The Bat-Man, created by Bob Kane, first appeared in 1939 in Detective Comics. Since then countless adaptations have appeared in in radio serials, TV series, films, video games and comic books, the result of which is that director Christopher Nolan (Memento) has very little room to innovate in this fourth installment of the franchise. He handles the challenge well, re-actualizing the character and re-fueling the myth by focusing on characterization. Money aside, Bruce Wayne is filled with anger, guilt and a thirst for revenge, yet he remains magnanimous, even compassionate. Says Nolan: “What’s always been fascinating about Batman is that he is a hero driven by quite negative impulses.”
Equally fascinating is the new Batmobile, for example, a realistic creation conceived in Nolan’s garage. Part tank, part sports car, it actually travels at an eye-popping 105 MPH without the aid of special effects. In short, this is the most sophisticated and enjoyable Bat-film yet.
What’s more, you can bin your bootlegs, Batman Begins is showing in Imax format. For an extra RMB 20, you can be completely immersed in a 15m-high and 20m-wide high-quality picture screen. Well worth the extra price.
Warner Brothers

IMAX Theatre at Peace Cinema/268 Xi Zang Middle Rd/(63225252)

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
September 2005 issue