Forget about the Supreme Court. Forget about the new Harry Potter book and its ardent, misguided followers. Forget about baseball players and steroids. This is about something more important than a cure for AIDS: Batman.
The Dark Knight came back to theaters in June, more brooding than ever. And as great as this was, the question arrived: is Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” better than Tim Burton’s top-grossing “Batman?” I will compare the two films in seven essential categories. After the score is tallied, one man in a suit will stand. (This article will spoil both movies in the most gratuitous and unforgiving way. Let’s be adults).
The Villains:
“Batman:” Arguably, the most well-known foe of the caped crusader (what a stupid nickname) appeared in Burton’s film: the Joker, played with comical psychoticism by Jack Nicholson. This role is easily one of the most beloved movie rogues in history.
“Batman Begins:” Sure, Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of the Scarecrow dripped with the appropriate creepiness; however, “Begins” loses points because of the Scarecrow’s demise at the hands-and the atrocious puppy eyes-of Katie Holmes. Liam Neeson is great as Rha’s Al Ghul but doesn’t get enough screen time.
Winner: “Batman.”
The Female Lead:
“Batman:” The Detective Comics hero falls for Vicky Vale, a news photographer played by Kim Basinger. Although the performance was decent, I wouldn’t call it direly needed.
“Batman Begins:” Katie Holmes. No explanation necessary. She’s the worst excuse for anything. Except homicide victim.
Winner: “Batman.”
The Supporting Cast:
“Batman:” Pat Hingle is too minimal as Gordon. Michael Gough fares better as Alfred. Jack Palance is shot over and over in a superb death scene.
“Batman Begins:” Gary Oldman and Michael Caine excel as Gordon and Alfred, respectively. Morgan Freeman makes a boring role a bearable one.
Winner: “Batman Begins.”
The Batmobile:
“Batman:” Sleek, black and inconspicous, save the fire that blasts from the gigantic tailpipe. The car can operate itself: just what a vengeful guy in tights needs.
“Batman Begins:” Clunky, dumb and inconspicuous as a breast during the Super Bowl. Unless Batman is hunting elephants in Africa, he wouldn’t drive this. And the point about this vehicle being realistic doesn’t change my mind. It still looks like crap.
Winner: “Batman.”
Batman in the flesh:
“Batman:” Burton took a risk choosing a typically comedic actor for Batman. But hey, it worked well. Michael Keaton was definitely convincing in his costume. However, he failed to rule the screen as Bruce Wayne.
“Batman Begins:” What can I say, Christian Bale is Bruce Wayne and Batman. He snarled like a man possessed by incalcuable hatred when he threatened villains. No one will ever surpass Bale’s dedication and intensity.
Winner: “Batman Begins.”
The Story:
“Batman:” Although the film had a suitable plot and watching Nicholson kill people like a man on crystal meth was a treat, “Batman” never delved into the Dark Knight’s origin too much, only in a brief flashback.
“Batman Begins:” The secret of Rha’s Al Ghul surprised some viewers, and we all understood Batman’s motives and past without a doubt. But come on, letting Gordon save the day took away from the excitement.
Winner: “Batman Begins.”
Originality:
“Batman”: Released in 1989. Influenced by Frank Miller, but definitely Burton’s handiwork.
“Batman Begins”: Released in 2005. Heavily influenced by Miller, though the fear gas hallicinations were all Nolan.
Winner: “Batman.”
By a margin of 4-3, “Batman” wins.
And before anyone says, “‘Begins’ is more true to the comic,” you should read Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns.” The weird atmosphere of that comic is quite apparent in “Batman,” while “Begins” owes more to “Batman: Year One” by Miller. This nerd talk will ruin me.