What Defines You

Rating: 10/10 (18 June 2005)

Before Batman (Christian Bale) battles his mortal enemy Ducard (Liam Neeson), he recalls to D.A. Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), "...It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me." Director Christopher Nolan truly defines the dark and tragic hero, Batman, by reinventing this uncompromising and Gothic tale of the origins of Bruce Wayne and his symbol of justice, Batman. His hero's will and actions define Batman. Nolan's "Batman Begins" is the best Batman movie-- one of the best movies of the year. Screen writers David Goyer and Chris Nolan have created a powerful narrative driven by strong character, classic tragedy, and sheer will.
As the movie opens, Wayne fortune heir, Bruce Wayne is searching for the darkness that lies in all men, in Tibet. He believes therein lies true power. He becomes disciple of the Ninja Clan, The League of Shadows, lead by the powerful, Ra's Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe). Wayne's ninja mentor, Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), tells his charge, "To conquer your fear, you must first become your fear." Personally, I have an affinity for Bruce Wayne, as a man who "masks his guilt" with great rage and fear.
Bruce witnessed the murder of his parents as a young boy. He blames himself for not being strong enough to save his parents, and not being strong enough to avenge them as a young man. His refuge with The League of Shadows ends when his act of mercy is deemed as betrayal.
Bruce returns to Gotham City and Wayne Manor. Gotham is ravaged by crime, corruption, and economic depression. All the work of his late philanthropist father, Thomas Wayne (Linus Roache), has fallen in vain. Wayne Corp. is now run by bottom line conscious Chairman of the Board, Mr, Earle (Rutger Hauer). Bruce reunites with his butler and caretaker, Alfred (Michael Cain). Their relationship is the underlying strength of the movie, even more so than Bruce's romance with his childhood sweetheart, Rachel (Katie Holmes). Alfred raised Bruce after his parents were brutally murdered, and always believes in and see the best in "Master Bruce". Alfred believes in Bruce, when Bruce has forsaken himself. There is a moving scene toward the end when everything has gone awry, Bruce confides in Alfred, "You still haven't given up on me..." Powerful relationships and the belief in people's best distinguish "Batman Begins".
The tale of Gotham City follows several different story threads. Grown up D.A. Rachel Dawes is a target of a crime syndicate lead by Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson), refusing to compromise her ideals. A large drug shipment is due in Gotham. One of the drugs is cocaine. The other is a deadly mind altering drug, employed by sanitarium director, Dr. Jonathan Crane (a very creepy Cillian Murphy), who is also super-villain, Scarecrow. This is part of the conspiracy to vanquish all of Gotham City using this X-like drug, to establish a new order.
Christian Bale is simply an amazing and commanding force as Bruce Wayne/Batman. He is a tortured and charismatic soul. Bale is so believable as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Bruce Wayne becomes Batman to confront his fear, and reconcile his quest for justice and revenge which may be two sides of the same coin in this context. Wayne's journey to find peace in life, starts with battling evil as a symbol. As a man he knows that he can be killed. An ideal or symbol can live forever. The great thing about the movie, is that in the end compassion and mercy are qualities of great strength. Batman is distinct among the Superheroes in that he does not possess any superpowers. He uses his intelligence, skill, and courage. He battles evil driven by sheer force of will. Bale imposes awesome will as Batman and Bruce Wayne.
However, even sheer will needs to enroll others in the cause of justice over great evil. Enter, Lucius Fox played by the great Morgan Freeman. Freeman adds a refreshing light touch as the "James Bond- M" to Batman. Fox is the Wayne Corp. scientist demoted to the labs-- pastures. Fox provides the body armor, utilities, and Batmobile to the Gothic hero. Batman is now ready to battle the evil in Gotham, and more profoundly reconcile the fear and rage deep inside himself.
The fact that the love story of Bruce and Rachel is downplayed, is effective. This emphasizes the tragedy that is Bruce Wayne's journey. Katie Holmes is perfect as Rachel Dawes. Her Rachel is the heart-broken idealist, who despite all has faith in Bruce. Holmes is beautiful, exuding a quiet strength and faith.
The supporting cast are amazingly talented. Liam Neeson as Ducard is powerful, and his character turn is surprising. Michael Caine gives Alfred such strength and compassion. He provides a soul in Chris Nolan's Gothic vision. Gary Oldman is rock solid as Det. Jim Gordon (before he was Commissioner Gordon). Ken Watanabe is awesome as Ra's Al Ghul, which is a surprising cameo role.
Nolan gives "Batman Begins" a physically dark, gritty look that is visually stunning. The action sequences are expertly done. The ninja fighting and training scenes are amazing. The fighting sequences with Bale as Batman are sleek and crisp. He truly mastered the physical aspect of the character. In the end acknowledge Nolan for making a movie driven by strong characters and a compelling hero's story. Christian Bale has arrived as a major force. He imposes his sheer will as both Batman and Bruce Wayne. Nolan and Bale have reinvented Batman, having something to say. Ultimately, "Batman Begins" is a story of redemption, compassion, and mercy. In this context may Batman as a symbol live on.