Though
it never reaches the same heights as the first two films in Nolan’s reimagined Batman
series, overall it was a more cohesive film, with fewer negative points as well
– it was never as impressive as the first film’s delivery of a new, grittier
flavour, nor as thrillingly strange as the second, but it was also solid and
entertaining throughout, despite a slow start.
What’s
really remarkable is that despite the costumes and exaggerated combat, this isn’t
really a comic book film like Thor or the new Superman. It’s actually
much more like an exaggerated spy film about terrorists, one of the recent Bond
flicks or a Bourne film, which despite the lack of masks have similar action
and exaggerated combat despite the ostensible realism.
But
indeed, while one of the best things about the re-envisioned Joker of the
second film was that he used Guerrilla tactics, here what made Bane’s story so
fascinating was that it was set up like a large-scale bit of terrorism: this
Bane isn’t a Venom-pumped, leotard-wearing merc in a mask that recalls Mexican
wrestlers, but a formidable leader of an extremist faction quite willing to die
for him, using the media to his advantage and spouting anarchic ideals – though
lying about them.
And
then the emotional heart of the film – working somewhat less well – is Bruce
Wayne’s struggle to find meaning in his life without Batman, which is
ultimately fruitless. What does ensue, however, is some very memorable imagery
about rehabilitation and climbing out of a desperate prison, some incredible
scenes of street combat and a clash between Batman and a huge but eloquent,
persuasive and supremely confident man.
The
film throws up a huge number of questions, none of which it cares to answer –
which I rather liked. Is it a critique of anarchy? Are the disgusting, corrupt
businessmen in the right here or the violent criminals who overthrow them – or are
both repulsive? Is fear really what makes you strong? Is the hidden antagonist
really dead? Is the little parting stinger with Joseph Gordon-Levitt – hooray
for a superb career trajectory for cute lil’ Tommy – going to signify anything
more (I doubt it, as this is a very neat end to a trilogy, but it would be
nice, and I feel silly for forgetting the possibility has occurred to me in the
trailers, only to forget it until Batman’s line about a mask, very shortly
before the reveal)? Is too much technology always going to be weaponised for
terror? And should thieves, vigilantes, lying officials and the super-rich
always be applauded as long as they end up sacrificing themselves for what is
good?
And
does the fact that really, the only way Batman could have got out of that last
predicament was with the help of Superman hint at a Justice League film
to mirror the Avengers success? Haha – no hope of that!
There
was much else to smile about in this film – an excellent new Catwoman, some
superb scenes with Michael Caine, visceral action scenes and an amusing oblique
reference to Killer Croc – though in truth it just lacked enough iconic imagery
to really endure. Still, it’s part of what may be the great apex of superhero
films, and I’d rather see it again than the lauded The Avengers, even if
the new Spiderman was more entertaining and heartfelt than either.
If
anything, what I hope for now is more DC properties to be tapped. Superman gets
his new film next year, which may or may not be gritty and severe, but it’s
really the wider universe I’d like to see tapped. Not necessarily The Flash, arguably
the obvious choice, or Dr Strange, who apparently is likely to get the big
screen treatment soon, but ones less often seen onscreen.
Actually,
the truth is I’d love to see a Captain Marvel film with Freddie and lots of Elvis
references. Unlikely, I know, but hey – if Ant Man can get a big-screen
adaptation, The Big Red Cheese certainly should be able to!
Batman Begins: http://adzfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/batman-begins.html
The Dark Knight: http://adzfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/batman-dark-knight.html
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