Before becoming famous in Hollywood, Ben Stiller took on an early film role in Empire of the Sun, a World War II drama featuring a young Christian Bale in the lead. Released in 1987 and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film brought these future stars together for one of the earliest highlights of both their acting careers.
Empire of the Sun, based on J.G. Ballard’s novel, steps away from the violence of the battlefield and instead shares the coming-of-age journey of a privileged British boy, Jim Graham—played by the then 12-year-old Christian Bale—in pre-war Shanghai. When war erupts, Jim finds himself torn from his wealthy expat parents and thrust alone into the chaos of internment camps, forever altering his outlook and life’s path.
Bale and Stiller’s Early Paths Crossed in Spielberg’s Epic Drama
Empire of the Sun occupies a unique place for both Christian Bale and Ben Stiller, emerging at the start of their respective careers. For Bale, this project marked only his second screen appearance and was pivotal in establishing himself as a remarkable young performer. Cast as Jim, Bale delivered a performance that exhibited both the innocence of a child and the maturity required to navigate a world uprooted by war.
Bale’s character attempts to carve out a sense of belonging after being separated from his family. He is taken under the wing of a group of American expatriates and criminal elements within the camp, led by Basie, portrayed by John Malkovich. Among these supporting figures is Ben Stiller’s character, Dainty—one of the American soldiers. Stiller’s brief performance in this role is a fun surprise for viewers familiar with his later rise to comedic stardom.
For Stiller, Empire of the Sun was also a formative moment. It was the second film to feature his talents, following Hot Pursuit in the same year, and preceded his more visible breakout on Saturday Night Live and the launch of The Ben Stiller Show in 1990. These roles paved the way for his successful directorial turn with Reality Bites and iconic comedies like There’s Something About Mary that made him a household name. While most viewers know Stiller as a comedian and director in the years since, this early project shows his willingness to take on diverse roles, collaborating with major directors like Spielberg.
A Young Christian Bale Demonstrates Star Power in a Challenging Role
Taking on the main role in such a largescale production was an enormous responsibility for Christian Bale, especially as a child actor. Empire of the Sun required him to balance a wide emotional range, showing both the vulnerability and adaptability of his character. Throughout the film, Bale’s portrayal of Jim Graham reveals the constant mix of fear and curiosity. Watching Jim bounce from confusion and longing in the aftermath of separation to developing agency and a sense of control is a testament to Bale’s emerging skill.
By embodying Jim’s innocence while also carrying the movie’s emotional weight, Bale’s performance hinted at the depth he would later achieve in his adult roles, including his transformation into Patrick Bateman in American Psycho and Batman under Christopher Nolan’s direction. In Empire of the Sun, Bale almost never leaves the frame, underscoring his dominance as the centerpiece of the story.
Bale’s later achievements—such as his Academy Award win in The Fighter and three additional nominations—affirm the potential shown in this early performance. The dedication, evident from his earliest roles, has defined his work in Hollywood and contributed to his reputation as one of the leading actors of his generation.
Supporting Cast Helped Shape a Coming-of-Age War Drama
The cast assembled by Spielberg contributed to creating the layers within the internment camp community, with John Malkovich as Basie leading the eclectic group influencing Jim’s growth. Ben Stiller’s Dainty, while a small part, represents the experience of the expatriates and soldiers caught in uncertain times. Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Victor and Nigel Havers as Dr. Rawlins also add to the sense of interconnected struggles inside the camp. Through their interactions, the film explores themes of survival, resilience, and the search for belonging amidst turmoil.
While Empire of the Sun is sometimes overlooked in Spielberg’s career, its ability to launch the paths of Bale and Stiller stands out. The film’s modest box office returns and critical praise underline its lasting significance as a springboard for young talent, even if it remains underrated among Spielberg’s classics.
Lasting Impact of “Empire of the Sun” on Both Lead Actors
Looking back, Ben Stiller’s early film role in Empire of the Sun is a fascinating glimpse into how future stars often begin with small, supporting parts in major productions. For Christian Bale, the film was the first step toward becoming a transformative actor unafraid to tackle difficult roles. The unexpected overlap of Stiller and Bale’s journeys in this Spielberg project is a reminder of how early roles can shape an actor’s creative outlook and longevity in the industry.
As both actors went on to forge their own unique legacies—Bale in gritty character dramas and blockbuster franchises, Stiller in comedy and as a filmmaker—Empire of the Sun endures as a landmark in the story of their careers. For viewers interested in discovering where some of Hollywood’s most recognizable talents first tested their skills, this powerful World War II drama offers an intriguing starting point.
