Batman Begins

Batman Begins | Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Dir. Christopher Nolan | Warner Bros | 2005

My rating: ♦♦♦♦◊

Christopher Nolan’s reboot of the Batman franchise had every reason to fail. George Clooney’s dismal 1997 attempt at Batman & Robin, the odds were stacked firmly against a successful interpretation. But it certainly didn’t.

The dark, brooding slow-burning opener to the film gives a new credence to the character. Nolan treats him with respect. Batman isn’t just a caped vigilante that foils the plans of the starring villain; it’s the story of Bruce Wayne, and why and how he becomes Batman. It’s much less cartoon, much more an evolution. Where Batman & Robin gave Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze top billing, this movie is unmistakably about Batman.

Christian Bale embodies Bruce Wayne and Batman with equal weighting. He easily pulls off the playboy persona of Wayne, and transforms into the intense, gruff alter-ego easily. His fake, gruff Bat-voice takes some getting used to. We know it’s Bale/Wayne putting on a silly voice and it’s the time the film is in danger of becoming panto. Luckily, BatBale is a man of few words.

Without question, the casting of the supporting ensemble is absolutely on the money, and a huge reason for the movie’s success. Caine is superb as Alfred, with his fatherly yet subservient facade; he nails every line and steals every scene. Freeman, Neeson and Oldman are also downright spectacular.

The special effects are outstanding. An absence of CGI creates a realism, and further distances Batman Begins from its comic book roots. Its elongated car chase with the police is perhaps one of the best ever committed to film.

Nolan’s move to the dark side may have spawned a vast number of imitators, but at the time it was a bold and risky move that paid off and then some.