"Obviously there are times with acting when exactly what is required is just going through the motions, and when doing nothing is the best thing. But at other times, you have to make that leap beyond the immediate environment of people putting up lights on the set"

This quote by Christian Bale talks to the significance of understanding the nuances of acting. He acknowledges that there are times when merely going through the movements suffices, which not doing anything is the very best thing. However, he also stresses that there are other times when an actor should exceed the immediate environment of the set and make a leap. This leap needs an understanding of the character and the story, and the capability to bring the character to life in a way that is credible and interesting. It is this leap that separates the excellent actors from the excellent ones. Bale's quote is a tip that acting is not just about memorizing lines and hitting marks, however about comprehending the story and the character and bringing them to life in a way that is significant and captivating.