Christian Bale says transforming himself into former US vice president Dick Cheney made him feel “like a bullfrog”.

Bale has been nominated for a best actor Oscar for his part in Vice, which also has best movie and best director nominations.

He and director Adam McKay presented the movie at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it is screening out of competition.

Adam McKay and Christian Bale
Director Adam McKay joined the Welsh actor (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Asked how he felt in Cheney’s body, which required an impressive physical transformation, Bale replied: “Like a bullfrog. Or sometimes he’s been described as a walrus.”

He added: “I built up my neck so I felt like I could take anything … I just felt like a bulldozer all day long.”

Bale said of the role that “it’s lovely to have a challenge … it seemed almost impossible.”