SimplyAbuDhabi VII

2 5 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I H ere at Simply Abu Dhabi, we cover a whole range of lifestyle choices for successful people. Such is our phenomenal reach that it’s hard to encapsulate everything that we do in a single phrase. But in our view, the one element that runs through everything is a commitment to sheer quality. When you work at and experience the frontier of luxury – as we and many of our readers do on a day-to-day basis – you get to really understand it. And one thing we know for sure is that if something is good, then it will last. This is certainly true when it comes to film: the best stories and characters are so vivid and compelling that they can endure, not just for a single film, but for a whole series. Think of Batman, for example. The appearance of the iconic comic book superhero in films stretches right back to the 1940s – but it was in 1989 that the much-loved and world-famous Warner Brothers series featuring the “Caped Crusader” started. That year saw the release of the superb Batman in 1980. This brilliant film, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, was quickly followed by the breathtaking Batman Returns in 1992, which the same duo worked on together. The series then took in the exciting developments of Batman Forever and Batman and Robin before moving into what many believe is its best phase yet. Phenomenal talent In 2005, the phenomenally talented director Christopher Nolan teamed up with world class actor Christian Bale to create Batman Begins. The film delighted audiences so much that the pair then created another film together, The Dark Knight, in 2008. This film, of course, was also a massive hit. And this year, fans can celebrate evenmore, because Nolan and Bale have once again come together to create the latest instalment in this inspiring story: the new film, The Dark Knight Rises. We’re both huge Batman fans, so were delighted when we received an invitation to attend the UK premiere of the latest film in July, at the Odeon cinema in London’s Leicester Square. We were absolutely thrilled that we would be able both to watch what would undoubtedly be a superb film, and to mingle with the megastars who played some of our favourite characters. Before the film started, we were delighted when Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan and Tom Hardy – who plays Bane, the film’s villain – came into the cinema to say hello to the VIPs and open the movie. This is the final film in Nolan’s Batman trilogy, and in our view he has saved his best work for last. From the moment the film began, we were gripped. It is infused with powerful and compelling themes from the very outset. And it’s dramatic and thought-provoking in equal measure. In a massively impressive opening scene, we meet the film’s “bad guy”, Bane. When we first see Bane and his associates, they are on a CIA flight from a Central Asian country. In a thrilling episode, the plane is then interrupted – and taken apart – by a larger craft: it’s an astounding demonstration of Nolan’s directorial skill. Real depth Nolan is a master at drawing the best performances from his cast, creating characters of real depth that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Stockily built and wearing a gas mask, Bane presents himself as “Gotham’s reckoning”, a champion of the 99%. Since the action of the last film, Gotham has been enjoying a period of peace and security, but when Bane exhorts the economically struggling citizens to rise up against the existing order, his dangerously anarchic beliefs are of huge concern to GothamCity’s authorities. Bruce Wayne (who, of course, is Batman’s alter ego) has been living a reclusive existence since he was last called upon to aid the city. But when his home is invaded by a cat burglar called Selina Kyle (played brilliantly and compellingly by Anne Hathaway), he is drawn back into the action.