How to do an origin story

Rating: Null/10 (7 March 2016)

I think that the first iteration of Batman I ever saw was the Adam West TV series. You know, the one with nonchanging story lines, Joker with a painted-over mustache, Bat Shark Repellant, and "Na-na-na-na- na Batman" theme. Boy, have we come a long way since then. Christopher Nolan revolutionized the character. Tim Burton's version had already brought back the dark shadows, the heavy themes of duality and fighting enemies of your own making, the brooding and the melancholy. But Nolan took all that and updated it to the modern day. Suddenly it felt surprisingly plausible that someone might make the choice to fight crime dressed as a giant bat.
This is also one of the first films in ages to show as the origin of Batman. I mean, we all know the story. Bruce Wayne is the golden son of Gotham, but then his parents get killed in a random mugging and once he grows up he takes up the moniker of Batman to strike fear into the hearts of those that have terrified him so much. But we usually start long after he has become Batman. And the question often remains: Where did the learn all that? Sure, he's wealthy beyond belief so getting all kinds of gadgets is certainly possible, but you don't really learn to fight like he does without some form of training. And in this movie we get to see that training. And it is very entertaining and makes for a great cinematic experience, especially with Nolan directing. His nonlinear storytelling and visual style compliment the story perfectly and once Bruce Wayne begins his war against crime, he gives us a great version of one of the best villains Batman has ever had.
It's also a well-acted film with Christian Bale stepping into the boots of Bruce Wayne and Batman. I do think that he is a bit better Bruce Wayne than he is Batman and this is definitely the film where he gets to be Bruce Wayne the most, but his Batman isn't all that bad by any means. Even the infamous voice isn't as bad as people make it out to be, especially in this first film. And the supporting cast is equally great, with Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman giving us their absolutely A-game as Alfred and Lucius Fox, respectively. Not to mention Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, though his best moments are still ahead in the next film.
Batman Begins is one of my favourite superhero films and one of my all-time favourites in general as well. Definitely my go-to example on how to tell an origin story. Check it out if you haven't already.