Rating of
3/4
Christian "Chameleon" Bale
Franz Patrick - wrote on 03/06/08
I love the silent sequences of this film. It made it that much more real. I'm shocked at the fact that this is from the same director of "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser." I abhor that film with a passion but I really like this one because it's much more focused. Christian Bale is a chameleon. One moment he's in despair, the next moment he seems like the happiest person alive. Due to his charisma, he successfully constructed a character that the audience can easily root for regardless of the kinds of obstacles he has to face. The scenery, may it be the prison or the jungle, is so alive all the time, it's actually recommended if one looks at the background once in a while. The only minor drawback I can muster is its two hours plus running time. A good fifteen to twenty minutes could've been cut out even if it means getting rid of some of the dialogues. The silence and imagery are superior anyway. Still, this is a really good movie; one should definately not miss it.
