Batman Begins marks a brooding, yet satisfying portrayal of the DC comics's cape crusader

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2017)

When Tim Burton conquered the cape crusader with a darker approach to suit the atmosphere of the comics, it marked a definite start for the popularity of the comic book hero. But when Joel Schumacher took over the franchise marked the decline of Batman's reputation in the celluloid. Visionary director Christopher Nolan however, strikes the screen with an all-new examination of the cape crusader with a much darker and brooding approach in attempt to strike at the heart of the comics. Tackling on the origin story which follows the genesis of Bruce Wayne's venture into becoming the caped hero, Nolan and writer David S. Goyer grants the film with a portrayal of Batman that breathes new life into the hero's reputation in the Hollywood realm. And the new man stepping aboard the title role is Christian Bale who follows the footsteps of Michael Keaton to capture the brooding essence of the lead character with soul-crushing charisma. This film follows Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale), a man haunted by the murder of his parents at the hands of Carmine Falcone (played by Tom Wilkinson). Relocating from his mansion in Gotham watched over by his old guardian Alfred (played by Michael Caine), Bruce trains with the League of Shadows lead by his mentor Ducard (played by Liam Neeson) and Ra's Al Ghal (played by Ken Watanabe) to seek revenge against the slaying of his parents. When things get terrifying, Bruce relocates back to Gotham to support Wayne Industries, a company previously run by father. When he learns of sinister plan to wipe out Gotham with a toxic gas, Bruce adopts the identity of the hero known as Batman and must fight face-to-face against Dr. Jonathan Crane a.k.a. Scarecrow (played by Cillian Murphy), the mastermind behind this diabolical plot. In the process, he must form allies with Gotham Detective Jim Gordon (played by Gary Oldman).
Christopher Nolan proves he knows the heart and spirit of the popular source material, as does writer David S. Goyer. His thoughtful direction on the driving the plot is not only consistent with breathing life into the titular hero, but a firmly engaging genesis of how Bruce Wayne rises above tyranny to become the cape crusader while fighting for his trust of the curious law enforcement. His method involves exploring the origins of Batman in areas the celluloid as yet to cover. Along the way, Nolan proves that superhero films do not have to all cheery and light- hearted to fuel the entertainment tank. What is the most important is that he keeps things interesting and intellectual challenging without sinking too deep into an overly serious atmosphere. The primary core of this superhero spectacle is the conflict between the ordinary man-turned hero and the dubious Dr. Jonathan Crane who is set Gotham of peacefulness with criminal Carmine Falcone at his assistance. Following a long proceeding of Bruce Wayne rise from zero to hero, the film buckles down to action with Batman taking on the baddies one step at a time, and the visually stunning action sequences that ensue are things of beauty. Nolan shows his grandeur in engaging filmgoers with an exhilarating visual heft, mostly in the production design, and cinematographer Wally Pfister excels at capturing the action with compellingly. Who can forget that train sequence during the climax?
With Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney now ancestor of the central role, Christian Bale steps onboard in the role of the bat hero. For the versatile actor he is, he strongly embraces the role of the man inside and outside the batsuit, resulting in what is arguably the best portrayal of Batman in the celluloid, if not by Michael Keaton -- opinions will differ. Acting along his side is Liam Neeson and Ken Watanabe as the leaders of League of Shadows, both of whom comply with performances that are solidly satisfying --nothing more, nothing less. English actor Michael Caine plays the role of Alfred, the guardian of Bruce who looks after hime following the untimely death of his parents, and he plays things decently as does Gary Oldman as Detective Jim Gordon. Tom Wilkinson is suitably menacing as the antagonist Carmine Falcone, the evil mastermind behind Bruce Wayne's emotional trauma from his childhood. Cillian Murphy works well in the other villain role as Dr. Jonathan Crane who sheds away him humanistic identity to step in as the ghastly Scarecrow who terrorizes the citizens of Gotham with his poisonous gas. Then there is Morgan Freeman, the prolific actor he is, playing Lucius Fox, the techno-genius who becomes a helping hand at putting Bruce into his hero costume. Sadly, Freeman himself is given little to do. He does at least make for a more interesting character than Katie Holmes's Rachel Dawes. While Holmes's performance is not bad, the writing of her character depraves her of any charisma, rendering her into a simple, flat character.
Batman Begins is an entertaining superhero spectacle that marks a fresh start to the rebooted Batman franchise. It is visually compelling, appropriately brooding to carry its faith to the source material, and energizes the titular hero with stunning charisma thanks to Christopher Nolan behind the camera. In short words, it is a game changer.