The Building of a Legend with The Dark Knight Rises: A Movie Review

*mild spoiler alert.

Director: Christopher Nolan.

Writers: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer (story).

Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Matthew Modine, Cillian Murphy and Gary Oldman.

Director Christopher Nolan has been quoted by the LA Times after being asked: "How many good third movies in a franchise can people name?" The answer to that question can now include The Dark Knight Rises. This film is a very satisfying conclusion to a trilogy of films that define the legacy of what the Batman is.

He is more than just a man behind a cowl and cape. He represents a need to exact a certain brand of justice. But at the same time, he is also an individual who saw his parents murdered at point-blank. Without that emotional toil, to vanquish the criminals on Gotham’s city streets can be done by anyone, and the comic book series has taken on many interpretations of refining who is the Batman.

But what defines a hero? Is it the man behind the mask or the actions taken? The Dark Knight turned the crusader into a wanted vigilante. The police do not have any love for him and he has technically gone into hiding. Eight years have passed since the events from this last movie.

And in what defines the world of the Gotham City’s favourite son, broader themes are explored. That includes what Batman and all the villains represent, including a happy return of the Scarecrow. With this final film in this trilogy, it also takes a slow look at what social order is about. It also tries to get political to show how the fall of society can descend down a convoluted spiral. While some people may not get what the Occupy Wall Street movement is all about, was that moment in the film really needed?

Leading the charge to Occupy Gotham City is a masked villain by the name of Bane (Tom Hardy). But is he working alone or with someone else? This movie has the pacing of a great mystery thriller. Little clues suggest what may be going on, but there is more. The subplots only gets stacked one atop another and the way Nolan integrates them requires patience, so audiences can see how it all ties together.

With Bane creating his own agenda, just where his loyalties lie does not get revealed until much later. The build-up to the reveals are fantastic and they do not sound convoluted.

And Nolan did not even try to surpass The Dark Knight. All he did with this final film is to find a villain who can fulfill the ending of a trilogy. He was right on the money to redefine a character who can challenge Batman mentally and physically. Comic book aficionados will remember that Bane broke the Bat’s back, and it took months for Bruce Wayne to recover.

While there was a nod to that history, this film moves in other directions to give this character some much needed depth. Behind the Darth Vader like breathing mask is a man with a heart of gold. He has some intentions to change the world according to his mantra. But in America, will anyone listen? What he preaches sounds Stalin-like, and there is poetry in his diabolic voice.

Jonathan and Christopher Nolan did a great job with the screenplay. It may have some viewers wondering what kind of acid this villain is on. While he’s only tripping on an analgesic that keeps him from feeling pain from his unknown injuries, a longer explanation could have helped than a summary about his rise to the top.

Hardy did an exceptional job of showing rather than emoting since the mask restricts some of his expressions. With his training in theatre, he knows the importance of having that all-important stage-presence. Without it, Bane would not feel menacing on screen. The cinematography around him easily conveys his immenseness without having to rely on special effects to have him turn into a huge bulky figure.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Anne Hathaway brings out a '30’s style kind of seductive love in her portrayal of Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman). While there were moments where the film teased audiences to which femme fatale that Wayne would fall for, Cotillard proves she can be as sexy as Rachael Weisz. Interestingly enough, the two did audition for this film.

Having A-listers wanting to be in a high profile film can be problematical (just look at how widely lamented Batman and Robin was), and thankfully this movie’s producers were very careful in their casting choices. The returning cast played their roles like wearing a comfortable old shoe, and Gary Oldman never disappoints even though he received less screen time as the film progressed. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has come a long way since his "3rd Rock from the Sun" days, and both actors need more award nominations. As John Blake, he represents the idealism once held by both Wayne and Gordon. Blake is the unsung hero of the film.

In Nolan’s trilogy, he successfully explains what defines one of DC Comics most iconic character without ever missing a beat. He seeks to remind audiences regularly rather than making them forget. He wants viewers to remember it since the world needs more regular heroes. After all, Batman is just a normal man with lots of exceptional tech to help him save the day.

Overall 8 out of 10.

The film's fan page is here:

The Dark Knight on Facebook

| | |

Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis Email Subscription

Posted in: 2012,batman,cast,Christian Bale,civil war,crew,detective,movie review,mystery,superheroes,suspense