Batman Begins Review

[bradygirl_12]

I finally got to see Batman Begins (yes, I’m slow, but better late than never) and coincidentally, the first Batman movie with Michael Keaton.

I knew a lot about Batman Begins from fanfic and general discussion, but it’s always good to see it for myself. I’ll be concentrating on mainly this movie, but make some comparisons with the Michael Keaton version as well. 

I liked the more serious approach to Batman Begins, and showing us the origins of the Batman and Bruce’s early life before donning the cape and cowl.  The child actor (Gus Lewis) playing young Bruce was cute and conveyed his happiness, fears and grief very well.  A nice touch that he’s afraid of bats.

 

The murder scene was well-done, and it’s my canon that Jim Gordon is one of the officers comforting Bruce after the murders (it’s probably so in comicsverse, but I know it’s always been mine).  Here we get to see a bond form between Bruce and Jim, one that allows him to trust the older Jim Gordon in corrupt Gotham years later.

 

Aimless Bruce is certainly understandable as he drops out of Princeton and despises the Manor, feeling it’s empty without his parents, but I’ve always felt that Bruce had a drive by the time he reached college age, sticking with college to learn what he could before going out and learning ‘real life’.  

Also, I'm unsure of Bruce carrying a gun.  I can understand him wanting to kill Joe Chill, but guns are anathema to the Batman I know.

 

Seven years away?  I suppose one needs to take that long to learn about the criminal underworld and the ways of the ninja, but how long does Batman have to be viable, anyway?  As a non-meta, his availability as a crimefighter will be as long as his body holds out, if crippling injury or death doesn’t occur first.

 

And it’s a movieverse trend: Clark spends twelve years at the Fortress in training and five years away on the mission to Krypton.  Little wonder he’s sometimes so disconnected with humanity!  I prefer the comics version of learning on the job, and not spending so much time away.  The comics Clark is very connected to humanity, which I feel is essential for the most powerful being on the planet.

 

I loved Liam Neesom as Ra’s.  Perfect casting!  And is Ra’s really dead?  We know that in comicsverse he has the Lazarus Pit.  His talk of the League of Shadows being around for centuries and sacking Rome, spreading the bubonic plague, and burning London…could he have been actually at these events?  It’ll be interesting to see if he ever returns.

 

Alfred is awesome, as he is in any ‘verse.  Michael Caine really hit it out of the park with his portrayal of faithful family retainer and father figure to Bruce.  He’s also handy in a fire and will allow Bruce to take out the Rolls for a spin now and then!  J

 

Great seeing Lucius, too, and Morgan Freeman was excellent in the role.  It stands to reason that with all the tech, Bruce would need help building it.

 

Do I like the Tumbler?  I prefer the sleekness of the traditional Batmobile, but the armored look is certainly appropriate for Gotham.

 

Rachel?  She’s a far better love interest than Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale.  That woman annoyed me with her screaming in the first movie.  This is a hardened combat photographer?

 

I loved the tiny glimpse we got of Barbara at the Gordon apartment, and Jim Gordon is excellently-played by Gary Oldman.  World-weary but still with that spark of hope that will make him Commissioner someday.  And while Gotham’s cops no doubt will still take bribes when they can, now that there’s hope, the honest cops (or at least those leaning towards honesty) will take new pride in their profession and maybe start turning things around.

 

I liked the understated performance of Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman.  He matched with Brandon Routh’s understated performance as Clark Kent/Superman in Superman Returns.  Bale’s Bruce was aimless and angry at first, still angry now but with a purpose.  He keeps compassion to separate him from the criminals who have none.  He pulled off Brucie Wayne quite nicely, and he’s great eye candy!  ;)

 

Bruce cares.  He was afraid for Rachel when Falcone threatened her in the club scene, and notice his eyes when Alfred was threatened? 

 

When Ra’s says that Thomas failed and that was why he and Martha were killed, he’s wrong.  Compassion is the only thing that keeps us from being complete monsters.  The League of Shadows touts balance.  They should realize that without good men’s compassion, there is no balance, just evil’s rapaciousness.

 

Scarecrow is a great villain in this movie about fear.  I read that Cillian Murphy was considered for the part of Bruce, and he probably could have pulled it off.  His cheekbones remind me of Dean Cain and the eyes of Tom Welling.  J  He could have played Bruce as beautiful and yet pulled off the driven Batman as well.

 

A note: a great scene when Bruce shows he’s conquered his fear of bats by letting the bats swirl around him, and another telling scene when he uses the bats at Arkham to distract the cops and to cement his growing legend.

 

Great to see Arkham in the movie as it’s so much a part of the Batman mythos.

 

And I also liked the little kid whom Batman gives a batarang to and who is saved by the Bat in the Narrows.

 

The music in Batman Begins was very well-done.  I thought it set the tone perfectly.  

 

The architecture is very Gotham, kind of Art Deco-meets-Blade Runner, and the monorail is cool!  The Waynes truly are Gotham’s royalty as their influence is everywhere.

 

Usually it’s tough to make the Bat-costume look anything but silly, but I think they managed it here. J

 

The waterfall in the Cave is a nice touch.

 

What I disliked: while the emphasis on Thomas Wayne was admirable, I felt that Martha Wayne (whose name was never even mentioned) was shortchanged.  I know in a patriarchal society the name descends from the father, but still, was there nothing of Martha in Bruce? 

 

I liked the pearls imagery in the murder scene in the Keaton movie and even if people think it’s cliché, I missed it in BB.  Thomas shows the pearls to Bruce, but we never see them break and fall to the pavement.

I was happy to see the importance of Thomas' stethoscope and Bruce's memories of it.  It was one of the few things to survive the fire.  Appropriate.

 

And Die Fliedermaus is a good choice for the fateful night, though I’m still partial to the Zorro movie. 

 

I really loathed the burning of the Manor.  To me, a building isn’t just bricks and mortar, and neither are possessions just things.  They represent time and memories and are handed down from generation-to-generation.  Once lost, they are gone forever, no matter that Bruce vows to rebuild it the same brick-for-brick.  Something that has stood for hundreds of years or possessions that have been in the family that long shouldn’t be burned up.  Just my opinion!

 

And in comparison to the Keaton movie?  Michael Keaton was certainly intense as Bruce and Batman, but I didn’t like the use of the Joker as his parents’ killer.  I prefer two-bit hood Joe Chill as the catalyst to Batman.

 

And as mentioned above, I found Vicki Vale annoying.  She was far too damsel-in-distress for me.  I preferred Rachel’s kick-ass attitude.

 

Keaton’s Bruce is a very lonely man, too, though seems a little goofy to be Batman.  I did like Pat Hingle as Jim Gordon and the character of newsman Alexander Knox was good.  I’m not a big Jack Nicholson fan but he projected just the right amount of menace/psychosis as the Joker.

 

The first movie was enjoyable, but Batman Begins is a superior film, IMO.

 

Since I am a shameless Dick Grayson girl, my rant ahead is about him.  Some people say that he isn’t integral to the Batman mythos!  Poppycock, I say!  ;)  Why, after Robin was introduced in the spring of 1940, the sales on Batman really took off!  Could Batman have survived the purging of comics in the early ‘50s without Robin?  Maybe not! 

 

I do find it tiresome that since the Robin character was in two of the worst movies of the last cycle, there will be no Robin in the future in this new cycle.  If any Batman needed a Robin, it’s this one!  I’ve never seen a lonelier Bruce, possibly because unless it’s fanfic, there’s no hope of a crossover with Superman or any other JLA heroes.

 

Could Robin fit in this ‘verse?  Of course!  But it would have to be done right, and does Hollywood have a deft enough writer to pull it off?  Goddess knows!

 

I do find it surprising (but in a good way) that there was little gore in this film.  Action films today seem to demand gore and gruesome scenes, so it was a pleasant surprise to see this movie lacking in that.  Even the first Batman movie had the stomach-curdling scene of the Joker burning a criminal alive. Ugh.

 

Am I looking forward to The Dark Knight?  Yes!  Will the sociopathic Joker create blood and gore in this second film?  Only time will tell! 

Great ending/foreshadowing with the Joker's calling card!

 

 

      

 

 

 

         

 

Comments

[saavikam77.livejournal.com]

Aaaahh!! Excellent review! I loved a lot of the same things you said, but especially CB's Bruce, Michael Caine's Alfred, and Morgan Freeman's Lucius. ^_^ I thought they were perfect.

I absolutely agree about Dick, too. This Bruce needs his Robin STAT! And for proof, I present "The Greatest Gift I Can Give You".

O_O *cough*

:p

[bradygirl_12]

Aaaahh!! Excellent review! I loved a lot of the same things you said, but especially CB's Bruce, Michael Caine's Alfred, and Morgan Freeman's Lucius. ^_^ I thought they were perfect.

They really were awesome, weren't they? :)

I absolutely agree about Dick, too. This Bruce needs his Robin STAT! And for proof, I present "The Greatest Gift I Can Give You".

O_O *cough*

:p

LOL! Excellent fic, BTW.

And my heart breaks for this Bruce. He's got Alfred and Lucius, and that's no small thing, but he needs someone else. Dick would bring so much joy into that house, and if a crossover could be done, Clark is the perfect 'best friend' who could be something more! :)

But since crossovers are unlikely in movieverse, I would love to see our Dickie-bird introduced in a good way.

[selinamoonfire.livejournal.com]

I agree with a lot you've said, though I have a hard time getting a handle on Bruce's character when writing him. I like this version's wit, though I'm still uncertain about Bale as Bruce.

I'm not too found of Rachel, mostly because I think she's a little twit that can't be happy with Bruce because he doesn't fit her ideal. But that's another rant.

So...do you think they should bring Catwoman into this 'verse? ;)

[bradygirl_12]

I agree with a lot you've said, though I have a hard time getting a handle on Bruce's character when writing him. I like this version's wit, though I'm still uncertain about Bale as Bruce.

I'd heard that people were uncertain of CB, but I did like him a lot, just as I liked Brandon Routh. I think people expect bombastic performances and these two performances were low-key, whether because of the direction or the actors' choices. I found them a nice change-of-pace and yet still had power and strength behind them.

Then again, I love men with soft, quiet voices who have that power and strength. :)

I'm not too found of Rachel, mostly because I think she's a little twit that can't be happy with Bruce because he doesn't fit her ideal. But that's another rant.

Rachel was okay. I liked her incorruptible ideals and her steadfast loyalty to Bruce, which is different from romance. I can't blame her too much for not being able to accept Bruce's 'other life', as it would be hard for any woman.

That's why Bruce needs to hook up with Clark! ;)

So...do you think they should bring Catwoman into this 'verse? ;)

Get the right actress, and I'm all for it! Selina might be the only woman I can see with Bruce, who would understand him and their chemistry together, even in the old '60s TV series, was always fantastic! :)

[selinamoonfire.livejournal.com]

I'd heard that people were uncertain of CB, but I did like him a lot, just as I liked Brandon Routh. I think people expect bombastic performances and these two performances were low-key, whether because of the direction or the actors' choices. I found them a nice change-of-pace and yet still had power and strength behind them.

I'm not really disliking the performance. But sometimes I think that the role is too complex for one actor. I'd like to see one actor play Bruce, another for the Bat. That way we'd get great actors for each one.

Rachel was okay. I liked her incorruptible ideals and her steadfast loyalty to Bruce, which is different from romance. I can't blame her too much for not being able to accept Bruce's 'other life', as it would be hard for any woman.

I can see that problem too, but she was the one that so desperately wanted Bruce to be a better man, to do something, but when he didn't do it her way, she couldn't accept him. I thought that was sad. She pushed him to be better, she should accept the consequences.

I would love to see Catwoman in the movies, as long as it's not like that awful movie with Halle.

[bradygirl_12]

I'm not really disliking the performance. But sometimes I think that the role is too complex for one actor. I'd like to see one actor play Bruce, another for the Bat. That way we'd get great actors for each one.

Wow, that could be really interesting! Sort of Two-Face-like! :)

I can see that problem too, but she was the one that so desperately wanted Bruce to be a better man, to do something, but when he didn't do it her way, she couldn't accept him. I thought that was sad. She pushed him to be better, she should accept the consequences.

I agree with you. I just don't think he was going to be a better man dressed as a bat. ;)

I would love to see Catwoman in the movies, as long as it's not like that awful movie with Halle.

I've heard how wretched that movie was. Hollywood sure can botch it up royally sometimes, can't they?

[selinamoonfire.livejournal.com]

LOL Rachel probably didn't expect a cape and cowl when she wanted Bruce to take up her causes.

I'm terrified of what they'll do to poor Catty next time. *sigh*

[bradygirl_12]

LOL Rachel probably didn't expect a cape and cowl when she wanted Bruce to take up her causes.

*grins*

I'm terrified of what they'll do to poor Catty next time. *sigh*

Selina better have her claws sharpened and ready!

[lady-sarai.livejournal.com]

I love Batman Begins, and agree--he definitely needs a Robin--and it can be done. For proof, I offer up my yuletide present from 2006-- The Beginnings of All Things Are Small. I asked for Dick to be introduced into BB'verse and oh, it's so perfect for the tone of the 'verse. :) Plus--DICK!

[bradygirl_12]

I love Batman Begins, and agree--he definitely needs a Robin--and it can be done. For proof, I offer up my yuletide present from 2006-- The Beginnings of All Things Are Small. I asked for Dick to be introduced into BB'verse and oh, it's so perfect for the tone of the 'verse. :)

I'm going over to read right now! :)

Plus--DICK!

I love a woman who loves our Dickie-bird! :)

[ranger-girl0301.livejournal.com]

And I also liked the little kid whom Batman gives a batarang to and who is saved by the Bat in the Narrows.

There are some people who feel that the boy was Jason Todd. Interesting link, eh?

[bradygirl_12]

And I also liked the little kid whom Batman gives a batarang to and who is saved by the Bat in the Narrows.

There are some people who feel that the boy was Jason Todd. Interesting link, eh?

Hey, I never thought of that! It could certainly fit.

[nightfall-0.livejournal.com]

Ya know, I just watched Batman Begins three days ago, so you weren't the only one slow around ;)

I agree on your review, except for Rachel...I can't stand her! At the end of the movie, when she says to Bruce that what she sees at the moment is his real mask and not Batman's I wanted to scream out loud!
Dick is so needed here for Bruce, and I can't understand why Nolan doesn't want him! Batman needs Robin, I think this is something anyone who likes the charecter should understand. Ok, Robin's rant is over ;)

And for the rescued kid, I don't think he can be Jason, 'cause Barbara is very young in this movie, and Jason can't be older than Babs.

[bradygirl_12]

Ya know, I just watched Batman Begins three days ago, so you weren't the only one slow around ;)

LOL! We're a League of Two! :)

I agree on your review, except for Rachel...I can't stand her! At the end of the movie, when she says to Bruce that what she sees at the moment is his real mask and not Batman's I wanted to scream out loud!

Yeah, I thought that was odd. Truly, Bruce is hiding behind that Batman mask, channeling his rage into Batman, not the other way around.

Dick is so needed here for Bruce, and I can't understand why Nolan doesn't want him! Batman needs Robin, I think this is something anyone who likes the charecter should understand. Ok, Robin's rant is over ;)

Probably due to the bad reviews the Robin movies got. Which, of course, shouldn't apply to this new cycle, but you know Hollywood! Sheep! :)

Also, the Batman & Robin movie was heavy on the homoeroticism, I hear, and the fanboys don't like that much.

And for the rescued kid, I don't think he can be Jason, 'cause Barbara is very young in this movie, and Jason can't be older than Babs.

Yeah, but you know they change things to fit the way they want them in Hollywood, so it wouldn't surprise me if it was Jason. Though I doubt Nolan is even aware of Jason. Most people who haven't read comics in the last 20 think of Robin as Dick Grayson or Tim Drake.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm curious - didn't you like comic films? 'Cos I'll admit I don't watch all of them but I'm old enough to have seen both at the cinema once (the only Batman film I didn't see there in twenty years was "Batman & Robin" - too crap looking - but I saw it on video :( ). Have you seen the animated series that was inspired by the eighties one? 'Cos they're the best. And especially when he occasionally appears with Supes including in "Superman: TAS", "Justice League" and the "JLU". And since you're in America you can get the DVDs. I'll understand if "Batman & Robin" put you off seeing "Batman Begins". 'Cos I had to see clips and also the recommendation from film reviewers meant I thought it worth a shot. Afterwards I knew I wanted the DVD.

Angeloz

[bradygirl_12]

I'm curious - didn't you like comic films? 'Cos I'll admit I don't watch all of them but I'm old enough to have seen both at the cinema once (the only Batman film I didn't see there in twenty years was "Batman & Robin" - too crap looking - but I saw it on video :( ).

I love comics films! I've seen every one of the Superman films with Chris Reeve and Brandon Routh.

I know that when DC broke up Batman & Robin way back in the comics, I kinda lost interest in Batman unless he was in World's Finest or the JLA. I'm not a big 'dark loner' fan, at least not as a steady diet. And since I'm not a Jack Nicholson fan, I easily bypassed the first movie. Same for the second. By the time Robin was involved, the reviews were so awful that I skipped the last two.

Have you seen the animated series that was inspired by the eighties one? 'Cos they're the best. And especially when he occasionally appears with Supes including in "Superman: TAS", "Justice League" and the "JLU". And since you're in America you can get the DVDs.

No, haven't seen any of the animated series except for the last two seasons of The Batman. All I know of those shows is what fans talk about or what I read in fanfic.

[(Anonymous)]

'Cos I got the early Batman films as a box set I watched the first three (I might watch the commentary on the fourth one perhaps) this year. I can recommend all three. I suspect you'll like "Batman Begins" more but that's because it's about Bruce. Among other things to like about it. I remember thinking "Batman Returns" was dark when I first saw it. It doesn't feel that dark any more because I'm older and I've watched far more darker stuff. I'll add "Batman Forever" is mainly an enjoyable popcorn film. It does have an interesting take on duology and Bruce Wayne/Batman. But as I said it's fun. Just remember it's Schumacher and don't expect to think a lot.

I think you're missing out if you don't watch the Dini-Timm animated series'. And I'll point out the "Justice League" made me a Superman/Batman 'shipper. Before that I never considered it. And as I said 'cos you live in the right place you can get the DVDs unlike me. I envy you there. Although you might be able to see it on television (I don't know). Look up Wikipedia to see what order you should get or see things (is my suggestion). I totally recommend the animated stuff (there's "Batman: The Animated Series", "Superman: TAS", "Batman Beyond", "Justice League", and "JLU" plus some movies at least). That said I'd rather read fiction from you so take your time please. Though it might inspire some fiction too. Hmmm...

As a hint I will point out in one episode Superman hugs Batman ("Justice League"). And in that moment I loved the thought of them together even though it was a "straight" hug. ;-)

Angeloz

[bradygirl_12]

As a hint I will point out in one episode Superman hugs Batman ("Justice League"). And in that moment I loved the thought of them together even though it was a "straight" hug. ;-)

I've heard about that hug! ;)

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I like the new line of Batman movies and think Christian Bale is superb. And I agree, adding Dick Grayson could help to bring out more of Bruce's humanity. But I wasn't all that taken with the Rachel character. Actually, not the character so much as the actress playing her. I didn't feel she had the depth to make me see what Bruce saw in Rachel. Someone a little older, a little less "cute" would have been better, imo.

[bradygirl_12]

I like the new line of Batman movies and think Christian Bale is superb. And I agree, adding Dick Grayson could help to bring out more of Bruce's humanity.

Pity TPTB don't feel the same way. :(

But I wasn't all that taken with the Rachel character. Actually, not the character so much as the actress playing her. I didn't feel she had the depth to make me see what Bruce saw in Rachel. Someone a little older, a little less "cute" would have been better, imo.

I kept wanting Clark to show up and sweep Bruce off his feet! LOL!

[x-pixilated-x.livejournal.com]

I liked Batman Begins. I'm a real nit-picker when it comes to movies that are based of off comics/books and most of the time I can't enjoy them because I'm always pointing out the faults but I dug the first 20mins so much that I just sat back and relaxed.

I wouldn't mind seeing an advertisment for the 'Flying Graysons' in a newspaper or something. I think that would be cool.

As for Rachel...Well, I detest romance (even if it is just hinting) in action movies. I feel it always takes up time in which more important scenes could be shown.

[bradygirl_12]

I liked Batman Begins. I'm a real nit-picker when it comes to movies that are based of off comics/books and most of the time I can't enjoy them because I'm always pointing out the faults but I dug the first 20mins so much that I just sat back and relaxed.

It certainly was an intriguing beginning! Bruce all scruffy and stuck in some prison.

I wouldn't mind seeing an advertisment for the 'Flying Graysons' in a newspaper or something. I think that would be cool.

Extremely cool! :)

As for Rachel...Well, I detest romance (even if it is just hinting) in action movies. I feel it always takes up time in which more important scenes could be shown.

LOL! It does tend to slow the plot down, doesn't it?

[rocaw.livejournal.com]

Can I say I'm surprised you had not seen BB until recently. I got a babysitter and I was there the night it came out! LOL!

Liked your review. And yes, Michael Caine was awesome! As was everyone else, but ah, Alfred! Even Rachel, who I initially thought would be the worst part of the movie, did well. She was tough and trying to help clean up Gotham. I was happily surprised about that! *nods*

What I disliked: while the emphasis on Thomas Wayne was admirable, I felt that Martha Wayne (whose name was never even mentioned) was shortchanged. I know in a patriarchal society the name descends from the father, but still, was there nothing of Martha in Bruce?

Yes, I wondered about this, too. It's almost as though Martha doesn't matter at all. That's just wrong.

I will admit for having a softspot for Keaton's Batman. It was my introdution to this wonderful world of comics! I love it! =) Then shortly after, Batman Returns came out and Catwoman stole my heart!

[bradygirl_12]

Can I say I'm surprised you had not seen BB until recently. I got a babysitter and I was there the night it came out! LOL!

Just one of those things. :)

Liked your review. And yes, Michael Caine was awesome! As was everyone else, but ah, Alfred! Even Rachel, who I initially thought would be the worst part of the movie, did well. She was tough and trying to help clean up Gotham. I was happily surprised about that! *nods*

Michael Caine was excellent! And Rachel? I liked her spunk! ;)

What I disliked: while the emphasis on Thomas Wayne was admirable, I felt that Martha Wayne (whose name was never even mentioned) was shortchanged. I know in a patriarchal society the name descends from the father, but still, was there nothing of Martha in Bruce?

Yes, I wondered about this, too. It's almost as though Martha doesn't matter at all. That's just wrong.

Very sexist! *shakes head*

I will admit for having a softspot for Keaton's Batman. It was my introdution to this wonderful world of comics! I love it! =) Then shortly after, Batman Returns came out and Catwoman stole my heart!

The first one is always special. ;)

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

I agree with a lot of that! I... don't get on very well with Rachel, though. I... don't know why.

Bruce really needs someone besides Alfred he can talk in this verse! Which is why I love MOTS so much. LOL, when I see The Dark Knight, I'm going to be thinking 'But this doesn't happen in MOTS...' ;)

I disliked the emphasis on Thomas and not Martha! But, I think you do get the sound of her pearls falling! You have to listen for it, but I'm sure I've heard it. Of course, that was only after multiple viewings, lol.

Gah, Wayne Manor being burnt! *whimpers* That doesn't happen in my head. Wayne Manor has never been destroyed! Not according to me!

[bradygirl_12]

I agree with a lot of that! I... don't get on very well with Rachel, though. I... don't know why.

A lot of people agree with you! :)

Bruce really needs someone besides Alfred he can talk in this verse! Which is why I love MOTS so much. LOL, when I see The Dark Knight, I'm going to be thinking 'But this doesn't happen in MOTS...' ;)

LOL! Yeah, this lonely Bruce really needs Dick and/or Clark.

I disliked the emphasis on Thomas and not Martha! But, I think you do get the sound of her pearls falling! You have to listen for it, but I'm sure I've heard it. Of course, that was only after multiple viewings, lol.

I'll have to re-watch that scene and listen better! :)

Gah, Wayne Manor being burnt! *whimpers* That doesn't happen in my head. Wayne Manor has never been destroyed! Not according to me!

Agree 100% with you! All that history and family legacy gone! *shakes head*