Batman: Year One

Rating: 10/10 (11 June 2012)

Albeit not containing some of Batman's more notorious foes, 'Batman Begins' really is the most complete Batman interpretation to date. A marked improvement over Joel Schumacher's toyetic, bland take or the campy 1966 'Batman' and an elaboration of the Gothic, dark undertones of Burton's films, Christopher Nolan has created a more contemporary Batman which leaves a far more believable impression.
If not a comic buff, have you ever asked yourself, just as Alfred asks Bruce in the film, 'Why Bats?' We've finally been given that ever so desired backstory. Burton's 'Batman' in 1989 introduced a charged superhero without giving us the reason for his drive. Here, we see the events as they transpire, how Bruce Wayne abridges into the Batman persona and it helps us to better understand the motivations behind Nolan's rebooted Caped Crusader.
Jonathan Nolan deserves much praise for an extremely well penned story which incorporates elements of a corrupt, degrading society and those few trying to rebel against it. The sets are extremely reflective of this notion. The depiction of Arkham Asylum and the shanty town with the more affluent city revolving around it, separated by a small body of water illustrates the fact that the heart of Gotham's problems lies in the heart of the city, a part of the two-tier society but also not a part of it. Tackling issues such as those makes this superhero flick so relevant to today's world that even those who aren't regular superhero fans can enjoy it.
Both villains were embodied with mindsets so true to their comic book namesakes but Ra's Al Ghul doesn't have his traditional superpowers whilst the Scarecrow doesn't utilise anything but simple chemistry. Constructing that DC Comic fantasy world wasn't Nolan's intentions. Unlike Joel Schumacher for instance, his aim was to create a universe wherein Batman and his villains are all human beings set in a real, plausible world.
I really believe this portrayal strikes an excellent balance between Bruce Wayne and Batman and connects the two well. We see both a formidable, complete, physical Batman and a convincing façade as Bruce Wayne. The fact that Christian Bale wasn't a huge, well renowned actor gave him more room to make his mark. He brings out the most admirable and most believable iteration of Batman to be seen in the last couple of decades.
The film also saw the re-introduction and re-characterisation of people such as Lieutenant Gordon, Lucius Fox and Alfred who either had a subordinated role in the earlier films or were not present at all. Nolan makes it seem a travesty that they weren't explored properly previously after how well their roles are thought out and how superbly they are personified by these actors. Katie Holmes' performance however was a bit tiresome and absent of strength in her personality. Rachel Dawes' connection with Bruce Wayne was less than good. But in the end, that's just a Hollywood cliché and necessity. Batman has never really needed a love interest like Superman or Spider Man.
Some of the best Batman stories have dealt with darker, more impactful material and 'Batman Begins' strives for that angle where it succeeds magnificently. I would like to let you in on a post review secret disclaimer in case it hasn't been that obvious: I am a massive Batman fanatic. This spellbinding take on the Dark Knight earns more than just my stamp of approval.