Review of Batman Begins (2005) by Richard L — 10 Aug 2014

This is the definitive cinematic beginning for Batman, co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The joy in this movie is following Bruce Wayne from the tragic death of his parents though his journey to become a masked hero, complete with the origin of his fears, the discovery of the Batcave, and the building of his technology and position in his company.

What sets this origin story apart, however, is the quality of the villains and the supporting characters. Everyone seems to be acting at an entirely different level than supporting characters in previous superhero movies. Cillian Murphy, for example, could have been over-the-top and histrionic as the Scarecrow, but instead brings a level of restraint yet menace that allows him to stand out. Instead of another typical gangster, Tom Wilkinson brings something extra to the role of Carmine Falcone. Liam Neeson is also great as Ducard.

Of course, Christian Bale is the definitive Batman at this point (now just under two years before Ben Affleck's version arrives in theaters.) His scenes with a fantastic Michael Caine as Alfred are wonderful and touching.

Credit must go to Goyer and Nolan for a script that knows exactly how to update a superhero origin story. The dialogue is smart, the flashbacks and the present intermingle in compelling ways to provide the necessary background while focusing on scenic action, and every single character is allowed moments to shine. Although the character of Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes) is primarily a typical damsel-in-distress, she also works as a conscience for both Bruce and the city of Gotham. She is also provided a few moments of active heroism to balance the times she needs to be rescued.

My least favorite (but still I like it) part of the movie is the action sequence at the end, simply because it seems a little derivative and adheres less well to Nolan's decision to otherwise make the movie gritty and realistic. It works, though, to wrap up the movie and to lead into the denouement, including the quick introduction of a new criminal.

This is definitely one of the best superhero movies ever made, and is as good or better than Tim Burton's 1989 version. What we didn't know at the time it came out, however, that Nolan had even bigger plans, and that this fantastic movie was leading to a sequel that would turn out to be a movie masterpiece, well beyond our expectations for the genre.