Played journalist in The Promise

In the historical drama _The Promise_, set against the backdrop of the Armenian genocide, Christian Bale portrayed an American journalist. The film explores the complexities of human relationships during a tumultuous period, focusing on a love triangle involving Bale's character, a woman played by Charlotte Le Bon, and an Armenian medical student portrayed by Oscar Isaac. The narrative intertwines personal and historical elements, highlighting the impact of the genocide on individuals and their relationships. Despite its ambitious premise, the film faced significant criticism from reviewers. Notably, it was reported to have incurred a financial loss of $102 million, indicating a disconnect between its intended message and audience reception. Critics pointed out various shortcomings, including the performance of Bale, who was described as 'muffled and indistinct' in a review by Jeannette Catsoulis for _The New York Times_. This feedback reflects broader concerns regarding the film's execution and its ability to convey the gravity of the historical events it sought to depict.