"Batman Begins" allegorical?

Rating: 10/10 (21 October 2006)

Some folks might think that the quasi-religious element present in the movie makes no sense. Or, that the portrayal of a particular character or three, does not jibe with how him/her/them was developed in the comic series. However, to my mind, folks who watch any of the live-action Batman movies should keep in mind:
1) The live-action Batman movies, while BASED on the comics, are not going to BE the comics, word-for-word, action-for-action. Any movie based upon a book or comic series should be taken on its own merit, and not evaluated solely upon its resemblance, or lack thereof to the story in another medium.
2) Religious extremists are affecting world events more than ever before. I view Batman's quasi-religious back story as an oblique allegory to today's world situation. It is interesting that this Batman, while able to find some equilibrium within himself concerning his personal situation, still had to contend with the quasi-religious vigilante group with whom he once trained who are now bent on destroying evil by overstepping their bounds, and forcing the world to THEIR world view, by ANY means necessary, even though it destroyed their moral base.
3) I rather liked the development of the secondary characters. I felt they had enough depth that I got a sense, not only of the evil vs. good conflict, but of the real people that ALL of it affected.
4) I rather like this Batman showing his "darkness" and his "inner conflicts" without being annoying in the angst and melodrama departments. This sort of neo-film noir production can be ruined by that sort of poor interpretation. Additionally, I sensed every bit of the Batman "cool" without THAT becoming a caricature.
5) Liam Neeson I could watch in ANYTHING.
Arlyss