Susan Granger’s review of “Batman Begins” (Warner Bros.)
This is a season of prequels. First, the origin of Darth Vader. Now, the invention of Batman. Created for DC comics by Bob Kane, Batman first appeared in 1939 as a mysterious wraith, silhouetted against the Gotham City skyline. More psychologically complex than Superman, his iconic mythology has captured the imagination of filmmakers before – but never like this! Director/co-screenwriter Christopher Nolan (“Memento,” “Insomnia”), writer David S. Groyer and production designer Nathan Crowley delve into how coping with a childhood trauma transforms wealthy but guilt-riddled Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) into the sinister Dark Knight. Pivotal to Wayne’s complex evolution is – first and foremost – his loyal butler Alfred (Michael Caine). Then there’s his ruthless, enigmatic mentor (Liam Neeson), envoy of Ra’s al Ghul (Ken Watanabe), leader of The League of Shadows, a vigilante group. Pivotal to Wayne’s self-image is idealistic Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), a childhood friend. His allies include a good cop (Gary Oldman), a rarity in Gotham, and a trustworthy high-tech scientist (Morgan Freeman). Among the villains are a greedy CEO (Rutger Hauer), an unscrupulous gangster (Tom Wilkinson) and a creepy psychiatrist (Cillian Murphy) who has developed a toxin that induces paranoia and terror. Christopher Nolan doesn’t just make movies; he boldly makes his own plausible universe, utilizing seamlessly integrated flashbacks. Christian Bale is astonishing, inhabiting the role like no actor before him. With a stellar supporting cast, slyly layered script and fun-filled Bat-gadgets – on the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Batman Begins” is an intriguing, insightful 10 – the best “Batman” ever! It’s a journey of the imagination, exploring the nature and power of fear.
