To access the audio review, click the icon above this entry, dated June 16th, 2005. Otherwise, read on!
I could talk for hours about this new beginning for the Batman film franchise, but much of what I'd talk about would be lost on those of you who aren't comic book fans. So this review is for you casual viewers, who like Batman well enough but have never touched or maybe even seen a Batman comic book.
I'm not a believer in spoiling films or books or stories of any kind, so feel safe to keep listening or reading. The only thing you need to know about the plot of Batman Begins is that it is the first live-action Batman film to actually make the characters of Bruce Wayne and The Batman the core focus of the narrative. This movie delivers exactly what it proclaims in its title: Batman Begins. We watch the tragic story of Bruce Wayne unfold, as he travels along a dark and brutal road to become The Batman, dark scourge of the unjust.
I'll say only two more things about this story and the tone of the film. The narrative and the look, feel, and tone of Batman Begins is serious and grounded in reality. Not a stylized or slightly-different reality that we might see around us if we just squint a little, but a dark, gritty, and yet vibrant world that is indeed ours. Gotham City in Batman Begins is in fact Chicago, with some digital enhancements. The Batman's outfit, gear, mode of operation, and even the Batmobile are all grounded solidly in believably authentic contexts. I won't spoil how and why that is, but let me just say that at no point did I ever scratch my head and say, "Now really, there's no way that could exist."
Finally, the story of Batman Begins is fascinating and engrossing. I honestly can't say that about any of the other Bat-films, which were entertaining in a farcical or fantastic sort of way. Screenwriter David Goyer and director Christopher Nolan have woven a story about living, breathing people, who we not only understand but care about. During one of the early scenes of the film, detailing the tragedy that befalls Bruce Wayne's parents, I found myself tearing up a bit at the plight of young Bruce. The story of this film is that well-written and human. This is not a movie about over-the-top or gaudy villains and their meaningless histrionics. Batman Begins is about Bruce Wayne's emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual journey to becoming The Batman. You will feel for him and for those close to him and even for those who are at odds with him.
Even though this film is centered on the story of Bruce Wayne and The Batman, there remains room for a brilliant and talented supporting cast. Liam Neeson brings wonderful life to Ducard, Bruce Wayne's mentor. Michael Caine finally plays an Alfred Pennyworth who has more to say and do than just ask obvious questions of the hero and fetch tea and sandwiches. Morgan Freeman shines as Wayne Enterprises employee Lucius Fox, who is instrumental in the birth of The Dark Knight.
For me, though, the real magic of Batman Begins was in Christian Bale's performance as Bruce Wayne and The Batman. For the first time on screen, Bruce Wayne is a complex and intriguing character. Bale brilliantly nuances the two Bruce Waynes, one the bored and laxadaisacal playboy fop, the other, the brilliant and driven young man in search of a means to fight injustice. As The Batman, Bale explodes with energy and might. His Batman voice is a harsh whisper at some times, while at other times it bursts into an angry and vicious growl. This change in tone is essential for this portrayal of The Batman, who we only get small glimpses of in action. The Batman is more a feral and stalking creature than superhero, filmed and played like the monster in the first “Alien” film. This is how The Batman was first conceived way back in the late 40’s, a terrifying and brutal creature of the night. Additionally, Batman is called “The Batman,” as I refer to him here, which is in fact the full name of the character. Adding the article before “Batman” provides a mystique and dangerous edge to the character, and I’m glad that the filmmakers made certain that our hero is called “The Batman” throughout the film.
The action in Batman Begins is exciting but not overly showy or pretentious. This movie is about characters and their struggles and triumphs, not ill-conceived set pieces that ultimately fall flat and reek of too much CGI fakeness and bombast. That said, know that you action lovers out there will be very satisfied with the intelligent and explosive action, which is well-paced throughout.
My only problems with the film will be slight to those of you who are not avid readers of The Batman’s comic book adventures. One of the elements often overlooked about the character is that he has a keen intellect to match his superb physical prowess. The Batman was, from day one, intended to succeed Sherlock Holmes as The World’s Greatest Detective. In my opinion, we should’ve seen Bruce Wayne learning the ways of detection alongside martial arts combat, and The Batman should’ve had to show the mettle of his brilliant mind in unraveling the wrongdoing of his enemies. The other problem I had was a minor one, concerning the weapon of the villain towards the end of the film. I felt that such a device was out of place in an otherwise realistic and gritty film, and feel it could’ve been replaced with the other predicament which befalls the good people of Gotham and their gallant protector. These are small complaints, however, and in no way detract from this film.
To sum up, I can’t recommend Batman Begins enough. There weren’t enough people in attendance at the showing I went to, but I think the early hour and the day contributed to the small numbers. So please, get out there this weekend and enjoy Batman Begins. The final moments of the film lay the foundation for a follow-up or two in a sequence ripped from one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Let’s make sure we get to see that fantastic sequel in a few years. Thanks for listening and reading, Christopher Meaux, Ramblings
The Batman, finally portrayed on film as a terrifying creature of the night, shakes down corrupt cop Flass in an intense scene from Batman Begins.
The Master of Fear, The Scarecrow, one of the foes set to oppose The Dark Knight and destroy Gotham City in Batman Begins.
2 comments:
I'm glad it lived up to your expectations and can't wait to see it with you. Mrs Meauxses
Great review, Meauxses. Keep it up. --Reno
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