The Bat Soars in this Amazing Adaption!

Rating: 8/10 (19 June 2005)

We've seen some good comic book movies in Spider-Man and the X-Men films, but we haven't seen greatness until now. Batman Begins represents the greatest comic book film to date. Coming at a time when we seem to be going backward instead of forward with ideas and plotting for blockbusters, Director Christopher Nolan shows us that a movie based on a comic book can be not only great entertainment, but it can be a powerful film in its own rite. This is the comic book movie we've all been waiting for and, more importantly, this is the Batman film the character has always deserved.
Restarting the franchise was a little risky, but I dare say that after the debacle that Joel Schumacher gave us in Batman & Robin, a fresh start was needed. After years of development hell, Christopher Nolan (director of Memento and Insomnia) came to the forefront and decided what type of movie was going to be made. He was interested in how Bruce Wayne became Batman. This is very different to the previous installments that try to suggest when and why Bruce Wayne became Batman. We know the why's (Wayne's parents are gunned down in a back alley) and the when's are inconsequential as Batman exists out of time and place. The how's are the interesting part but have always been neglected.
Something else that Nolan does right is to not put emphasis on the villains in the film. Previous Batman films focus their attention on the colorful and weird villains that Batman must face down. But this creates an inherent lack of connection with our main character. Instead, Nolan gives us a movie about Bruce Wayne and his own journey for justice.
It's tough to pin down every single thing that works in this movie, but there are highlights to be sure. Christian Bale is a perfect choice for Bruce Wayne/Batman. He is a good-looking man, who is capable of being both a playboy and disturbed. Bale succeeds in making Bruce Wayne and Batman two very very different people. Another highlight is the action, which doesn't pass into the realm of the completely unbelievable, yet is still unbelievable and exciting. Finally, and I think my favorite highlight, was the sound design. Never underestimate the power of good sound design. Batman's race through Gotham city in the finally tangible Batmobile is made believable by great choreography, but it is made exciting and thrilling by wonderful sound design.
Batman Begins exists as three types of movies at once and succeeds powerfully on all levels. 1) It is a comic book movie about a super hero. 2) It is a drama about a lost soul looking for justice. And 3) It is a horror film about a nightmarish psychopath stalking the back alleyways of Gotham City, preying on the corrupt. This is wonderful film-making. The best comic book film currently in existence, and a damn fine and accomplished film. I can't think of higher praise.