BATMAN BEGINS (Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros., 2005)

What is it about Batman that resonates with us so deeply? Is it because he is a man doing super human things? Is it the similarity to Robin Hood, a rich man helping those in need which attracts us to him? Is it because he is a man seeking justice and retribution for being wronged, a completely human fallibility? Whatever the reason for identifying with Batman, audiences do so en masse. With BATMAN BEGINS (Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros., 2005) we are treated to a darker, grittier and more realistic vision of the Caped Crusader. This vision is a direct reflection of us as a society as we have become fully the two sides of what this man represents. Nolan's vision and interpretation of the character is fantastic and he has crafted a marvelous film. The excellence to BATMAN BEGINS starts with its superb narrative and superlative writing. Written by Nolan and David S. Goyer the films narrative is dark and fearful, full of grit and realism. The narrative is complete in every manner. There are very few plot holes in the script, the narrative becomes an excellent base for the trilogy to follow and by the end of the film they have perfectly laid out structure for the future Batman. Beyond the narrative we have character development. Nolan and Goyer do an incredible job of delving into Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale). We see the psychological underpinnings to his actions and Wayne becomes a complete character for us. Bruce Wayne sets out with an objective, becomes Batman and fulfills that which he set out to do. Wayne grows as a character; from petulant and spoiled child to a compelling man. Finally the writing for the film is good. There is limited use of hammy and cheap dialogue, the kind so often inherent to films these days. The writing propels the narrative, informing at every turn. I want to delve into what Nolan and Goyer accomplish a little more here, in regards to the writing. Throughout the script they continually reenforce ideas and themes from the film. Fear, justice, humanity are just some of the themes ever present. And they also use writing to serve as instructors for Bruce, to help him grow and become what he must. When Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes) tells Bruce "it's not who you are underneath but what you do that defines you", you see this as a catalyst for what Bruce must become as a symbol to Gotham. But it is not only to Batman that she is speaking. She also speaks to Bruce himself. Bruce needs to help Gotham in ways such as his father did, and this is the point he misses in becoming Batman. Earlier in the film, Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson) tells Bruce "if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can't stop you then you become something else entirely...a legend". Can you see Batman being formed? Brilliant writing by Nolan and Goyer, just really excellent all around. Technically the entire film is excellent. The cinematography by Wally Pfister was nominated for an Academy Award and it was well deserved. Dark and foreboding, Pfister captured the tone and mood of the film and of Batman perfectly. The editing and sound were both good, particularly the score. The score is one of those scores that lingers and resonates in your mind, playing again and again. I can hear the rising horns of the Batman theme right now actually. Also of note was the production design, particularly in the Arkham scenes. Every time they were in Arkham amazing depth was provided in creating a cloistered and dirty city. And all of these details will fall under the leadership of one man. Christopher Nolan accomplished one amazing job. His major decisions would be writing, casting and the overall direction the film would take and each one he did superbly. The writing was great, but the casting was really good as well. They cast each and every character, from lead to supporting to minor roles tremendously. Christian Bale is great. He has that smarmy charm of a rich man, the inner rage required for the hurt Bruce Wayne, the fire and strength of Batman. He hits the role on every cylinder. But the casting of Alfred (Michael Caine), Rachel, Ra's, Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) et al were all incredible choices. Nolan chose well with casting, helped to pen a great script, oversaw great technical work and helped to realize a vision of Batman more in tune with being a reflection of our contemporary society. To me this is what sets BATMAN BEGINS into a different category rather than just a comic book/superhero/action film. Nolan takes great pains to bring a gritty psychological realism to Bruce Wayne/Batman. He crafts him as real. A man that suffers pain, emotional and physical. A super hero sure, but one that has plausible explanations to what he accomplishes. But Nolan also reflects what we are through Bruce Wayne/ Batman. He shows us as being fallible. He shows us enduring pain and hardship, being lost and rudderless. Bruce Wayne does the things we want to do. He helps those in need. He stands up for what is right. Batman can do the things we can't and herein lies the attraction. He can do what we can't, plain and simple. And thanks to Christopher Nolan, we get to see that. Amazing film!