Christian Bale takes center stage in "Amsterdam," reuniting with Russell after roles in films like "The Fighter" and "American Hustle." In "Amsterdam," Bale plays Burt Berendsen, a doctor who lost his eye in World War I. After spending time in the titular city with his friends Harold and Valerie, Burt returns to New York City. There, he starts up a medical practice treating other wounded veterans, and attempts to romance Beatrice (Andrea Riseborough), whose family doesn't accept him due to his unorthodox treatments.
Eventually, Burt and Harold's framing for the murder of a prominent U.S. Senator's daughter collides with Burt's search for love. Harold tries to push Burt to pursue a flirtation with mortician Irma (Zoe Saldana), but Burt is opposed due to his prior commitment to Beatrice. By the end of film, however, it's love that exonerates Burt and Harold, not hatred, which convinces Burt that he needs to focus on where he's been putting his love, and whether or not people like Beatrice are worth his time.
When Harold and Valerie offer Burt a chance to come with them back to Europe, where they can resume their escapades like the ones they had in Amsterdam, Burt rejects. Though he briefly considers running on board the ship with them in a fantasy, Burt ends up staying behind, determined to pursue love like Harold wanted him to earlier in the film. Perhaps his romance with Irma is just beginning.
