Wow. This film will be a blockbuster and that is well-deserved. In case you have missed the trailers or interviews for “Batman Begins” (or just hid from them as I did), this film takes us back to Batman’s origins, inside the mind of Bruce Wayne. We are given plausible answers to questions like “Where does he get all those nifty gadgets?” and “How did he build the Batcave without anyone noticing?” The film is really about Bruce Wayne not Batman and that is refreshing. A good-looking guy in a cool black mask and costume is not interesting if we don’t know why that guy does what he does (just watch “Batman and Robin” again if you don’t agree). Christian Bale gives the character of Bruce Wayne a new depth, not just the angst and guilt. The previous incarnations of Bruce Wayne were dull — we couldn’t wait for him to put on that hood and cape. With Bale, I found myself always aware that Bruce Wayne was behind the mask and a better understanding of Wayne is what makes Batman so compelling.
David Goyer (writer of the “Blade” franchise) and Christopher Nolan (writer and director of the brilliant film “Memento”) don’t patronize the audience with pat answers or glib lines. They don’t constantly rush off to the big fight and chase scenes in lieu of furthering the story or developing characters. They have given us back our intimate connection with the Dark Knight, stripping away the hype and latex. He is a man who acknowledges his fear and loss, and sees the world as a place worth saving. Our hope is renewed.
Heather and I just got back from seeing it and I can’t agree more!
This is the best super hero movie I have seen in a very, very long time.