A Nutshell Review: Batman Begins
No disrespect to Tim Burton, but Batman Begins blows away ALL the
previous films, even Burton's. This is THE Batman film to date, and
though Christopher Nolan did take some creative liberties on
certain issues (i.e. deviate from canon), he managed to distill the
essence of the character (make that all the characters) and put it
into one 140min film. Excellent!
Unfortunately, as a fanboy, this review will be filled with
spoilers, but I'll indicate those portions as I go along.
[Spoiler Paragraphs]
Some liberties stem from the flashback scenes of the Wayne murders.
The Wayne family didn't actually watch an opera, it was a trip to
the movies - "The Mask of Zorro", and Joe Chill, while accurately
portrayed as the killer, and was after the pearl necklace (I
shuddered when Thomas Wayne showed Bruce that item), Chill was
never caught, and neither was he killed when leaving the courtroom.
I suppose this was the major liberty taken, but I was felt ok with
it.
There has been talk that Gordon was one of the cops who picked up
Bruce, as shown in the film, but if given a choice, I would prefer
a cameo by Dr Leslie Thomkins!
But what Nolan did to hit the head on the nail was to explore to
some depth the history of the Wayne Family's involvement in Gotham
City, from the railway track beneath the Cave, to the philantrophy
of the family to their city. Good research done!
[End Spoiler]
The film runs in three acts, with the first being his training with
the League of Shadows and flashbacks of his childhood days. It is
during this training that sets Bruce/Batman's principle of never
taking a life. And he doesn't. Therefore kudos to Chris Nolan. The
Batman just doesn't kill, and neither does he use guns.
The next act is where the fun begins, as Bruce sets out his journey
to rid Gotham of its criminal underworld. Classic scenes include
the lone bat appearing in Bruce's room (thus his decision to dress
as one), and the "exploration" of Wayne Enterprises with Lucius Fox
to obtain his gear (hence the advance technology). Nolan teases the
audience for an hour with all the preparation, before the Batman
appears. It is dark, mysterious, and the action is fast. Some may
complain that you "cannot see anything", but I would like to point
out that's how Batman operates - swiftly and stealthily. He doesn't
stand around! The anticipation of the baddies for his appearance
all the more bumps up expectations, and it succeeds, to the
pulsating score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. In
particular, I liked the way Batman interrogated his victims -
exactly like the comic books! You never saw this in any of the
earlier films! I was like, hell yeah, that's exactly how it's
done!
And the last act is where everything comes together - the action
and the finale battle. Again, classic scenes were featured, like
Gordon's collaboration with Batman, and Bat's trust in him, the
very Year One scene of Bats against the SWAT team, and activating a
signal to bring his backup of bats to assist in escape (though the
scene in the film has changed to Arkham Asylum), and a Year One
ending, which sets up a teaser for the sequel (I hope it
happens!)
Fear is the running theme throughout - Bruce Wayne's fear of bats
after accidentally discovering the Batcave beneath Wayne Manor,
Gothamites' fear of the criminal underworld, Dr Jonathan Crane /
Scarecrow's use of Fear as a weapon. The effects of the latter is
fascinating to watch because of the effective use of CGI, as we see
the victim's fear come alive [spoiler: I was especially pleased
with Crane's vision of Batman when affected by his own gas]
Fans of the comics will get kicks from seeing serial killer Victor
Zsas, and though it was somewhat a cameo appearance, he was given
respect, unlike Bane's treatment under the hands of Joel
Schumacher. We also got a glimpse of Gordon's wife Barbara and kid
James Jr, and [spoiler: a mention of Ra's wife, and his
reminiscence of her]. Although the Lazarus Pit was never mentioned,
we'd probably know it could have been, given what progressed in the
movie.
Many "bat-toys" in this film are born out of necessity rather than
to sell more merchandise, which I though was excellent story
telling. From his harness to his suit to the utility belt (finally,
a working model!), to the cape (which doubles up as a glider) and
of course to The Tumbler which would be the Batmobile.
And judge not a book by its cover. While the first appearance of
this vehicle caused many fans to shake their heads in disbelief,
watch this film and you see it being used in full glory - it ROCKS!
There's also a running joke on how the vehicle was described - from
"it's a... a... tank!" to "it's black... you'll know it when you
see it"
Incidentally or otherwise, I felt this film also paid homage to
Burton's films, [spoiler: with the
rescue-the-girl-in-batmobile-race-to-cave-give-her-cure-send-her-home
scene, and the discovery of Bat's identity though re-using dialogue
that only the lovers know]
Singapore was also mentioned (twice) in the film, although it was
sort of in negative light (as if we're a major smuggler's paradise)
but what the heck! It was a hoot to hear how Bruce and Alfred plan
to smuggle their bat-wares using the Wayne Enterprises cargo
transhipping though our ports!
I give the thumbs up to casting Christian Bale as Bruce
Wayne/Batman. He brought out the reluctance of living the double
life (as the playboy, though he really hammed it up!), his need to
getting used to late nights and morning alibis, and the tenacity
and menace as the Dark Knight. Michael Caine IS Alfred Pennyworth -
the never failing butler and surrogate father who never gave up
hope on Bruce while delivery witty sarcasms, and his belief in the
Wayne Family, Gary Oldman brought James Gordon into life and gave
him the depth we are accustomed to in the comics (unlike earlier
Pat Hingle versions). In summary, the casting was excellent, and
everyone (except for Ken Watanabe) were given ample screen time to
flesh their characters.
I'll be ready for a sequel, and I hope that the box office numbers
will bring it on soon enough! My wishlist will be (apart from the
obvious villain) to feature Harvey Dent, as they will definitely
need a new District Attorney. If the sequel features this "trinity"
of Gordon-Bats-Dent (and the prospect of Dent becoming Two-Face),
I'll be in Bat Cloud Number Nine!
Highly recommended for fans and non-fans (you'll be converted)
alike.
