With The Dark Knight Rises just around the corner, Martin Deer revisits Batman Begins…
In the build-up to the July 20th release of the final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s incredible Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, I wanted to take a look back at how we got here and share my feelings on what are not only the greatest Batman stories I have had the pleasure of experiencing, but also what I believe will become the greatest trilogy ever created.
And so as we head towards the ‘Epic Conclusion’ let’s start where it all began, with the film which revitalised the franchise, revolutionised a genre and showed everyone just how cool Batman actually is. I give you: Batman Begins.
The last time we had seen Batman on the big screen was eight years earlier in the summer of 1997, when Batman & Robin was that year’s dose of Dark Knight. However on that day, even at the age of 12, I left muttering to myself: “what the hell was that?!” Back in 2005 however, it was a different feeling entirely.
In the build-up to Begins I wasn’t as active online as I am now and so I knew little about the film prior to release; I’d seen the trailers, which of course pointed to a more serious interpretation than what had come before and I’d seen some videos of the new Batmobile, The Tumbler, which excited the 12 year old inside of me more than I could ever articulate in to a witty one liner. Needless to say that when I went to see Batman Begins I was what you might call excited. When I came out of the theatre that night my joy was uncontainable, it had blown me away. It really was something special; its deep and complex analysis of Bruce Wayne left an indelible mark. Bruce Wayne had just never been explored this way, certainly not on screen, nor had he ever looked so heroic. Nolan captured the inspiration that Bruce is, along with the bad-assery (yeah I’m just making up words here) of Batman perfectly. Show me the “Swear to me” scene a thousand times in a row and I’ll light up like a Christmas tree with geekful joy each time.
If you weren’t a fan of Batman before you saw this movie, you more than likely were after. Christopher Nolan had redeemed Batman in the eyes of the public and given the fans a reason to tell people they were fans again. He cannot be thanked enough for that. Nolan knew Batman, and along with David S. Goyer was able to create the definitive origin story, capturing the darkness within but also the selflessness and heroism inherent in the best stories of the character.
What really elevated this film to a different level was the cast, which was nothing less than stellar. Acting legends Michael Caine and Gary Oldman as Alfred and Jim Gordon respectively, put in performances that are some of their career bests. Oldman’s Gordon is worn down and deflated, a good man in a bad city just trying to make it through to retirement alive. Caine’s Alfred breaks your heart, standing by Bruce no matter what, painfully watching as he puts himself through hell. Liam Neeson as Ra’s Al Ghul, a man on a mission to save the world using his twisted and misguided methods provides the villainy along with Cillian Murphy’s terrifying portrayal of The Scarecrow, head doctor at Arkham Asylum, using his position of power to torture and abuse, satiating his obsession with fear and power.
Stealing the show is Christian Bale, portraying the guilt, anger and pure rage that lies within Bruce Wayne beautifully. So many times throughout the film he is able to express all of these emotions and more with a mere look in his eyes, a talent so few actors possess.
In the comics Batman goes out night after night in an attempt to stop what happened to him from ever befalling another; however Nolan clearly defines his Bruce’s mission from the offset, to inspire the people of Gotham to take back their city as he goes about removing those from the top of the chain who corrupt it. One of the aspects of the story I love is how Nolan removes the crutch of Joe Chill, the man who killed his parents, early on. This Bruce had closure on that issue and yet left Gotham to find his purpose regardless and chose to give his life to saving Gotham.
There is one man who sets Bruce on the right path and gives him the skills he needs, both physically and emotionally, to wage his war. Ra’s Al Ghul not only serves as the villain of the story he is also undeniably a major component in Bruce’s transformation in to the Batman. The relationship is doomed to fail as the ideologies of master and student differ so greatly and Bruce rejects the League of Shadows forging his own path. The final showdown between the two is the cause of much discussion between fans, Bruce sets his rule that he will not become an executioner, as opposed to the comics where he vows to never let anyone die by his hand. In the climax of the film Ra’s sets a series of events in motion which culminate in Batman having to choose between escaping on his own or saving Ra’s; he chooses to leave Ra’s to save himself, which he does not and accepts his fate going down with the train. Bruce chose right in this situation in my opinion, but I’m sure you have your own views on that.
In just 11 days time Bruce’s story, which began with the death of his parents and the emotional pain he has never moved on from, is going to come to a close as Christopher Nolan looks to give his story a true ending. From everything we’ve heard, The Dark Knight Rises touches on arcs and themes from not only The Dark Knight but also from the film that started it all. If you look at trilogies the first film in the series tends to stand alone and is often not addressed. This however will not be the case with Nolan’s trilogy as on July 20th he brings an end to an expansive story that, like any great literary piece has a beginning: Batman Begins, a middle: The Dark Knight, and an end: The Dark Knight Rises. So if you’ve not seen Batman Begins (shame on you) or haven’t seen it for a while, make sure you do before you take in the final chapter as questions are sure to be answered and plot threads returning.
5. “I’m Batman”
Having identified a major drug deal taking place, Bruce is ready to unleash The Batman for the first time. Stalking his prey Nolan shows the Batman through the eyes of the criminals, barely getting a glance of him as he takes them out one by one. Who is he? He’s the god-damn Batman!
4. Batman is Born
He had the will, the means, but not the symbol. Taking inspiration from the graphic novel Year One, Bruce finds a bat inside Wayne Manor. When Alfred advises they nest somewhere in the grounds Bruce follows the trail to the caves beneath the manor, and the bats swarm around him. Knocked to his feet and momentarily crippled by his childhood fear, he gains composure, rising to his feet and revelling in the moment. The Batman is born!
3. Why do We Fall?
As Wayne Manor burns to the ground and Ra’s Al Ghul leaves to destroy Gotham, Bruce laments his failure to stop it as he lies injured from the Leagues attack on his home. Alfred, fulfilling the duties he always has as adoptive father, gives Bruce the inspiration and belief he needs in that moment; repeating the words of Thomas Wayne he reminds Bruce that failing is part of learning. In a film full of heart and emotion this scene steals it all as Alfred shows the deep affection he has for Bruce.
2. “Swear to Me!”
An epic display of that bad-assery I mentioned previously. Intimidating, terrifying, vengeful… does he look like a cop?
1. Rooftop Meeting
Batman’s relationship with Jim Gordon is one of the most important in the mythos and Nolan begins this relationship early on. On the night of his parents murder when all those around him are concerned only with the apprehension of the killer, there is one Police Officer who cares for his well-being. Comforting him and showing concern, Jim Gordon creates a bond that he will never know the impact of. Having saved Gotham from Ra’s Al Ghul, Gordon shines the new Bat-signal bright across the city as he and Batman discuss the potential fall-out from their attack on the mob. Embarrassingly declaring he’d never thanked his new ally, Gordon receives the response that displays Batman’s selflessness: “You’ll never have to”.
What about you readers… what are your memories of Batman Begins?
Martin Deer
Batman Begins is available now on Blu-ray Triple Play.
Holy Franchise, Batman! – Available now via Amazon.
