Welcome to the first segment of ‘Trilogy Talk’ a space where I investigate the fascination for sequels, and the love we have for films that give us so much more than what we first expected. Some leave us hanging on the edge of a cliff, and some leave us wondering what links each film together at all. One thing is for sure, they get us talking.
As trilogies go, I thought I would start out with a collection
that is considered by many to be one of the best – The Dark Knight Trilogy. The
Christopher Nolan Batman collection that many feel revolutionised the modern
cinema era is my first focus of ‘Trilogy Talk’. Unlike a whole host of other
trilogies, the Dark Knight Trilogy doesn’t really have a weak link, leading people
to regularly squabble about which one is undoubtedly the best.
Batman Begins (2005)
Like most good trilogies, Batman Begins is the setup for
the carnage that is The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Moving
away from traditional batman origins, Nolan’s Batman Begins does not
have a traditional structure, reaching all the beats we have come to anticipate,
as it shapes out its own unique place as a new kind of Batman movie. Nolan has
a profound grasp of what makes his version of Batman so distinctive. Throughout
the film you are constantly questioning if you are actually watching a Batman
film at all, and that is what makes Batman Begins irreplaceable in the post 20th
century world of cinema.
Batman Begins is the emergence of Bruce Wayne as the Batman
but in a realistic setting. Moving on from the Tim Burton style of Batman films
with wacky and comedic undertones, Christopher Nolan has created a superhero
film for people who don’t enjoy superhero films. Bruce Wayne at the point of Batman
Begins is the self-absorbent, privileged recluse who simply feels sorry for
himself, he must start on a journey that will make his life worthwhile. Gripped
by childhood tragedy, you are able to visibly understand how Bruce Wayne
becomes the well-loved caped crusader that eventually becomes the understated
hero of Gotham.
Bruce blames himself for his parents’ untimely death, he seeks
vengeance against the Gotham criminal underworld that rose from a passive
police force. He wants to strike back against the evil that led to the death of
his parents. Batman Begins delves intensely into how Bruce Wayne prepared
for his role as a vigilante in the fight against Gotham corruption. In order to succeed,
Bruce must experience what truly leads criminals to do what they do. He needs
to become physically and mentally stronger to be able to halt them. He cannot
simply be just another vigilante taking justice into his own hands, he has to
be morally strong so that he doesn’t forget what side he is on. Deep down,
Bruce Wayne believes in the good people of Gotham, he doesn’t seek to kill his
enemies, he wants them to face palpable justice for their crimes, not taking
credit, simply knowing deep down that Gotham can become a better place from his
intervention.
Christian Bale is undoubtedly the most multi-faceted and powerful
Batman I have seen. Outlining Batman’s flaws, strengths and deep principles that
often leave him considered as an integral part of the revival of the Batman
franchise. Supporting cast excellence too, led by Katie Holmes, Cillian
Murphy, Michael Caine and many more leaves Batman Begins as the perfect
beginning to The Dark Knight Trilogy.
The legend of the Dark Knight had been reignited and he wasn’t going to stop there.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is widely regarded as the best of the trilogy
by many, but one thing is for sure, it came with a bang. Rushing into the local
cinema with my brother back in 2008, full of anticipation, The Batman was back,
and I idolised him. Batman Begins was not just a fluke after all, we
have had the build-up, now it is time for the main course. As the Joker
(portrayed by Heath Ledger) enters the fray, it’s not simply a one-dimensional story of good and bad, but the harrowing
account of an unsettling campaign of terror led by a type of Joker that we have
never seen before. Batman is in disarray, the citizens of Gotham question his
morals, calling him lawless and condemning him for the murders of policemen
and citizens. Plus, the Joker is so much more than your normal ‘baddie’. He is
a terrorist, whose movements are wickedly constructed to create moral dilemmas
for his enemies. Putting good people in bad situations is the Joker’s specialism,
and the late great Heath Ledger is integral in this portrayal.
As the ‘Dent act’ is unveiled and Gotham appears cleaner than
ever from it is criminal past, the Batman fights the effervescent Joker whose
crimes bubbles away under the surface until he is ready to flick the switch. The
Joker of course manipulates the negative public opinion back onto the caped
crusader. The Joker does exactly what he represents at face value, performing
and humiliating, whilst playing around with the perception and true identity of
the Batman.
The Dark Knight is primarily a cat and mouse chase with a
twist, as the Joker always seems at least two steps ahead. Batman is constantly
fighting his own internal battles which come to the front when he engages in the
main fight against the Joker, sprawling across the streets of Gotham. As Batman is pushed
closer to the Joker, he is tempted to strike with force. However, as much as
Batman wants to destroy him, he is aware that he cannot breach his own moral protocol,
almost sacrificing himself in the process. The Dark Knight uses the
Gotham community as a striking example of how public opinion can be shaped to
benefit the people who are really in power.
The Dark Knight makes us look
thoroughly at ourselves, our flaws, our tendencies. Heath Ledger fills me with such
regret. A fearless actor presenting us with the promise of what could have been.
A brave, memorable performance capable of showing compassion in even the most surreal
of villains. His performance is potentially one of the most complete characterisations
of madness that we have seen before.
Following
next was the Dark Knight Rises and once again Nolan’s excellence continues
to shine in the final part of what I consider to be the best trilogy in the
world of cinema.
Dark Knight Rises (2012)
I have
talked about how, The Dark Knight Trilogy feels like the perfect starter, main course,
and dessert. Batman Begins is the appetiser that introduces us to the
evil that lies beneath. The Dark Knight is the enticing steak that we cannot
help but get stuck in to. Then finally, The Dark Knight Rises is the
culminating Eton mess, a confusing pile of goodness and intrigue that completes
the meal and leaves us more than satisfied. Just as we thought Heath Ledger’s
Joker was dealt with, The Dark Knight Rises introduces the fiercely enigmatic
Bane (Played by Tom Hardy) who wreaks havoc once again on the city of Gotham.
More impressive supporting characters are introduced in the form of Joseph Gordon-Levitt,
Marion Cotillard and Anne Hathaway, leaving what we have left as the ideal conclusion
to The Dark Knight Trilogy.
Dark Knight Rises strikes Bruce Wayne as a defeated
figure. Extremely isolated in the loneliness of his withering mansion. His most
trusted friend Alfred vents his frustration in him, he’s disconcerted in the
idea that Bruce Wayne’s life is simply wasting away without a whimper. It is a
blockbuster in the truest form, the kind of film that we simply do not see
enough of anymore.
Alfred eventually leaves Bruce to his own devices, and without
Alfred’s considered council, Bruce goes on a reckless mission to find his new
opponent – Bane. Leading him to be outwitted, broken and on the brink of extinction
at the hands of Bane. Bane rips the heart out of the Batman, the last thing he
could hang on to. In the horrendous abyss of a prison Bane leaves him in, Bruce
Wayne has nobody left but himself. No Alfred, Fox, or Gordon. He is isolated with
no exterior help left. With a broken and bruised body, he must reinforce
himself physically but more importantly mentally to escape the hell hole that
Bane has knowingly sent him to. Whilst trapped, the state of Gotham deteriorates
in the influence of Bane.
To escape from his hell hole, Bruce must rise as a better person wholly.
He achieves this, returning as a greater person, in touch with his own soul. It is in
that pit that Bruce combines the many opposing characteristics of his persona
into a robust, cohesive, and complete hero. As Bruce returns, unifying the forces at dismay fighting against Bane, it is Nolan who has the final twist to
the tale. Batman must then in turn choose to save himself or the city that he
has spent his life saving. He of course chooses the latter. Bruce Wayne was
finally able to complete his life goals and Alfred knew that he had finally achieved
a sense of happiness.
The Dark Knight Rises is Nolan’s final touch of brilliance
to the Batman story. A real, layered, and emotional take on the once tainted
superhero.
The Dark Knight Trilogy reveals
Bruce Wayne’s journey on the way to a stronger physical and spiritual state. At
the conclusion of this story, he knows that he can finally retire and live his life in complete contentment.
A reason to love cinema.
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