*VERY mild spoilers*The Batman I have been waiting for...

Rating: 9/10 (23 June 2005)

In 1989 Tim Burton's "Batman" brought a gritty and conflicted vision of the Dark Knight to the screen. The film was well directed, well acted, and very well received. It seemed that audiences had wanted an adult-oriented, filmic version of the comic book for quite some time and that their thirst had finally been quenched. Box office success translated itself into quasi-serialization and this new Batman was resurrected in sequel after sequel, starting out well, but dwindling to the doldrums of Hollywood hackery. Sixteen years later, Christopher Nolan has once again given the public a Batman that is worthy of praise.
"Batman Begins" brings us back to a dark and uninviting Gotham City. This Gotham is a city in the throes of depression and crime, the realities of which strike billionaire heir Bruce Wayne at a young age, transforming him forever. It is through Wayne's trauma, that Nolan explores what it would take to make a man like Batman, while at the same time developing the characters' back stories and weaving an intricate plot.
The story of Wayne and his turbulent journey to become Batman is a tale that is well constructed and well told, unfolding at a steady and metered narrative pace. It is an entertaining and convincing story, well within the realm of possibility that Nolan establishes in the early stages if the film. The characters are more complex and Wayne/Batman is far more conflicted than he has been in any previous film. This contributes to a darker and more allegorical film than what one usually expects from a summer blockbuster, but Nolan maintains the balance well, creating a classically entertaining and exciting film, while at the same time offering deeper themes to those that wish to read them. This film is very much the story of the origins of Batman but is still very much an allegory of fear, courage, good, and evil.
While not nearly as stirring or disturbing as "Memento" and not as conflicted as "Insomnia", one can see echoes of both of these films in both the editing and the direction of "Batman Begins." Nolan's style is fresh and the film's visuals are reminiscent of Tim Burton while still remaining original. Production design is complex and masterful adding to the visual power and iconic imagery that is already associated with Batman. Overall, the film is a successful translation of the art of the comic books and graphic novels and though there is not as much eye-candy as in some other glitzier films, the visuals are beautiful and compelling.
I have followed many films through the production stages, eagerly awaiting the theatrical release and have been left invariably disappointed at some aspect of each. "Batman Begins" overcame all of my expectations, and is one of the most satisfying cinematic experiences I have had in recent years. This is the Batman movie that I have been waiting to see for 16 years and I recommend it whole-heartedly.
9/10 ~JCA