The Dark Knight Returns

Rating: 9/10 (6 November 2005)

In 1966 Burt Ward and Adam West took to the screen in the cinematic adaptation of the cheesy Batman TV series. Twenty-three years later a twisted film geek named Tim Burton revived the mysterious superhero for modern audiences. His two films, Batman and Batman Returns, delivered a darkly comic vision of Bruce Wayne's alter ego. The first film was a massive success, both critically and financially. Batmania was in full swing, despite many casual moviegoers mumblings that the film was "too weird and bleak." Burton's vision didn't wane the slightest bit as he offered up an equally chilling sequel three years later. Batman Returns was successful, but failed to generate the hysteria that surrounded its predecessor. The powers-that-be must have felt the only way to revitalize the franchise was to water it down for mass consumption. This led to the appointment of Joel Schumacher as director for the third and fourth installments (Batman Forever and Batman & Robin). Fresh blood could not save these features from their ludicrous dialogue and cartoonish tone. Even the most die-hard fans were wishing for the Bat to be put to sleep. After all, if Hollywood wasn't going to tell these stories right, why tell them at all? Flash forward to the year 2005, which Batman enthusiasts will henceforth refer to as "Year One." Christopher Nolan, the gifted filmmaker responsible for the mind-bending Memento, has finally given this series the honest, respectable makeover it has sorely needed. Modeled after the Batman graphic novels penned by Sin City creator Frank Miller, Nolan's feature gets back to the crusader's roots. Christian Bale (American Psycho) assumes the role of Bruce Wayne this time around, and it's a brave choice that pays off nicely. The film itself focuses on the events that molded the young billionaire into the masked vigilante we all know and love. After failing to avenge his parent's death, Wayne disappears into the criminal underworld, eventually finding himself in a distant prison. Angry and sorrowful, he is under the tough tutelage of Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson). Ducard instructs Wayne in the ways of martial arts, while also helping him to confront his deepest fears. As Wayne nears the end of his training, he realizes that Ducard and his master, Ra's Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe), intend on destroying Gotham. They feel it is little more than a breeding ground for impoverished criminals, and while there is some truth in this, Wayne disagrees with their ideology and genocidal methods. He soon returns home after a seven-year hiatus, and begins creating the mythic figure we call Batman. It is as this point that the film finds it groove and will likely win over most of its observers. The first act of the film has all been backstory that is unfamiliar to most casual fans of the character. However, director Nolan was wise to stay true to his vision. By taking Wayne out of Gotham and briefly disorienting viewers, he has injected a much-needed jolt of reality to the story. We look on quizzically as exotic locales, ninja warriors, snow-capped mountains, and Asian mystics wash over us. Are we in the right theater? But those who remain patient through the first half of the film will be greatly rewarded. It took a lot of guts for Nolan and the studio to make this film. It is not the merchandiser's Batman, and it is most definitely not a children's movie. This should be evident by the stellar cast that surrounds the still relatively unknown Bale. Morgan Freeman, Michael Cain, Gary Oldman, and Katie Holmes are just a few of the talented actors who deliver wonderfully reserved performances in this truly unique picture. As last year's Harry Potter installment proved, great things can be done with popular material when entrusted to the right filmmaker. This movie isn't likely to smash box office records or send kids running screaming to toy stores, but it has done something remarkable just the same. It has taught an old bat some new tricks and given the rest of us a complex, believable superhero. That's more than just fine with me.
Rating: A-