Batman Begins
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Written by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer
Produced by Larry J. Franco
Cast: Christan Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Batman Begins is an effort to re-launch a successful, but flagging, film franchise. Opening on Bruce Wayne as a child, then jumping to the adult Wayne trapped in a prison, it draws you into his story. By focussing on the young Bruce, and giving his father more of a personality, we see how the father’s ideals are a strong influence on his son; something previous Batman films had failed to achieve. Even with this, the death of his parents feels a little flat for a major turning point in the character’s life.
Once his childhood is established, the film spends far too long dwelling on his training and the finer details of The League of Shadows’ plans; I was left with the impression that the film makers don’t trust the audience enough to come to conclusions without dialogue and montage shots to hammer points home. This is also true later in the film when Bruce becomes Batman and the fear motif is constantly mentioned. Similarly, we don’t need to know exactly how the mask was assembled, or a ten minute sequence introducing the Batmobile; simpler, more efficient storytelling, as shown in the animated Mask of the Phantasm, could have presented the same ideas in a more eloquent way, and given more screen time for something more interesting.
Thankfully once Batman appears things do get more interesting, with the film quickly convincing how capable Batman is of inspiring fear in others. Bale’s performance shows that Batman is the real man and Wayne the mask more effectively then others have done. In comparison, the rest of the cast work well with what they have but feel a little wasted (Gary Oldman as Gordon) or miscast (Cillian Murphy and Katie Holmes are too young looking, and Michael Caine has none of Michael Gough’s warm dignity).
Overall though the film feels a little crammed, dragging at the beginning, settling into its stride in Arkham, then rushing into a conclusion as they try to tie too many plot threads and character arcs together.
Visually and stylistically I prefer the Burton films with their gothic city and blue tones more fitting to Batman’s noir past. However as an opener to a new Batman franchise more suited to a mainstream audience, Batman Begins succeeds in being an entertaining, if a little over long, opening and one to watch.
Cath Tomlinson has been reading comic books and watching cartoons for longer then is probably healthy in a woman approaching thirty. Currently based in Milton Keynes, land of roundabouts, concrete animals and a potentially lethal number of shops.