As much as she loves him, Christian Bale's mother must admit that her little boy has developed quite a temper.
He may be one of the most talented and dedicated actors of his generation. He may be one of Hollywood's highest earners.
He may also be Batman, but in recent months these successes have been forced into the shadow of his now infamous rage.
Last year, on the set of his latest movie, Terminator Salvation, he was caught on tape giving both barrels to a hapless crew member who wandered into his sightline and broke his concentration.
The foulmouthed tirade that followed became an internet sensation as millions downloaded a four-minute clip of his ear-splitting, expletive-laden fury.
That unedifying episode followed an altogether more troubling incident when he was arrested after a furious bust-up with his family in a London hotel suite.