Batman Begins 2005 Film based on the DC Comics
Relaunch of the Batman Franchise Directed by Christopher Nolan
Aug 27, 2009
After the abysmal Batman and Robin it was always going to take something special to get people cheering for the Batman once again. Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale give Batman back his mystery, and the terrifying presence that makes criminals run in fear. This is without a doubt one of the best super-hero films ever made. Everything about the Batman Begins just feels right and it is Bruce Wayne’s journey that is the focus of this first film.
The Plot and Origin of Batman
An eight-year old Bruce Wayne witnesses his parent’s death, and the man who killed them is sent to prison. Years later when young Bruce Wayne had grown up into Christian Bale, the mugger is set to be released on parole, and Wayne is waiting for him with a gun intending to avenge his parent’s deaths. He doesn’t get his chance as the mugger is murdered by a hitman for talking in prison about gang activities. The story that follows tells about the origins of the Batman - from Bruce Wayne’s decline, to his rise as Batman and Gotham’s saviour. Along the way he is mentored by Liam Neeson, a man who knows that vengeance can become all consuming if left unchecked.
Christopher Nolan takes the Batman back to his dark roots. In this film he is a mystery, and he might not even be human. Nolan also shows the evolution of Bruce Wayne, how he slowly developed into Batman and why he chose to dress up like a giant bat. The Batman is a symbol, something incorruptible, and something which cannot be ignored by either the police or the criminals.
All of Batman’s technology Wayne acquires from the Applied Science Division of Wayne Enterprises. Bruce Wayne finds an allies in Lucius Fox (the always excellent Morgan Freeman), a man who was put in an out-of-the-way department, and his loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth (screen legend Michael Caine). Alfred is well-aware of Bruce’s plans and his new identity; whereas Fox is more reluctant to know why exactly Wayne wants all the advanced technology he can get his hands on.
Special Effects and Re-imagining the Batman
Batman Begins returns to the gothic roots of Batman and Batman Returns putting Batman in a believable city. Gotham looks the part and the Wayne Family are shown to be valuable citizens who would do anything to help others. Bruce’s father nearly bankrupted Wayne Enterprises in his efforts to help the poorer citizens of his city.
In a move that is more in keeping with the DC comic books this Batman (unlike Michael Keaton’s Batman) does not kill, and this sets him apart from the villains. In this film he is up against the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) who is just a small part of something far greater
The Batmobile has not been specially built for the Batman, instead it is a piece of technology that was originally designed to jump rivers to lay bridges (it couldn’t do that effectively) but the vehicle can jump, it is armoured and very tough. After his test drive Wayne asks Fox if it “comes in black” and promptly adpots it as his Batmobile. The chase sequence is flawless, there are no dodgy CGI effects which ruin it, everything the car does, it can actually do.
James Gordon (Gary Oldman) is Batman’s ally in the police force and one of the few police officers who believes Batman is trying to help. Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes) is Bruce’s love interest and serves as Bruce’s conscience in a time when Batman threatens to consume his entire life at the expense of his family name.
9/10
Joel Schumacher nearly accomplished what villains have been trying to do for years, kill Batman. Fortunately Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan have brought Batman back to our screen where he perfectly walks the line between light and dark.
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