second time, this time in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, there's a good chance fans will see him as the definitive big screen Caped Crusader when the hype dies down. Although Bale will soon be seen in Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, all fanboy eyes are on The Dark Knight, as the film gets set to take the comic book to film world by storm. Leading up to the release of The Dark Knight, Christian Bale sat down with the press to talk why he decided to take on both the Batman and the Terminator franchises, the similarities between Batman and The Joker, how he prepared for the new film, our need for heroes in violent times, and how he could have easily stepped into the shoes of The Joker.

Two icons: John Connor and Batman. Why?

CHRISTIAN BALE: Because I was asked! With Batman Begins, it was a reinvention, an origin story. Chris Nolan reinvigorated the mythology of Batman and to me that’s the same task with Terminator. Obviously we’re not doing an origin story, we’re continuing with the mythology of the first and second films, and I see this as a chance to reinvigorate that mythology. I think that’s our responsibility as filmmakers and that’s what I’m trying to do.

Is Batman a hero or vigilante?

BALE: A little of both. He’s only needed because the system’s failed. You want to believe that citizens will stand up and fight for justice, in a position where the system’s failed. But ideally, just as Bruce Wayne wants to create a foundation where the system can succeed and you can get elected officials like Harvey Dent who have integrity, you don’t need Batman. He becomes obsolete and that’s what Bruce Wayne is looking for. But he’s a multifaceted character, that’s what I enjoy about this portrayal. He’s not a one-dimensional hero. The Dark Knight sums him up very well. Usually it’s a white knight in shining armor that shows up! He’s pure of heart. But this guy has a desire to do good, an altruism born for his parents, but he also has a great deal of violence, anger and a lust for revenge, very negative emotions that he has to keep in check all the time. So there’s always that question mark, is he going to cross the line? He looks demonic, not like a knight, and for a superhero he’s very conflicted. He really is not a superhero. He has no super powers.

So Batman could become like The Joker?

BALE: Right. Neither will compromise. One thing you can say for The Joker is that he’s not a hypocrite. He stands by his word and will die for that. That’s what he despises about society so much, that they’ll quit their beliefs so easily. They’ll run from heroes, they’re cowards fuelled by fear. And in Batman he finds an equally uncompromising character, although Batman has a weakness: morality. He won’t kill. The Joker says that he’s got a really worthy opponent, and he must bring his full intellect and cunning into trying and break Batman’s code of ethics. He wants to prove that everyone has a price and will sell out.

With your recent work, you’re becoming a star more than ever before.

BALE: I’ve never given a damn about whether a movie’s independent or a studio picture, I’ve just gone with whatever story appeals. I’ve made mistakes. The director makes the movie fantastic, regardless of the fact that Heath gave an amazing performance. Chris cast those people. And if a movie fails miserably, it’s the director. He should get all the credit and all the blame. I get as much satisfaction from doing a small movie as I do from Batman or Terminator. I think Chris has proved with this that any genre of movie can be fantastic if it’s in the right hands. Movies are a huge collaboration and often they don’t come out right. I’ve been in many of those, but I still continue in my belief that if it’s done correctly everything can be superb. I can tell if it’s not going to work, quicker. Sometimes you can’t see the big picture. I’d say that my confidence has grown in knowing whether a film’s going to be any good while I’m making it. I will still make mistakes in the future, but less in the past.

Was your preparation different this time out, mentally and physically?

BALE: Physically, I was coming from a place of less weakness this time round. We also went with in keeping with suit. It was a leaner suit, so I wanted to be a little leaner myself. It’s like the differences in the military, you get these big beefy fellas in the regular military, and then when you get to the special forces, they’re leaner, wiry, and that’s what I was going for. Mentally, there are more mind-games being played in this movie. Chris really laid everything out for me. The character has evolved, matured and was trying to shrug off Batman, and he’s confronted with the Joker, who’s trying to make him question his ethics. But naturally, while Begins is purely about Batman, now we have a more complete supporting cast.

Did you enjoy the gadgets?

BALE: Yeah, any day I had free I was like, "I need to go and practice in that Lamborghini," or "I got to get on that bike again."

Why do you think people are so drawn to characters like this?

BALE: I think I share a fascination with the extreme, like many people do. I think it’s a case of testing people’s mettle when the chips are really down. In the same way dark characters are often more intriguing. We’re fascinated with people who break the rules of normal society. The shadow side is in all of us, the desire to destroy, on occasion. And when people do that, it’s always fascinating. Of course, as an actor, I find that interesting. In saying that, I don’t want to become predictable in my choices, but there’s no doubt that those types of characters get more noticed and remembered more vividly. The good guy who toes the line is the harder character to play, because he’s not that memorable. I like variety. I wanna be able to play the whole spectrum, that’s what a good actor does.

So you’d have liked to play the Joker?

BALE: Yeah, sure I would. I’ve played demented characters in the past. Just think of Gary Oldman. Ten years ago he’d have been playing the Joker, but just because he can play wonderful villains and bad guys, he can also play wonderful good guys. It’s what a good actor does.

Can you talk about working with Heath? What made him so special?

BALE: His total commitment, his immersion is a wonderful thing to watch. He portrayed the Joker in a way that will be remembered for years, and I enjoyed the fact that he seemed to get the same pleasure out of acting as I do. It’s a ridiculous job, but the more seriously you take it, the better it is. And remove the make-up, and he became wonderful company!

This movie seems to take comic book movies to a whole new level.

BALE: I think Chris has proved that films like this shouldn’t be looked down on, that popcorn movies can be something with real substance and heart in them. I think he’s changed the game for good.

Can you talk about our need for a hero in such violent times?

BALE: Actually, this is one of the most peaceful times in mankind’s history. It’s just that we know more because everyone’s there with camera phones and so forth it’s documented immediately, while once there had to be a respected journalist there for anything to get written or recorded. Nowadays there’s an overload of information, and fear hits us harder than any other emotion, so when we see violence around the world, we think it’s right out our front doors! And knowing this time is so peaceful makes you realize how violent mankind is!