The Batman we've always wanted, even with its flaws

Rating: 8/10 (21 October 2005)

This is, in many respects, the Batman movie fans have been waiting for.
Christopher Nolan et al have crafted a film that is, finally, respectful. It shows respect for a pop culture institution that has been around for about 80 years, respect for the source material, and respect for the fans as well. Finally, we have a Batman movie that takes itself just serious enough while still retaining a sly sense of fun.
The stellar cast certainly helps. Veterans Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, and Rutger Hauer all perform admirably, as you would expect. Relative newcomer Cillian Murphy also gives a compelling performance as Dr. Jonathan Crane/The Scarecrow.
As for the lead, Christian Bale is appropriately intense as Bruce Wayne/Batman. The Dark Knight's psychology and motivation are a more important part of who he is than almost any other superhero, with the possible exception of Spider-Man. Bale is the first actor in the role to give the character the psychological depth his mythos deserves. And his rapport with the actors playing his mentors--Neeson, Caine, Freeman--is a genuine pleasure to watch.
The storyline is compelling, and we're kept on the edge of our seats by being kept one step ahead of our heroes. No spoilers, but I will say it is immensely satisfying how all the threads Nolan and Goyer weave are tied up just before the big climax. The action sequences are thrilling, with Batman being wonderfully creepy and frightening as he closes in on his prey, exactly as he should be.
I do have, however, a couple of complaints.
First, regarding how the murder of Bruce's parents was shown. It's very mundane and matter-of-fact, which may be what Nolan wanted. But that approach is entirely inappropriate for Batman. This is THE seminal event in Bruce Wayne's life, changing it forever--it made him become a legend; it should be legendary, epic. Plus he was only 8 years old; it should have been shot from his point of view, with everyone appearing larger than him (larger than life), the gun sounding like a cannon, and a little slow-mo to draw out the moment and emphasize its importance would not have hurt. This scene is the key to the character's motivation, and Nolan seemed to toss it away.
Second, regarding Katie Holmes. Don't get me wrong, she's a very good actress in the right role. And the character she plays, while non-canon, is vital to the plot and to the development of Wayne's character--she's not just Wayne's love interest, she's his conscience.
But Holmes' appearance, voice, and manner are all very girlish; I could accept her as Bruce Wayne's childhood sweetheart, but not as an Assistant D.A. with integrity to spare in a corrupt, gritty city like Gotham. Holmes did not show herself capable of conveying the steel a woman like that would have to have; the city would have eaten a girl like that alive years before. I can't help thinking that an actress like Michelle Rodriguez would have been a much better choice in this role, and I was surprised to learn Nolan never considered another actress for the part. No one's perfect, I guess.
I also didn't sense a lot of sparks between Holmes and Bale. Wayne's relationships with the men around him were much more interesting--but then again, that's appropriate for a solitary character like the Batman.
Overall, as a long-time fan of Batman, I was very pleased. If the rumours are true and Holmes has been ruled out of appearing in any sequels, so much the better.