Sister: 'Bale might need help'

Christian Bale's sister has suggested that the actor "might need help" following his recent rant against a crew member.

The Dark Knight star was caught on tape screaming at director of photography Shane Hurlbut after the latter interrupted the filming of a very intense scene of Terminator: Salvation.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Sharon Bale said: "It's terribly sad. I feel for him. He seems to be incredibly stressed and angry at the moment. This sort of behaviour is totally out of character, and I think he might need help."

The incident reportedly happened about one month before Sharon called the police on her brother, reporting that he had "verbally attacked" her in front of her family.

"There was a lot of ridiculous media gossip. All I was trying to do was help him...He's normally a placid guy but he has done film after film and he really gets into character. I think he just needs time out."

Last week, Bale's mother Jenny said that she understood why her son had been so angry but admitted that it was "upsetting" to hear the tape.