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We're all familiar with the story. The Waynes go to watch "The Mask of Zorro", little Bruce gets scared and asks to leave. They take a shortcut down a dark alley and get held at gunpoint by Joe Chill. Chill kills both Martha and Thomas Wayne but spares little Bruce. That's how the origin of Batman is commonly told. The part that all the stories don't address is the fact that there were three victims that fateful night. Bruce Wayne died in that alley. From the moment he stepped out, he was someone else. Something else.
Batman. The Dark Knight. That's who he is now. In that alley, Bruce Wayne's soul was killed. In its place grew something dark and vengeful. He had been possessed by a spirit of vengeance. Bruce Wayne was just the face he wore to hide his anger and pain. His disdain for what his city had become. It wasn't till later in his life when he returned to Gotham having gained new skills from travelling around the world, that he could physically embody the spirit of vengeance he had kept inside himself for so long.
Batman remains one of the only heroes to have their secret identity be their mask. Clark Kent wears the mask of Superman, Hal Jordan wears the mask of the Green Lantern, while Batman wears the mask of Bruce Wayne.
The above scene from Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins should serve as a benchmark for all Batman films going forward. It not only discusses the validity of Batman's fight but also sheds light on the mask that is Bruce Wayne. That alone gives more to the character of Batman than any other Batman film has ever done prior and post Batman Begins.
Onto the latest iteration of the Dark Knight that we have yet to see, Matt Reeves The Batman starring Robert Pattinson. It is my hope that this iteration of Batman further explores the mask of Bruce Wayne and his true identity of Batman. Not only would it be a cinematic experience to behold but for the first time, if done right could be a contender for the various upcoming film awards. That is my firm belief. After all, Batman is one of the most iconic characters ever created. The Bond of superheroes. His rogues gallery is a waiting breeding ground of potential character studies that could all compete for any film award they wish.
What makes Batman such an iconic character? How does his character continue to stay relevant in changing times? Who is your favorite DC character? Comment Below! Thanks for reading, and stay safe!
I think the beauty of Batman is that the growth you see from someone who used vengeance and the presence of fear to cope with his trauma to using justice to make sure others don't fall victim to these horrendous events too. Yes, Nolan's Batman left a blueprint for dark, gritty and suffering hero. It was cool and definitely shows that heroes will triumph and the best ones go through pain. And how they wield this pain into something good. However, to me, Nolan's Batman was definitely a good origin story. Growing up what I loved about Batman was not only because he was dark and brooding but also because he was a hero. You don't do it for rewards or…