Though I found this perfectly satisfying for what it was, I must say that I thought it was a fairly mediocre film. The first hour (or more) is as choppy as a car commercial — and in fact, the whole film had all of the non sequiturs and expository neatness of a feature-length movie preview. And, yes, I know I’m being a sourpuss, but how many comic-book-adaptation and summer-blockbuster clichés can one shove into a film? Big car chase, portentous dialogue delivered in monotone, gratuitous globe-trotting, and every available character-actor in Hollywood thrown together with a few nonsensical action sequences — sure, all of this makes for a distracting night at the movies, but “best Batman movie ever”?!
What’s most sad is that it’s only the second day of summer and, after this and Star Wars, I’m already sick of those damn comfy mutliplex seats and the smell of “topping”. And, joy of joys!, War of the Worlds opens on Friday.
by Leo Goldsmith | Source: Warner Bros. 35mm Print
22 Jun 2005 1:02 AM | Comments (5)
Who asked you anyway?
I wish you “critics” or whatever you are would just lighten up.
Actually, lots of people have been asking me what I think of the new Batman movie. It’s a pretty hot subject of conversation these days. I’m not going to ask you, but I bet you liked it a whole lot.
As for your suggestion about lightening up, I’ll bring it up at the next meeting of the National “Critics” or Whatever We Are Society meeting, but I can’t imagine it’ll go over well.
I actually wish comic-book geeks would lighten up, but that probably means a radical change to their diet, if not their entire lifestyle.
Leo hits the bull’s eye when he refers to the 1st hour as choppy. I found the editing in the entire 1st act to be slightly sloppy, often ignoring the basic rules of spatial relations and movement. I’m also betting that some agents got involved in demanding their clients be given close-ups. I also have a feeling that Nolan was attempting hide the bat-suit and its hindering of the actor’s motion, in the last portion of the film, since we never really view Bale ass-kicking in full-costume. Though the editing in this case helps to build a sense of terror and chaos, it’s still difficult to enjoy fights without any real sense of what actions are occurring. I get the feeling Nolan is still trying to master how to film a hand-to-hand combat action-sequence.
However, overall, I really have to say that this is one of those scenarios where the story itself trumps the filmmaking technique. Thus, the real credit is Nolan’s (and I guess Goyer’s – hmph!) script, though not so much content, but in structure and larger events. What I did appreciate about Nolan’s involvement is his continued interest in the effects of memory on morality. Plus, I’m a sucker for sons attempting to come to terms with their relationship with their father/mentor.
I also have to give credit to the cast for being able to credibly pull off some of the dialogue, since the script is filled with far too many unnecessary one-liners (which I’m blaming Goyer for. “Nice Jacket” – Groan!). There were even moments when I had to smirk a little at the amusement of the banter between Alfred and Bruce. That rarely happens for me at a summer blockbuster, so I’ll give credit to Nolan for his direction of the actors involved. Though it does lack a certain degree of style, which the Burton films had in abundance, I do agree it was a successful and respectable adaptation of its story. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few wrinkles that are needed to be ironed out for all the potential sequels (Sean Penn as the Joker? I guess neither has the greatest sense of humour).
“I actually wish comic-book geeks would lighten up, but that probably means a radical change to their diet, if not their entire lifestyle.”
Wow, another know it all comment. Yeah, you probably think I have enough comic books to wipe your ass for the rest of your life. Along with the Darth Vader is meant to personify a black man comment, you’re batting 1000.
Retire my friend.
Though having someone acknowledge that I’m batting 1000 is really the pinnacle of all my accomplishments, I can’t really take credit for stuff I didn’t say. I never said “Darth Vader is meant to personify black men”. I actually said I thought he was British. I did say one could interpret Darth as representing black males if they choose to, but that the idea itself is not a new one.
If you want to take my comic-book geeks comment personally, I can’t stop you. As for the comment about you “having enough comic books to wipe [my] ass for the rest of [my] life”, is that an offer? I figure since I’m retiring early, I should at least have proper health care in place for my later years.
Fritz
24 June 2005
3:07 PM