Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 4.0
A decent film that I did not overly connect with but respect nonetheless
Batman Begins was for me quite an enjoyment to behold. It was well made and actually had some depth. However ever since the previews I felt something lacking. I wasn't all too excited by the preview as I had expected to be. This feeling somehow extended to the film. I recall as a kid being overwhelmed when I saw the preview for the original and I was not let down in the least. For me a comparison between Burton's vision and Nolan's is unavoidable. I know they are two completely different realms but I can't help but be saddened by the disappearance of the franchise Tim Burton was creating. And I can't help but reflect on how much more I connected with the original version than this one. I don't completely blame Nolan for not being able to rival something so rare and phenomenal but I still feel he could have done something towards that old feeling at least a bit more without it necessarily feeling recycled. I prefer almost everything about the original: the city, the villain, the hero, the girlfriend, the visionary artistry, the extravagant shots, the 40's era and gothic style, the perfect climax, the mystery and the ridiculously abstract and flamboyant quality it exuded. I truly feel that soo many people are just jumping the gun and calling this the best Batman and placing it over the original which to me is utterly insane. I don't feel that many of these people are really thinking. I know that Burton took artistic liscence with his version but in doing so I feel that he only created a legacy, a phenomena of dark beauty never before seen and that will sadly never likely be seen again. I suppose strictly following the comics is not as important to me as presenting it in a creative, appealing fashion. If Nolan were to present something actually as revolutionary as Burton's Batman than my hat would be off to him. These heights I did not feel were reached and I accept that because to me such an achievement would be close to impossible. I have tremendous respect for Bale as an actor. He proved himself to me even more so to be a serious and devoted actor with what he did with the Machinist and then half a year later playing Batman. And I knew all along he would be a good Bruce Wayne and Batman. I still however prefer Keaton's dark grittiness and quick movements while in the suit. His face fit so perfectly behind that mask that he seemed born for it. I also like how Keaton's Bruce Wayne seemed like an ineffectual panzi whose alter ego is a seemingly superhuman hero. But I must say there were times when Bale really did shine in the new suit. And yes he fits this Bruce Wayne very well. I always found him to be an admirable actor and especially after witnessing his version of Patrick Bateman I knew this guy was heading places. I was also not surprised by the charm Cillian Murphy threw into the mix as the Scarecrow. His performance somehow gave me a slight nostalgic feel that I might be able to connect to the original yet remains rather mild when Nicholson comes to mind, though I question whether something so extreme and over the top could even begin to fit in a film like this anyways. It seems that the one thing I really can give Nolan credit for is breathing some new life back into the series after being destroyed by you know who. Batman Begins did have its powerful somewhat magical moments. But at no time does it come anywhere close to expressing the indescribable magic of the original and in this regard is just kind of empty in comparison. But when I look at it on a different level perhaps comparison is not the best thing to dwell on. Batman Begins has done somthing completely orginal by giving Batman more meaning, seriousness, drive and depth than before. So in this regard I cannot look down on it too much at all for not delving into Burton's realm which is more placed in the realm of fantasy. And to me it makes sense why many hold this one higher than Burton's, mainly because a lot of people look down on fantasy. I on the other hand have quite an interest in the subject of fairytale and fantasy and have researched many of its facets and origins and have never failed to be amazed by any of it. Surprisingly the mythical aspect of the hero works out in both Nolan's realism and Burton's fantasy which is quite interesting. Which brings me to point out that a new quality that impressed me with Batman Begins is how the main character's journey actually reaches a somewhat spiritual level. I am not too disappointed with the new take on Batman and the direction it is now going in but it will not diminish the sadness I feel for what could have been after Batman Returns. They spent soo much time building up Catwoman's character to obviously bring her back and who knows what kind of magic was yet to come. One thing I can't fathom is how Nolan thinks he can pull off bringing the Joker back. To imagine anyone who isn't going to pale in comparison to Nicholson is pretty far fetched. I am never the less very curoius to see where Nolan is going to take the series from here.