Ensign Lestat's Film Log, 21/09/2012
Batman has been a part of my life for a very long time. As a child I was immensely fond of the campy Batman series from the '60s. Ever since, I've had a peripheral liking for all things Bat, but nothing has quite taken the world, or me, by storm like the latest adaptation of the character.
When it comes to highly anticipated film events, nothing could be compared to the aura surrounding 'The Dark Knight Rises'. For fans around the world, the release of the conclusion couldn't come soon enough.
For most, the film premiered in July. And despite the shocking events in Colorado, the film revenue did not suffer as much as people expected.
I didn't get around to seeing the film till the end of August. By then every minute point in the film had probably been analysed and re-analysed, but I, thankfully, never came across any of it.
The one piece of advice I received from my friend before going into watch the film was - walk in without any expectations at all.
And that is what I did. When I finally had the tickets in my hand, I was just looking forward to seeing the last installment. Prior to the film I had come across the teaser trailer, that was but a compilation of footage from primarily the first film (and this, in hindsight, was indicative of what was to come in TDKR), and a full trailer that was very exciting and chock full of stars.
I'll admit that some of director Christopher Nolan's casting choices left me cold. Not least his choice of Anne Hathaway as the ever popular Catwoman. I have nothing against Hathaway, but I wasn't sure about the combination of her and the Catwoman. Putting it simply, I am always wary of female superheroes, and one can hardly blame me.
And then, to top it all, I came across a vignette informing me that Juno Temple was in this film as well. My blood ran cold, again. Nolan does pick his female actors poorly (take 'The Prestige', 'Batman Begins' and 'Inception' for example), but this film was taking the cake!
So, with only a little trepidation I entered the theatre to watch the film event of the year.
The film starts off with a speech about Harvey Dent (Aaron Eakhart) who died in 'The Dark Knight' before moving on swiftly to a fantastic action set-piece that harks back to the first scene in TDK. With a familiar connection already made, we are jolted into the reality of the world of TDKR - it is a world that worships Harvey Dent, but it has no Batman. Commissioner Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) is wracked by the lie that he and Batman decided to tell, and this has cost him.
Where, in the previous two films, there was a macro look at Gotham City with its corruption and evil, the beginning of TDKR is a somewhat micro look at the same - cynicism and overreaching ambition have taken over, and these are just as bitter as any previous enemies.
We are soon introduced to Selina Kyle (better known as Catwoman), but she is in the garb of a maid, at the Wayne Manor, of all places. I was immediately disappointed. Was Chris Nolan going the way of Jon Favreau, and casting a strong female character in the role of a lowly minion?
Through Kyle we are finally introduced to Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), who is but a shadow of his former self. Just how strange this new reality is, is brought home to the audience by the appearance of Bruce, and you know that this film is not about making you comfortable.
Any and every detail in this film can be marked as a spoiler. There is probably not an interested person left on Earth who hasn't seen the film, but in case you haven't, spoilers will be clearly indicated.
The film tows the line of the other two with two disparate villains for Batman to contend with. This film picks up two of the Bat universe's favourite villains - Catwoman and Bane (Tom Hardy). They could not be more dissimilar, yet have much in common.
Bane is an anarchist with a dark past and he wreaks the most havoc in this film. He is a frightening adversary, what with his face hidden behind a mask and his ability to make his cronies do his bidding even when under a cloud of impending death. He is a no-nonsense character, built like an ox and towering over pretty much everyone in sight. For a finale, they couldn't have got any bigger than Bane.
The entire film is replete with short, sharp bursts of scenes. We zip in and out of locations, jumping from character to character. The only transitions used are informative glimpses of what the character is doing, or looking at. This sharp and intelligent editing moves the film along at a frenetic pace, while still establishing clear connections. We are not given introductions, Nolan doesn't like wasting time on such things.
There are several familiar faces among the supporting cast, including Aidan Gillen of British 'Queer as Folk' fame, Matthew Modine and Brett Cullen from pretty much everywhere, Josh Stewart, better known to most of us as JJ's husband in 'Criminal Minds' and Burn Gorman from 'Torchwood'. It was quite enjoyable seeing so many familiar faces, it helped me connect with the film even more.
Not that it requires much incentive. The havoc that soon reigns supreme is indicative of how volatile Gotham can become. But it also brings out the Batman. 45 minutes into the film. Finally!
A lot happens in this film, but it all makes sense, or at least you know it will make sense eventually. There's a certain point in this film when you wonder why some parties are evading answering a question. It doesn't seem particularly odd that they are, but you realise the benefit of it later.
(Added after watching the DVD) There is an unmistakable realism to this film, perhaps even more so than the first two. The conversations and interactions between the characters seem to have walked out of any documentary or realistic drama. The only giveaway that this is a comic book adaptation is the name Batman. At times the name brings you back to the actual world, because the film, itself, feels like an extension of reality. I love that a fantastical world can be so real. I understand why Bat fans consider themselves above other comic book fans, the grittiness in Batman has not been replicated in similar superhero works. Especially when comparing this film (or the entire trilogy for that matter) with the likes of 'The Avengers', which is almost exclusively about the fantastic. (Having said that, there was a fair bit of trepidation on the parts of the makers of 'Thor' because of the cosmic element. It's only because of the ability and credibility of Kenneth Branagh, the director, that even something as extraordinary as Gods on Earth could be made into a family and coming-of-age drama).
All the performances are spot on. But then that's expected. I was pleased that Anne Hathaway took stock of the role and made Selina an interesting, useful and strong character. Tom Hardy was brilliantly intimidating as Bane. It must have been very uncomfortable for him to work behind that mask and stand on lifts all day, but his performance definitely didn't show it.
I wish there had been more of Michael Caine's Alfred and Morgan Freeman's Lucius Fox. Gary Oldman was fantastic too, but he had a lot less to do in this film. But then we can't all be heroes. This film was all about winding down - concluding.
My biggest grouse was how little attention was paid to Marion Cotillard's Miranda. She looked stunning, which is always the last thing I notice in female actors, but she was striking in this film. She had fantastic chemistry with Bale, which is always a huge benefit. But, yes, I wish there had been more of her character. The lack of her on-screen time was intentional, but I feel like I missed out on her part. Or I just need to watch the film again.
(Added after watching the DVD) On second viewing, I felt that Miranda was on-screen just enough to interest you. She is deceptively in the background, but on thinking over it, you do know how integral she is in the plot of the film.
Let's talk about Christian Bale. The man is gorgeous. Beyond that, actually. He's convincing as a frail, broken man. And more so when he's back to his usual ways. He's real, even when he's in the batsuit, but especially when he's out of it.
There is a lot of time given to other characters in this film, and there are times when you feel Bruce Wayne and Batman are not at the centre of the story. But Christian is a scene-stealer and he makes his every moment count. He has superb chemistry with everything that walks and this makes his interactions with the characters far more believable. Part of me loves this film because he just looks so divine in it (despite the little gray they put in his hair). But, I'll admit there is much more to him than that.
There is one character that I haven't mentioned at all. There was a lot of talk of Joseph-Gordon Levitt joining the cast, but he appeared only briefly in the trailer. Rumour had it that he was likely to play the Riddler. So when he appeared on screen, I still had that thought in my mind. There was just one problem. He was just so nice. His character, Blake, is without a doubt the most beautiful and lovely character I have ever come across in cinema. He is loyal (fiercely so), intuitive, intelligent and stands by his convictions. Such an upstanding person is hard to come by.
So, yeah, I eventually figured out that rumours were wrong. And I'm glad they were. Blake was an interesting choice of character - not quite canon, but familiar enough to whet the audience's appetite. JGL played his role to perfection, which was not surprising considering he is a much-beloved actor these days.
There will be much talk of which film in the trilogy is the best. I, myself, would rather not compare the three. There is a lot the three have in common. I especially liked how this film used flashbacks which immediately related to the first film, and gave us a sense of how much (and at times how little) things and people have changed. This is what I meant by how the teaser trailer was indicative of how the final film would turn out. There were also a lot of similarities with the second film, with situations and characters a more extreme version of the Joker and the anarchy that ensued after his ministrations.
Since this review has been a long time coming, some of my impressions have obviously dumbed down since I first watched it. I do remember coming away feeling very satisfied, like I'd just had a really good time, and been with people that I really liked. It was a companionable experience, if that makes any sense, considering I'm talking about a film here, and not some kind of party. I was flushed with that feeling of having watched something wonderful. Is it great? Is it the best film ever? Is it going to win an Oscar? Who knows! And, I say, who cares! People will always be divided. Some will think it's overrated. Others, that it didn't quite match 'The Dark Knight'. The majority, I know, love this film. Maybe unwaveringly so. I cannot truly tell you if this is everything I hoped for. I had not hoped for anything - I wanted it to be good, to do justice to the actors, the characters, the director and the audience. It does all that, and perhaps much more as well. I enjoyed this film, and I would love to watch it again so I can truly marvel at all the nitty gritties that make it so much fun, and make it good.
(Added after watching the DVD) I kind of take back most of my comments from the previous paragraph, now. This film was epic! I was almost shaking with joy during and after my second viewing of it. The entire film felt like one long take, like an aerial camera swooping over one incredible scene. It takes your breath away. I never wanted the experience to end, and at over two and a half hours, it feels like it has given you its due. The choreography of the film (yes, the entire film) is spectacular and enthralling. Nolan knows you're familiar with these characters, you want to see them in action, and he gives you just that. Every single character has an integral role to play in the film, be it in the beginning, the middle, or the end. The film envelopes you like a warm blanket, and you can't help but understand these people and their motivations. Heroes, villains, they're people and you know them. This film deserves to get a lot of recognition, but if the intelligent film-goers aren't listened to, it never will.
And the debate about the ending, I feel, is kind of needless. People just want to read things into everything, when there is no need to. Was it a good ending? It was the required ending. It was the kind of ending I don't think enough films have any more because everyone wants to revel in dark and bleak. Considering this trilogy has been about nothing but, it was actually really nice for it to end on a bright and positive note.
Romantic rain - Never ever have I loved two characters getting together and being together than when Bruce and Miranda, wet from the rain, decide to have a romantic afternoon together. The romance is quite missing from their previous meetings. Miranda is mysterious, but appears to have some sort of agenda involving Wayne Enterprises' fusion reactor. She's obviously made a name for herself as a conservationist. It helps that she's strikingly beautiful (I thought Marion looked stunning in 'Inception', but she's nigh divine in this film). Bruce is a broken man, emotionally and physically, and this rainy afternoon just gives him the perfect excuse to let go of his inhibitions and relax. Seriously, I was thrilled that Bruce was finally with someone. Marion and Christian also had a comfortable chemistry that made their union all the more believable. I guess we should have known that it would never have lasted. The one time Bruce impulsively trusts someone, it blows up in his face. Pity.
(Added after watching the DVD) I have to say, this is the first film in the trilogy that takes advantage of Bruce/ Batman's natural charisma. The two ladies in this film are obviously taken with him (and both of them are baddies which is hilarious because girls in films always fall for bad boys, not the other way around). Christian is effortlessly attractive in the film, which makes them homing in on him all the more believable.
Faces - The big reveal about the villains was stunning and caught everyone by surprise. But what I loved most was how in the flashback about Bane, we were given a brief glimpse of Tom Hardy's face. I always love this about films, especially when you know the actor playing the monster is well-liked for his looks. It was a brief glimpse into just how important Miranda is to Bane, and just as shocking when she throws that love and loyalty in his face when we're back in the present. Seriously, bad guys!
Dreams are movies in your mind - Nolan appears to know a thing or two about dreams. At a very basic level dreams answer the questions of our subconscious. These answers aren't often truth, which can be disappointing when you wake up and realise how off the mark you were in your sleep. But these answers play out as real, and Nolan uses this tactic in the film to good effect. Pain-ridden Bruce dreams up Ra's Al Ghul, giving us the perfect excuse to see Liam Neeson reprise his character in probably one of the most talked about cameos of the series. The answers Ra's gives are the answers Bruce has made up for himself, they mislead us, but then they mislead Bruce as well, who decides to take them as truth. It's fantastic because the twist at the end is something we never see coming because we, like Bruce, believe we've already got the answers we were looking for. Take a bow, Chris.
Breaking the Bat - When I say favourite, I don't necessarily mean enjoyable, or watchable, for that matter. But had this scene been absent from the film, Nolan would never have been able to live it down. During the first fight between Batman and Bane, it is obvious that Batman is not in this fight at all. His instincts have left him in the eight years since he was Batman, and its led him into a trap. Bane is big, and fit, and scary as hell. We know something's going to give. And it does. Bane raises Batman in the air and triumphantly breaks his back on his pillar-like knee. And that's it. The Bat is broken, and Bane is sniggering and towering over him. He is beyond annoying at this point, and just exacerbates the tense and horrifying situation. And Nolan has given every fangirl/boy an opportunity to punch the air. The legendary image from the 'Knightfall' comic is now a cinematic reality, and everyone in the audience is left dumbfounded. How will Batman get through this?
Scarecrow! - Five minutes into the film and a voice in my head was screaming, 'They have to bring back Scarecrow'. I have issues, I'll admit that. It isn't normal, but with Cillian Murphy appearing in the first two installments, it felt imperative that he do the same for this one. And lo and behold! Nolan does not disappoint. Scarecrow is judge and jury at his own court in Bane's anarchist world. He is obviously living it up in his new role, and just proves that he's as mad as they come. I loved that Cillian came back and how Scarecrow's court just showed the depths that Gotham had fallen to.
Blake's revelation - Just why Blake is such a wonderful character is revealed right at the end, when he announces that his name is Robin. It's an important inclusion, in my mind, because, had Blake turned out to be anybody else, the audience would not have had enough faith in the ending of the film. We would not have believed that Gotham was now in good hands. We would have still wanted, or expected, Batman to come back, because after all there's no way that he can have faith in someone that we do not.
(Added after watching the DVD) The beauty of the revelation is that Nolan gave us slight indications throughout the film, especially near the finale. Blake's the only one who doesn't get inside information to deduce Batman's true identity - that immediately makes a connection between the two characters. Then, Blake comes to help Bruce and asks him directly about the mask. Bruce doesn't hesitate in his answer.
Near the finale when Batman saves Blake, he reiterates the point about the mask, re-establishing that connection made earlier in the film (a good five months before in the film timeline). Also, and I don't know if I'm correct in this assumption, but I feel Batman gave Blake the duty of evacuation for a couple of reasons - he would know how truly upright Blake was, because Blake would be doing what Bruce Wayne was brought up to do, that is to save people. Blake's actions wouldn't make him a hero, just a good citizen. The other reason, and I'm sure I'm off the mark here, is that, by enlisting Blake with evacuation duties, Batman was securing Blake's chances of living if the bomb went off prematurely. If Blake was safe, Gotham and the world would still have a saviour to help them. (This is a crazy notion, but I can't shake it).
In the context of the storyline, Blake had to face cowardice and injustice, or else he would never have let go of the drudgery of the police force. He wouldn't have wanted to explore more; to find another way to uphold justice.
It's a testament to the Nolan brothers' abilities that they made Robin so likable to the audience. Robin is a much-maligned character, though I've always liked him. And lets also give due credit to the man playing Robin. JGL plays his character not as a hero, but someone who wants to and can do good - and that is what makes him a hero. It is, I feel, only when Batman sees this that he realises that he can move on.
(Added after watching the DVD) As mentioned earlier, in hindsight, I feel the Nolan brothers left a breadcrumb trail for the audience to figure out who Blake really was. Blake is clever, hard-working, fearless and alone. He also sees things as black and white. Sounds kind of familiar doesn't it? He's a lot like Bruce in the first film, but without a lot of the pent-up rage that Bruce had. He also has similar abilities to Batman because of his police training. However, what I loved most, especially now that I've seen the film twice, is that Batman very obviously passes on the baton to Blake. He entrusts Blake with a job and Blake listens to him. Bats talks to him like he's his partner, Blake answers him like Bats is his more experienced partner. For that scene they are the dynamic duo. It's a short but brilliant exchange. Importantly, when Bats is on his way to make the final sacrifice, he flies past where Blake is. Now, I assume he knows where Blake is, and he does this on purpose, so Blake can see what's happening. The ensuing intercutting between a close-up of the resigned (or is it relieved) Batman and a shocked Blake is more proof that the invisible baton has been passed on. Bats is showing Blake that his time is over, Blake must take over. It was a spectacularly romantic scene.
Also, I remembered the film ending with Alfred. But, it does not (all those with better memory, feel free to laugh at me). It ends, in fact, with Blake discovering the Batcave. He's on a platform that is about to reveal Bats' stuff. This is a surefire sign that, yes, Blake has got everything he needs to be Gotham's next saviour. The scene is there solely for the audience to know that this cinematic world is in good hands. Yes, Bruce, you can indeed live your life, because Blake's on top of things back home.
Bruce Wayne? - Undoubtedly my favourite moment in the film. It made me gasp and almost shed a tear. Batman is about to sacrifice himself and Jim Gordon, for the first time in the series asks him to reveal who Gotham's real hero is. Batman says, and I paraphrase as I don't recall the exact words, that a hero can be anyone, even a man who puts his arm around a child to assure him that the world hasn't ended. It takes a moment to realise what has just happened, but then it hits you. Bruce has revealed his identity. And this triggers a memory in Gordon's mind (flashback to a scene in the first film) and he utters, 'Bruce Wayne?' It is a beautiful moment. Especially, as I was reminded by my sister later on, that Gordon has no love for Bruce. It was moments like these that made the film fabulous. Little things that make big moments.
Batman has been a part of my life for a very long time. As a child I was immensely fond of the campy Batman series from the '60s. Ever since, I've had a peripheral liking for all things Bat, but nothing has quite taken the world, or me, by storm like the latest adaptation of the character.
When it comes to highly anticipated film events, nothing could be compared to the aura surrounding 'The Dark Knight Rises'. For fans around the world, the release of the conclusion couldn't come soon enough.
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| The epic finale! |
I didn't get around to seeing the film till the end of August. By then every minute point in the film had probably been analysed and re-analysed, but I, thankfully, never came across any of it.
The one piece of advice I received from my friend before going into watch the film was - walk in without any expectations at all.
And that is what I did. When I finally had the tickets in my hand, I was just looking forward to seeing the last installment. Prior to the film I had come across the teaser trailer, that was but a compilation of footage from primarily the first film (and this, in hindsight, was indicative of what was to come in TDKR), and a full trailer that was very exciting and chock full of stars.
I'll admit that some of director Christopher Nolan's casting choices left me cold. Not least his choice of Anne Hathaway as the ever popular Catwoman. I have nothing against Hathaway, but I wasn't sure about the combination of her and the Catwoman. Putting it simply, I am always wary of female superheroes, and one can hardly blame me.
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| Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle |
So, with only a little trepidation I entered the theatre to watch the film event of the year.
The film starts off with a speech about Harvey Dent (Aaron Eakhart) who died in 'The Dark Knight' before moving on swiftly to a fantastic action set-piece that harks back to the first scene in TDK. With a familiar connection already made, we are jolted into the reality of the world of TDKR - it is a world that worships Harvey Dent, but it has no Batman. Commissioner Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) is wracked by the lie that he and Batman decided to tell, and this has cost him.
Where, in the previous two films, there was a macro look at Gotham City with its corruption and evil, the beginning of TDKR is a somewhat micro look at the same - cynicism and overreaching ambition have taken over, and these are just as bitter as any previous enemies.
We are soon introduced to Selina Kyle (better known as Catwoman), but she is in the garb of a maid, at the Wayne Manor, of all places. I was immediately disappointed. Was Chris Nolan going the way of Jon Favreau, and casting a strong female character in the role of a lowly minion?
Through Kyle we are finally introduced to Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), who is but a shadow of his former self. Just how strange this new reality is, is brought home to the audience by the appearance of Bruce, and you know that this film is not about making you comfortable.
Any and every detail in this film can be marked as a spoiler. There is probably not an interested person left on Earth who hasn't seen the film, but in case you haven't, spoilers will be clearly indicated.
The film tows the line of the other two with two disparate villains for Batman to contend with. This film picks up two of the Bat universe's favourite villains - Catwoman and Bane (Tom Hardy). They could not be more dissimilar, yet have much in common.
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| You're big! Tom Hardy as Bane |
The entire film is replete with short, sharp bursts of scenes. We zip in and out of locations, jumping from character to character. The only transitions used are informative glimpses of what the character is doing, or looking at. This sharp and intelligent editing moves the film along at a frenetic pace, while still establishing clear connections. We are not given introductions, Nolan doesn't like wasting time on such things.
There are several familiar faces among the supporting cast, including Aidan Gillen of British 'Queer as Folk' fame, Matthew Modine and Brett Cullen from pretty much everywhere, Josh Stewart, better known to most of us as JJ's husband in 'Criminal Minds' and Burn Gorman from 'Torchwood'. It was quite enjoyable seeing so many familiar faces, it helped me connect with the film even more.
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| Supporting act - Matthew Modine, Burn Gorman, Josh Stewart and Aidan Gillen |
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| BATMAN! |
(Added after watching the DVD) There is an unmistakable realism to this film, perhaps even more so than the first two. The conversations and interactions between the characters seem to have walked out of any documentary or realistic drama. The only giveaway that this is a comic book adaptation is the name Batman. At times the name brings you back to the actual world, because the film, itself, feels like an extension of reality. I love that a fantastical world can be so real. I understand why Bat fans consider themselves above other comic book fans, the grittiness in Batman has not been replicated in similar superhero works. Especially when comparing this film (or the entire trilogy for that matter) with the likes of 'The Avengers', which is almost exclusively about the fantastic. (Having said that, there was a fair bit of trepidation on the parts of the makers of 'Thor' because of the cosmic element. It's only because of the ability and credibility of Kenneth Branagh, the director, that even something as extraordinary as Gods on Earth could be made into a family and coming-of-age drama).
All the performances are spot on. But then that's expected. I was pleased that Anne Hathaway took stock of the role and made Selina an interesting, useful and strong character. Tom Hardy was brilliantly intimidating as Bane. It must have been very uncomfortable for him to work behind that mask and stand on lifts all day, but his performance definitely didn't show it.
I wish there had been more of Michael Caine's Alfred and Morgan Freeman's Lucius Fox. Gary Oldman was fantastic too, but he had a lot less to do in this film. But then we can't all be heroes. This film was all about winding down - concluding.
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| Batman's Father Figures - Lucius Fox, Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Jim Gordon |
(Added after watching the DVD) On second viewing, I felt that Miranda was on-screen just enough to interest you. She is deceptively in the background, but on thinking over it, you do know how integral she is in the plot of the film.
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| Miranda |
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| Bale looks gorgeous as a clean-shaven Bruce Wayne |
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| In Blake we trust |
So, yeah, I eventually figured out that rumours were wrong. And I'm glad they were. Blake was an interesting choice of character - not quite canon, but familiar enough to whet the audience's appetite. JGL played his role to perfection, which was not surprising considering he is a much-beloved actor these days.
There will be much talk of which film in the trilogy is the best. I, myself, would rather not compare the three. There is a lot the three have in common. I especially liked how this film used flashbacks which immediately related to the first film, and gave us a sense of how much (and at times how little) things and people have changed. This is what I meant by how the teaser trailer was indicative of how the final film would turn out. There were also a lot of similarities with the second film, with situations and characters a more extreme version of the Joker and the anarchy that ensued after his ministrations.
Since this review has been a long time coming, some of my impressions have obviously dumbed down since I first watched it. I do remember coming away feeling very satisfied, like I'd just had a really good time, and been with people that I really liked. It was a companionable experience, if that makes any sense, considering I'm talking about a film here, and not some kind of party. I was flushed with that feeling of having watched something wonderful. Is it great? Is it the best film ever? Is it going to win an Oscar? Who knows! And, I say, who cares! People will always be divided. Some will think it's overrated. Others, that it didn't quite match 'The Dark Knight'. The majority, I know, love this film. Maybe unwaveringly so. I cannot truly tell you if this is everything I hoped for. I had not hoped for anything - I wanted it to be good, to do justice to the actors, the characters, the director and the audience. It does all that, and perhaps much more as well. I enjoyed this film, and I would love to watch it again so I can truly marvel at all the nitty gritties that make it so much fun, and make it good.
(Added after watching the DVD) I kind of take back most of my comments from the previous paragraph, now. This film was epic! I was almost shaking with joy during and after my second viewing of it. The entire film felt like one long take, like an aerial camera swooping over one incredible scene. It takes your breath away. I never wanted the experience to end, and at over two and a half hours, it feels like it has given you its due. The choreography of the film (yes, the entire film) is spectacular and enthralling. Nolan knows you're familiar with these characters, you want to see them in action, and he gives you just that. Every single character has an integral role to play in the film, be it in the beginning, the middle, or the end. The film envelopes you like a warm blanket, and you can't help but understand these people and their motivations. Heroes, villains, they're people and you know them. This film deserves to get a lot of recognition, but if the intelligent film-goers aren't listened to, it never will.
And the debate about the ending, I feel, is kind of needless. People just want to read things into everything, when there is no need to. Was it a good ending? It was the required ending. It was the kind of ending I don't think enough films have any more because everyone wants to revel in dark and bleak. Considering this trilogy has been about nothing but, it was actually really nice for it to end on a bright and positive note.
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| The end of an era! |
[SPOILER ALERT] Fact is, part of me will always wonder if ending the film a couple of shots before would have been a better choice. What if Nolan had ended just on Alfred nodding at the camera? How would we have felt then? Was it necessary to switch to what Alfred was seeing? By telling us Alfred's wish from early on, we would have known what he was nodding at. But it would have always remained an assumption. I think what Nolan really wanted was a finality and closure. I don't think he wanted any presumptions that there would be more to this trilogy. There is a finality to this ending, it's not there to lead you on. The end in this film means the end. Batman is dead. Bruce is happy. Gotham has a new knight - a better knight, I feel, a knight that is not intent on revenge or the like. Gotham must move on. And so must the the fans of the trilogy. So, believing a sane and completely stable man such as Alfred is hallucinating Bruce in Florence is just a way to prolong the agony of the inevitable - that there will be no more of Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. Let's accept it, and move on.
Ever since, Nolan has reiterated that he is not doing any more Bat films. Importantly, JGL has stated that he will not play Batman in the Justice League film. I am in two minds about this - I never saw Blake as Batman, I saw him, once he revealed himself, as Robin, and Robin only (or maybe Nightwing, ooh yeah!). But, these are important facts to keep in mind when and if the debate over Bruce in Florence ever emerges again. [END SPOILER]
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My favourite moments of 'The Dark Knight Rises' (Spoilers galore):
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| Love is in the air |
(Added after watching the DVD) I have to say, this is the first film in the trilogy that takes advantage of Bruce/ Batman's natural charisma. The two ladies in this film are obviously taken with him (and both of them are baddies which is hilarious because girls in films always fall for bad boys, not the other way around). Christian is effortlessly attractive in the film, which makes them homing in on him all the more believable.
Faces - The big reveal about the villains was stunning and caught everyone by surprise. But what I loved most was how in the flashback about Bane, we were given a brief glimpse of Tom Hardy's face. I always love this about films, especially when you know the actor playing the monster is well-liked for his looks. It was a brief glimpse into just how important Miranda is to Bane, and just as shocking when she throws that love and loyalty in his face when we're back in the present. Seriously, bad guys!
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| The most anticipated cameo ever! |
Breaking the Bat - When I say favourite, I don't necessarily mean enjoyable, or watchable, for that matter. But had this scene been absent from the film, Nolan would never have been able to live it down. During the first fight between Batman and Bane, it is obvious that Batman is not in this fight at all. His instincts have left him in the eight years since he was Batman, and its led him into a trap. Bane is big, and fit, and scary as hell. We know something's going to give. And it does. Bane raises Batman in the air and triumphantly breaks his back on his pillar-like knee. And that's it. The Bat is broken, and Bane is sniggering and towering over him. He is beyond annoying at this point, and just exacerbates the tense and horrifying situation. And Nolan has given every fangirl/boy an opportunity to punch the air. The legendary image from the 'Knightfall' comic is now a cinematic reality, and everyone in the audience is left dumbfounded. How will Batman get through this?
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| Iconic! |
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| Scarecrow is back! |
Blake's revelation - Just why Blake is such a wonderful character is revealed right at the end, when he announces that his name is Robin. It's an important inclusion, in my mind, because, had Blake turned out to be anybody else, the audience would not have had enough faith in the ending of the film. We would not have believed that Gotham was now in good hands. We would have still wanted, or expected, Batman to come back, because after all there's no way that he can have faith in someone that we do not.
(Added after watching the DVD) The beauty of the revelation is that Nolan gave us slight indications throughout the film, especially near the finale. Blake's the only one who doesn't get inside information to deduce Batman's true identity - that immediately makes a connection between the two characters. Then, Blake comes to help Bruce and asks him directly about the mask. Bruce doesn't hesitate in his answer.
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| Why the mask? |
In the context of the storyline, Blake had to face cowardice and injustice, or else he would never have let go of the drudgery of the police force. He wouldn't have wanted to explore more; to find another way to uphold justice.
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| The evolution of Robin - Burt Ward in the '60s, Chris O' Donnell in the 90s and now JGL |
(Added after watching the DVD) As mentioned earlier, in hindsight, I feel the Nolan brothers left a breadcrumb trail for the audience to figure out who Blake really was. Blake is clever, hard-working, fearless and alone. He also sees things as black and white. Sounds kind of familiar doesn't it? He's a lot like Bruce in the first film, but without a lot of the pent-up rage that Bruce had. He also has similar abilities to Batman because of his police training. However, what I loved most, especially now that I've seen the film twice, is that Batman very obviously passes on the baton to Blake. He entrusts Blake with a job and Blake listens to him. Bats talks to him like he's his partner, Blake answers him like Bats is his more experienced partner. For that scene they are the dynamic duo. It's a short but brilliant exchange. Importantly, when Bats is on his way to make the final sacrifice, he flies past where Blake is. Now, I assume he knows where Blake is, and he does this on purpose, so Blake can see what's happening. The ensuing intercutting between a close-up of the resigned (or is it relieved) Batman and a shocked Blake is more proof that the invisible baton has been passed on. Bats is showing Blake that his time is over, Blake must take over. It was a spectacularly romantic scene.
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| The climactic finale - Blake must take over from Batman |
Bruce Wayne? - Undoubtedly my favourite moment in the film. It made me gasp and almost shed a tear. Batman is about to sacrifice himself and Jim Gordon, for the first time in the series asks him to reveal who Gotham's real hero is. Batman says, and I paraphrase as I don't recall the exact words, that a hero can be anyone, even a man who puts his arm around a child to assure him that the world hasn't ended. It takes a moment to realise what has just happened, but then it hits you. Bruce has revealed his identity. And this triggers a memory in Gordon's mind (flashback to a scene in the first film) and he utters, 'Bruce Wayne?' It is a beautiful moment. Especially, as I was reminded by my sister later on, that Gordon has no love for Bruce. It was moments like these that made the film fabulous. Little things that make big moments.
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| It's time to say goodbye! |
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