SimplyAbuDhabi VII

2 6 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I As ever, it’s Nolan’s psychological examination of Bruce Wayne that really draws you in. If you’ve seen the first two films in the series (and if not we recommend you do so), you’ll know that his conflicted and complex character is among their most fascinating aspects. Wayne is driven by a desire to revenge the murder of his parents. A tussle between this motive, and the potential for doing good, rages within Wayne. Among some of the most moving sections of the film are the conversations between Wayne and his butler, Alfred Pennyworth (played with aplomb by Michael Cain). In fact, Cain has a truly captivating speech at one point, which on its own makes watching the film a must. We are prompted to wonder whether revenge is a good motive for doing good, or if it can ever be used to achieve peace and security. Of course, the Batman comics and the other films also had this aspect to them, but for us this film surpasses anything that has come before. It harks back to iconic moments from the past, while also exploring the limits of Wayne’s character – and even the notion of a superhero – in more daring and imaginative depth than has ever been done before. Brilliant acting Alongside Nolan’s powerful direction, the majestic acting ability of Christian Bale is of course fundamental to this sensitive exploration of the hero’s character. In this film, Wayne walks supported by a stick: it’s graphically symbolic both of his waning physical power, and his inner torment. And there are gloriously intelligent performances from his co-stars, too. Aside from Cain, Hardy and Hathaway, viewers can enjoy world class performances from the likes of Gary Oldman (who plays Commissioner Gordon), Morgan Freeman (who plays Lucius Fox, the head of the Wayne Enterprises company) andMarion Cotillard (who plays Miranda Tate, a Wayne Enterprises executive). Joseph- Gordon-Levitt, who plays police officer John Blake, also turns in a performance that oozes passion. Aside from the brilliant acting, the other thing I loved about the film was the sense of narrative. Nolan has a natural grasp of film’s storytelling techniques, and his use of them is so expert and subtle, that you sometimes don’t feel so much as if you’re watching a movie, as reading a great novel. He is a master of his art, weaving theme, character and special effects into a beautiful and unforgettable medley. Culture buffs will enjoy his homages to influences as diverse as Fritz Lang and Charles Dickens. This is a director at the peak of his powers, a virtuoso – and he has created a movie that has it all. Spectacular denouement Everything builds up to the final scene: and the denouement is, quite simply, spectacular. We’re not going to spoil it by revealing the end to you, but rest assured that it will blow you away. It confirms that this is moviemaking on an epic scale – full of intelligence, passion and emotion. The film lasts for almost three hours, and every second of it is pure class. It’s one that you really don’t want to miss. And if the film was superb, then the event itself was just exquisite. After the movie we attended a VIP party in Freemasons Hall, the stunning Art Deco masterpiece in London’s Covent Garden. We were delighted to be guests of Warner Brothers, and to have the