The Dark Knight Truly Rises

Most people know that I'm a pretty big fan of the Caped Crusader in most of his incarnations. Barring the goofy banality of the Adam West television series and the completely sold-out Schumacher embarrassments, Batman has served to entertain me more than any other super hero in both the DC and Marvel universes. And after seeing the Nolan trilogy through to it's climax, I must say that it is my favorite incarnation of the Dark Knight concept to date.

I have to admit, I was worried that this movie was as little doomed from the get-go. It came off the heels of what is arguably the greatest Batman film of all time. Oscars are not idly handed out to action movie roles, and Heath Ledger's Joker was one of the engaging film villains ever to grace the silver screen. To end the series with Bane as the headlining Big Bad was a great risk in my initial estimation. In addition, I was more than a little reticent about the idea of Anne Hathaway taking on the role of Catwoman (as detailed in a previous blog post).

But my trust in director Christopher Nolan was solidified with the masterpiece that was the Dark Knight, and I knew I was ready to follow him down whatever rabbit hole he may have concocted for the crescendo of this incredible symphony.

And I'm happy to say that I wasn't let down.

Hathaway's performance was pitch perfect. Bane's depth of character and lyric like dialogue was utterly engaging. And final moments of the film were satisfying on a levels that rival nearly ever trilogy experience I've ever had. Past a few pacing issues, I cannot find much fault with the entire experience. The entire team behind The Dark Knight Trilogy have every right to hang their hats with pride on this very solid final chapter.

So, let's get down to the details. I'll go ahead give out the spoiler warning. I'm about to go into some very important plot points, so if you haven't seen the film and do not wish to know the twists, please stop reading at this point and go directly to your nearest theater to see the film.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

I'd wondered whether or not Batman would actually survive this incarnation. Ever since the macabre tone of the full length trailer, I had this sinking feeling that Nolan might actually have the stones to kill off my favorite comic book hero. I thought it more likely that he would simply 'kill off' Batman and leave Bruce Wayne to lead a life of mentoring to whatever Robin they chose to throw in there.  

I was both right and wrong in my assumptions. But before focusing on the incredible ending of the film, let's go through some of my favorite aspects of the experience as a whole; starting with Catwoman.

Nolan's vision of Catwoman was both canonically satisfying and refreshingly different when juxtaposed with the rest of trilogies 'villains'. And Hathaway hits a home run with her performance of the troubled, yet capable Selina Kyle.

Her Robinhood-esque mentality, and relate-able feelings toward the despicably rich, ring true in a world where so few have so much and so many have so little. It's not difficult to watch the beautiful brunette saunter around in tight leather whilst pick-pocketing some of the less likable citizens of Gotham. It also helps she's kind of a softie when it comes to protecting those with difficulties in protecting themselves. Her deadpan humor helps lighten a very heavy plot and her odd chemistry with both Wayne and Batman take the intricacies of the established relationship further than it's been taken in previous endeavors. 

The fall of Bruce Wayne was presented to be incredibly dire and tense. The dissolution of Wayne Enterprises and the loss of the family fortune help to bring his character exactly where he needs to be. The desperation is both evident and palpable. For once, I truly doubted Batman's ability to save his city.

This feeling of hopelessness leaked through to the other characters as well. As I tried to put my faith in the other heroes of Gotham I kept running out of hope. What good is a banged up, old Commissioner, an internally wrought thief, and a puny cop against an army of ruthless thugs with nuclear capabilities?

And though I didn't feel the "Occupy Gotham" shtick they were trying to pull off truly worked, I did find the concept both interesting and entertaining.

One thing TDKR excelled greatly at was setting us up to put our faith in what was obviously the new Robin. With Batman locked away in a hole in the middle of nowhere, my mind constantly kept returning to officer Blake and his valiant efforts to save the citizens of Gotham wherever he could.

And then there was Alfred.

The stalwart servant of the Wayne family managed to get me misty-eyed more times than I care to admit. And his key role in wrapping up the fantastic final fifteen minutes was seamless and deservedly distinguished.

Speaking of those last scenes... They were incredible. 

Bruce Wayne's unwavering dedication to the city that has chewed him up and spit him out never comes off as foolish or sophomoric; it's admirable. I sat there with a white knuckle grip on the arms of my chair as he made the flight with the bomb. The very possibility of martyrdom seemed both tragic and true, for the weathered soldier of the night. 

Seeing Bruce Wayne's grave alongside that of his parents was heartbreaking, and the realization that his death gave way to a better life for a different Bruce was simply beautiful. 

Obviously, the franchise has been left open for a hero with a different mask. The prospect of either Nightwing or Robin being realized by Nolan's exceptional vision is far to tempting not to think on at least for a little while.

All in all, I couldn't be much happier with the curtain closure on this epic tale. Bravo Mr. Nolan. Bravo.