Review of Batman Begins

The world of Batman is one most people know. It has been broadcasted to the world for over twenty years through comic books, television shows and movies. In this film, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, the audience is shown what could be considered a prequel to the other four Batman films. Batman Begins tells the story of how Bruce Wayne came to be Batman, and the trials he was put through in order to save Gotham City from the criminal underworld. However, it is important that one completely disassociate himself from the former films, as this one is much different.
To choose to restart an entire series of films almost twenty years after the first film is a risky choice indeed, let alone with a franchise as big as that of Batman. Even more risky was the director’s choice to not include elements from the previous four Batman films. However, Christopher Nolan came out on top, with a film that made almost twice its budget in the box office. In fact, when it comes right down to it, Batman Begins is better than the others. Unlike Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher, Nolan chose to dive into the darker side of Gotham City and its inhabitants, rather than the supernatural.
Like the others, Batman Begins is shot almost entirely at night or in dark areas, symbolizing the living situations of bats. Although the story of Batman itself is supernatural, the director manages to make the entire story seem almost realistic, instead of playing around with comical villains like the former films. It is not the atmosphere of the film, but the tone that is different.
The character of Bruce Wayne is a complex one to look at. In his mission to rid the world of crime, he himself turns to crime, making him the perfect candidate for an ‘anti-hero’. However, together Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale managed to create a Batman that has a sense of compassion which brings the character back into a hero complex.
The best thing done when is comes to the characterization of Batman is the director’s choice to have the audience know the character’s history. In the previous films Bruce Wayne was an enigma, which the crew involved in Batman Begins were careful to avoid. Instead of just plenty of action scenes, the viewer gets to know Bruce Wayne on a psychological level before much fighting takes place.
The most important thing to know is that Batman Begins is not just another film in the Batman franchise. It stands alone and at a much higher level of quality than the former films.