Great Movie, Just not a great Batman Movie

Rating: 7/10 (12 June 2006)

Batman Begins has something very good things going for it. It has a good cast, good writing, good direction, and most importantly a realistic environment which is what Batman has been so famous for, for so many years. However, it's greatest strength is also it's greatest weakness. For in an attempt to make the film grittier, and more realistic the film-makers have managed to suck a lot of the fun out of the Batman universe.
The world of Batman is one of varying colours. Having existed for over 60 years, the world of Batman has changed more than any other superhero with the exception of Superman. There have been 8 movies (3 animated), 2 serials, 4 television series, and Batman himself has made appearances in the Justice League (Unlimited) and Superman: The Animated Series. He's an incredibly popular character. With all this exposition, the creators of Batman Begins had a lot of pressure on them to do the world of Batman justice. To not only showcase him in a popular way, but in a new and fresh way that no one had ever seen before.
The world of Batman Begins is truly a very different beast from what we've seen. In trying to separate itself from the box-office and critical failure Batman and Robin. Instead of having a bright and colourful world where the villains spout cold puns and pose around in exotic costumes, the creators decided to have a very bleak, and realistic Batman world. Instead of wearing a green cape and suit, Ra's wears the robes of an Asian monk. Instead of wearing the outfit of a Scarecrow, Dr. Johnathan Crane only dons the mask and a straight jacket.
While all these changes were very intelligent, down to earth and strongly execute. Recognisable icons were lost in the process. The character of Ra's Al Ghul was almost buried underneath his political intentions. Instead of the stubborn arrogant environmentalist who has a deep love for his daughter who you can feel deeply sorry for, we are given a political terrorist who does not really outline his ambitions other than a need to rid the world of crime. While this helped to outline Batman's role, it did little to show us what kind of man Ra's was.
That isn't to say that Ra's back story and motivations should have enveloped the film, causing Batman to take a backseat to his villains. (A flaw of the original Batman movies.) Just that it would have been better to see a villain that we can sympathise with. (Which is one of the better qualities of Batman: The Animated Series).
A few of the triumphs of the film are it's explanations for everything. There's a military reason for Batman to have all the items he has in his bat-arsenal. Though it results in a very ugly Batmobile, some of the explanations are very creative.
Another one is the cast. Though hardly Kevin Conroy, Christian Bale brings a great duality to the character of Batman. Playing both the confused, angry young Bruce Wayne, the older confident Batman, and the billionaire playboy. Michael Caine, (though again, no Ephram Zimbalist Jr... is my bias showing?) is brilliant in the role as Alfred. As usual, Alfred is played as the more light-hearted comic relief and fatherly figure to Bruce Wayne. (Though when he starts shouting at Bruce about his family obligations and such, it feels very out of character, at least to me.) Morgan Freeman brings competence to a fairly nondescript role in Lucius Fox... while Cillian Murphy brings a creepy dreamy feel to the villain Scarecrow. And while a little too goofy for the tough, troubled Commissioner Gordon, Gary Oldman is very good at conveying the role.
The only less than great performance in the cast is Katie Holmes. Combined with Rachel Dawes' being a very annoying didactic character makes her arguably the single worst thing in the film. Though I applaud them for making Rachel Dawes Bruce's friend instead of his love interest. With so many interesting and complex female characters in the Batman world, it seems like they could have chosen any of them and it would have been superior.
The script is pretty decent, and there are some very funny snide British jokes. With some good lines by Tom Wilkinson as Falcone.
So over-all. Great movie but... not a great Batman movie.