Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 4.0
The Playboy Superhero finds a Psychoanalyst
"Batman Begins" does a better job than expected of providing the "prequel" or "backstory" to the canonical Batman myth. The clever link at the end to the "joker" story is a nice touch, and the bats (as Bruce calls them, the "reinforcements") are terrific. This film always takes seriously its obligation to provide the psychological beginnings of the Batman character -- and this is not a small challenge.Christian Bale handles the double focus between boy-next-door and gravel-throated, dangerous hero better than most actors could hope to do. I adored Michael Keaton & didn't think anyone could replace him as Batman, but I'm happy with the swtich. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman provide a magnificent supporting cast, and the shots of glittering "Gotham City" and the high-tech effects -- for instance the wonderful batmobile (as one homeless person announces mid-film "NICE RIDE") -- make this movie a delight to watch. Michael Caine's humanity especially gives the film depth. Caine's ("Alfred's") affection for Bruce Wayne is indeed contagious.The diversion to the Far East is a bit strange (and I'm not sure entirely necessary, especially since it does strangely contaminate Bruce). Why does every warrior need to learn his stuff on the top of a high mountain in Tibet (or the equivalent)? The first half of the film therefore drags a bit. But in the end the payoff is worth every minute.I also like the way that the romantic interest is handled here. Not as frustrating as in the Spiderman movies. At least we get a KISS, and some sense that the girl knows the score!!This film shows that even a superhero deserves his Sigmund Freud. Excellent job; worth buying (or at the least renting).