Christian Bale

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 1998)

I haven't prepared anything, but had to throw in a word for Christian Bale. Granted, as with any Spielberg film, the ultimate star of the film is Spielberg. (And all films should have that kind of star!) But Christian Bale's performance is a bloody miracle. He is in virtually every shot of the film, and he is consistently fascinating. I pull out "Empire" when I need a good cry. If I'm in a hurry, I fast-forward to, first, the camp liberation scene ("B-52!! Cadillac of the skies!!!") -- that gets me started -- and then to the final scene. The shot of him slowly recognizing his parents is astonishing. Why this performance has gone relatively unlauded is beyond me. I defy actors three or four times his age to carry a film with the deftness and artistry Christian Bale does "Empire of the Sun".