great revitalization of a dwindling series

Rating: 9/10 (23 October 2005)

Batman Begins is a sorely needed revitalization of what was a dwindling series. By the forth installment, Batman and Robin, the Bamtan series had really lost its way from the Tim Burton originals. Rising from the ashes, Batman Begins creates a new genesis. Director Christopher Nolan has taken the only path to revitalize this franchise, complete destruction to rebuild and reshape to start all over again. Schumacher drove the franchise into a inescapable dead end, for which no amount of back tracking would help.
Starting from scratch, Nolan has taken the story back to Bruce's roots and his journey taken to become the Dark Knight. Bruce's self discovery and to fight all who stand for injustice, his training taken under Ducard, to establishing his iconic figure. Bruce's parents, especially his farther Thomas, are no longer enigmas, Thomas played a stronger role than once thought. The discovery of the cave, the creation of his suit and gadgets, and a new Batmobile to die for.
Biggest change to the Batman world is Gotham City. Nolan has placed this more into reality, which works to its advantage. No more Gothic architecture, with a sky scraper metropolis sky line, yet still contains some of the Gothic fairytale feel of the Tim Burton originals. The city is dark, crooked alleys and claustrophobic. Transferring Gotham City into a visually recognisable symbol of modern day cities, along with the sub text of the story, creates a parable of our modern times.
The villains of this tale are no longer rooted into the comic book aesthetic. Business man, crooked cops, gang leader with thugs, puppet masters in the shadows, wreck the terror on the city; not just one face of evil, as evil has many faces. Connecting back to the comics, the villain Scarecrow is the real menace. Dr. Crane and his scarecrow mask are visually amazing, evoking eerie and disturbing images. Dropping the cartoon design and creating a serious villain sets Scarecrow apart.
Creating a new image for Batman, Christian Bale takes on the cape. Christian Bale is the most charismatic Batman of them all. Unlike past actors that have played Batman, Christian Bale can be childish one second them switch to dark and menacing the next. Micheal Cane as Alfred is perfect same as Liam Neeson as Ducard. Cillian Murphy as the Scarecrow is perfect casting. Murphy made him so icy cold. Tom Wilkinson just verges from making Falcone a caricature, with his gangster voice not hitting the right notes.
Creating a dark new world for Batman to thrive, Christopher Nolan has brought dignity back to the Batman saga.