The anticipation of the new Batman film, which is being touted as the best in the series thus far, is causing fans to flood the cinemas to see what all the fuss is about. While we wait for 2021’s Batman sequel, Batman Begins, to hit our screens, we have the luxury of scrolling through the archives of the first film, which is still regarded as one of the greatest superhero films of all time.
It is commonly accepted that the first Batman film laid the foundations for the character, allowing for more complex plotlines and expanding on the character’s rogues’ gallery. It is therefore highly likely that the story will continue to evolve as the character grows in popularity, with Nolan’s vision firmly implanted in the popular consciousness.
Here, we’ll explore the many twists and turns that made Batman Begins such an interesting and engrossing film. As well as looking into its phenomenal box office performance, we’ll also examine some of the more memorable scenes and lines of dialogue.
The Evolution Of Batman
The new film is set in a world where people are scared of being alone in the dark. According to statistics, one in four Americans have reported being victims of an unexpected home invasion, with the most terrifying incidents involving strangers coming through the door unbidden and forcing their way into your home while you’re asleep.
This trend has been dubbed “surprise home invasion,” and it has become such a huge problem that the FBI is now classifying it as a type of crime, similar to car theft and theft of services. According to the FBI, those behind these types of crimes might be posing as a salesman, offering to fix your boiler or drain your septic tank for cheap, or they might even claim to be a repairman for your internet service provider, wanting to check your internet connection and ensure it is not hacked. They might even persuade you to let them into your home under false pretenses so they can steal your computer or mobile phone.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s high time you got a home security system. Unfortunately, having decent security measures in place doesn’t guarantee you’ll be protected from surprise attacks. It’s not easy being a superhero when you don’t want to hurt anyone, but it’s a must if you want to save the innocent. Aside from technology, your home is your greatest line of defense. Things like the car you drive, whether or not you wear a mask, and so much more can tip the balance between hero and villain.
A Better Mousetrap
In the last decade, computer hackers have become such a huge threat to the security of individuals and businesses alike that the FBI now offers a tip to stop hackers. One way of doing this is through the use of security cameras, whose footage can be reviewed by potential attackers, allowing them to see the areas of your home that they should avoid when stealing data or making digital intrusions.
In a way, this is similar to how dogs can help protect homes against burglars. Before the dawn of video cameras and the police being called upon to investigate crimes, dogs were frequently used as a first line of defense in sneak attacks, with their owners able to identify potential thieves through their aggressive behavior.
Gotham City Is A Real Place
The city of Gotham is one of the most iconic locations in the Batman universe. It serves as the main setting for several of the Batman films, and it is arguably one of the most important places in the DC Comics universe. While it is usually depicted as a giant American city, the setting for the film is more accurately based on Toronto, Canada.
One of the most memorable scenes in the first film involves Barbara Gordon, the aunt of Detective James Gordon, witnessing the Joker’s deadly siege of Gotham City, also known as “The Joker’s Wild.” In the scene, the Joker fires a gun at random until he hits something, at which point he smiles and continues his onslaught, taunting the Gordon’s that they cannot save their family without him.
The irony is that this is one of the few times that Barbara Gordon does not wear the cowl, as her cousin, Commissioner Gordon, has tasked her with keeping safe Gotham City. This is consistent with her character, as she often wears the cape and mask of her super-hero identity as a former policewoman and university professor, though for the entirety of the scene Barbara Gordon is fully costumed, including the mask.
A Familiar Storyline
Despite the passing of the decade, Batman remains one of the most popular and recognizable comic book characters of all time. It seems only right that the story of how he became the Dark Knight would also continue to captivate audiences. The last ten years alone have seen five different actors play the role of Batman on film, with Begins arguably standing as the greatest of the bunch, due to its thematic emphasis on family, as well as the portrayal of Bruce Wayne as a young billionaire, complete with a life-size replica of the golden Tumbler in his manor.
The film opens with a prologue which sees Bruce Wayne’s parents murdered in the alleyway outside his home, leaving him to be raised by the two people who were the light of his life, his Aunt and Uncle. Bruce becomes the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, assuming control of the company after his uncle’s death. From here, the narrative jumps to present day, as we see Wayne surveilling the streets of Gotham City, determined to bring order to the chaos. As the film opens, we are introduced to the villains, many of whom Wayne has encountered before, though there is an emphasis on portraying them as individuals rather than just as representatives of groups, like the Joker or the Penguin.
The Evolution Of The Rogues
While the Joker is often associated with chaos and madness, he is presented as a tragic villain in the new film. Jack Napier’s portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime is both menacing and intimidating, yet there is an undercurrent of pathos running through his dialogue and actions. This is in stark contrast to previous incarnations of the character, who were commonly seen as psychotic individuals, not fit for human interaction. The new film will please fans who have witnessed the character’s evolution, as it offers a more rounded and relatable depiction of the Joker.
A Better Fitting Tutor
One of the most interesting aspects of Batman Begins is that it introduces us to several new characters who serve as his instructors in the fight against crime. One such character is Lucius Fox, a research scientist who volunteers his expertise the Gotham City Police Department, helping them capture the Joker. Fox is a pivotal figure in the film, and it is apparent that he had a hand in the design of several of the gadgets and weapons that Batman employs throughout the narrative.
Another is Sarah Essen, an expert in martial arts who takes on the persona of a bat to provide Bruce Wayne with a stealth team of mercenaries who assist in his vigilante escapades. Essen is frequently called upon to train Wayne in the self-defense techniques she learned as a child. Similar to Fox, Essen had a hand in the design of several of the gadgets and weapons that Bruce employs throughout the film.
One Of The Most Influential Films Of All Time
If you’re a fan of the Dark Knight, then the new film is a must-see. Not only is it an interesting and exciting character study, it also serves as an important chapter in his history. It is commonly accepted that Batman Begins is one of the most influential films of all time, with its legacy cemented by the fact that it was one of the first major films to introduce the concept of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).