“Why Bruce Wayne Rises?”
Comic book influenced movies will inevitability hit one major roadblock; it features costumed heroes (often in spandex). Regardless of the story, the performance, the visuals and the flow; you still have an individual with a taste of the theatrical.
That said I cringe at the mention that this is a superhero character. That diminishes the effectiveness of the storytelling and completely ignores the core of these movies; a young boy with no extraordinary abilities, tortured by the guilt of his parent’s murder and the anger that drives his self-destructive behavior.
If you view this series through the prism of that boy, who channels that pain for the good of his city, you will realize you are watching the most plausible scenario for this character to exist. Simply, a vigilante with the means (extraordinary wealth) could exist, however only for a short time. That is why Rises has to be the end of Wayne’s story. Wayne stated in Dark Knight, that he “could not endure it” and we will most likely see the toll it takes.
If you question the plausible approach watch the news for 30 minutes and you will realize that outside our borders (and even within them) gangs run cities/countries and terrorists blow things up. The world of this Gotham City is not too far off from reality and was purposefully designed that way. Scary people exist; only they have not painted their faces or worn masks, yet. This fictional story has raised legitimate real world questions since the beginning; the escalation of violence and the legal, moral and ethical nature of what Wayne is doing. And most of all, is he ever completely effective?
Christopher Nolan’s decision to omit the catwoman name as an alter ego part of Anne Hathaway’s character Selina Kyle in the movie is a luxury I wish Bruce Wayne was afforded (he is a billionaire after all). She, regardless of skintight suit or that of a fashionable burglar, is Selina Kyle. The lesson we learned in Batman Begins we need a reminder of, Bruce Wayne as Batman is still Bruce Wayne.
Now I know what you are thinking (we know that right?), but that lesson I am quoting is,
“No, this (referring to Wayne’s face) is your mask. Your real face is the one that criminals now fear.” – Rachel Dawes.
Wayne’s true mask is not that of Batman, but the playboy persona he embodies to hide his true self. Throughout the series, we observe Wayne struggle with his name, purpose and the use of his wealth in two specific ways. Misdirection, Wayne utilizes it in a manner that calls his character into question, thus keeping up the façade that would cause him not be a potential vigilante suspect. His wealth (a little less subtle) also serves as a war chest to fund his campaign against organized crime and corruption. Wayne’s sole purpose is crime fighting, and the loss of Rachel Dawes solidified and strengthened that fate.
Wayne is the menacing figure fighting the criminals and corrupt in and outside the body armor. The for-the-most-part reality rooted Gotham and the tools that Wayne employs are believable, functional items (when compared to other “Superheroes”). With the cape, the voice and the ears removed, you are left with a citizen solider. This vigilante is a fearless individual without self-imposed limits and one fundamental rule that fights to save an American City at the risk of their own life.
Batman is just a symbol, a terrifying figure whose purpose is to instill fear. Batman, the legend, can transcend Wayne.
If you are going to get out this weekend, see the Dark Knight Rises. If you are currently camped out at a theater, comment below with your thoughts.
One last bit, if they reboot, how about some love for Philadelphia? Can Philadelphia stand in as part of a larger Gotham?
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