Batman: Year One

Batman: Year One
Directed by	Darren Aronofsky
Produced by	Sam Raimi
Screenplay by	David S. Goyer, Darren Aronofsky and Frank Miller
Based on	Batman of DC Comics
Starring	Christian Bale Christopher Lee Sean Connery Bryan Cranston
Distributed by	Warner Brothers.
Release date(s)	2003
Running time	130 Minutes
Budget	170,000,000$
Box Office	374,000,000$

Batman: Year One is a 2003 movie directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by David S. Goyer, Darren Aronofsky and Frank Miller. It stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Sean Connery as Alfred Pennyworth, Bryan Cranston as James Gordon and Christopher Lee as Ra's al Ghul. The movie met with critical acclaim and grossed 374,000,000$ worldwide. It is a part of the early 2000s DCU.

Cast

• Christian Bale - Bruce Wayne/Batman
• Bryan Cranston - James Gordon
• Christopher Lee - Ra's al Ghul
• Sean Connery - Alfred Pennyworth
• Morena Baccarin - Selina Kyle/Catwoman
• Robert De Niro - Carmine Falcone
• Alfred Molina - The Penguin/Oswald Cobbelpot
• Sam Rockwell - Harvey Dent
• John Lithgow - Gillian B. Loeb

Plot

• The movie starts with a flashback, a 10-year-old kid with his parents is heading out of the theater. They just watched the movie "Zorro". Suddenly, a mugger confronts them and demands their money and jewelry. The couple is Thomas and Martha Wayne; their son is the young Bruce. The mugger shoots Thomas and Martha, and Martha's necklace falls apart on the floor. Bruce is shocked, and the thug spares him. Bruce screams to the sky, mourning over his parents' death
• We cut 16 Years later, we are at the Gotham airport. Bruce Wayne heads out of a plane. He returns to Gotham and is greeted by Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred is happy to see Bruce again and is impressed by his growth, he states that the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, Henri Ducard, is ready for his return.
• Alfred takes Bruce to the Waynes’ car. As they drive, Bruce watches the streets of Gotham with a sad but hopeful look. Alfred states that Henri Ducard will like to meet Bruce, but Bruce is not responding.
• Meanwhile, while the TV is reporting about Bruce's return, we see Carmine “The Roman” Falcone and Gillian B. Loeb. The return of the prodigal son of Gotham amuses both. Loeb rose through the ranks and became the commissioner of the GCPD. Falcone is one of the main Kingpins of crime in Gotham. Falcone asks Loeb about the GCPD’s Detective, James Gordon, and the assistant of the DA Harvey Dent, who both managed to put some of his men behind bars. Loeb assures that he will get rid of both.
• In Wayne Manor, Bruce is at his father’s grave. Alfred watches him, worried. As the screen quickly cuts, Bruce starts to train and breaks the wood. He tells himself that this is not enough.
• At the GCPD station, Gillian Loeb confronts James Gordon and Harvey Dent. As Loeb leaves, Gordon is furious, telling Harvey that Loeb works with the mafia. Harvey is a bit naive and is convinced that he can stop Loeb just like he did with Falcone’s men.
• We cut to the Night. Bruce walks alone, posing as a racer. He notices a girl and her parents threatened by a hooded thug. He shakes a bit and confronts him; he gets a flashback to the night his parents died. A fun fight starts, we see a glimpse of Bruce’s martial arts skills and he then takes down a few other goons also. The people are hailing this racer, but as the GCPD arrives there he leaves. Meanwhile, we see a young and attractive prostitute. Her name is Selina Kyle. She is harassed by a sleazy mobster. She eventually shows some raw skill and beats him up. As the mobster's thugs are running after her, she manages to hide. She then see cute Cat kittens and takes them to her house.
• Gordon arrives there with his wife and tries to get details about what just happened.
• The next morning, Bruce Wayne enters the Wayne Tower. As he enters the Board of Directors room, he is greeted by Lucius Fox. Lucius reveals that he was a friend of Thomas Wayne and that he can see something in Bruce’s eyes...more rage and less optimism than Thomas’. Bruce tells Lucius he can help him with something. Bruce enters the Board of Directors room and meets Henri Ducard, the CEO of the Corporation. Henri states that Wayne Enterprises is at its peak and that they’d like Bruce to have a place in the company. Bruce looks at some files on Henri’s desk about weapons and gadgets
• At night, Bruce is again posing as a racer. He notices Selina Kyle who attempts to steal some cash from drug dealers. He quickly runs after her, and a battle starts. Selina is impressed with his skills, but then other thugs are trying to hit the two. Selina and Bruce fight together and defeat them. He gets injured by a Police officer and manages to reach Wayne Manor, barely alive.
• Alfred is taking care of his injuries at the Wayne manor, he asks him what's wrong. Bruce is frustrated that the criminals aren’t afraid of him. Suddenly, a bat breaks through his window.
• A flashback: We see Thomas Wayne and Henri Ducard talking in the Wayne Manor, while Bruce plays with Alfred. Bruce then falls into a cave. He is attacked by multiple bats. He screams until is rescued by Thomas.
• At the present, Bruce goes to the cave he fell into. Alfred follows him and asks him what is he doing. He asks Alfred to call Lucius Fox.
• We cut to Carmine Falcone’s manor. Greedy socialites are eating there, from the businessman and crime lord Oswald Cobbelpot “The Penguin”, to Gillian Loeb, to Hamilton Hill and Falcone’s right-hand man Vito Barzini. Falcone is worried because of Harvey Dent and James Gordon and demands to get rid of them. BUT THEN, the lights are turned off. The window is opening, Hill screams in fear. We see a Dark figure with a cape, Falcone calls his henchmen but the figure easily disarms them. The Penguin tries to escape but with no success. The figure grabs Falcone by the chest, and Falcone asks him what is he. The figure declares that he knows all of the members in this room are corrupted and that he is going to end their reign. The figure then says: "I'm Batman". Batman hits Falcone and quickly disarms Barzini. In a second, he disappears, leaving them horrified…and scared.
• As the GCPD arrives there, Batman is standing on a rooftop.
• The next morning, multiple TV reporters are reporting about the mysterious Batman. Bruce is at the Wayne manor, and Alfred, sarcastic, tells him that now he can impress this girl he met on the streets. Bruce laughs and shows Alfred information he collected about The Roman’s operations. Alfred asks Bruce if he could have killed Falcone, and Bruce responds that he could have killed all the people in the room, but declares that he will never kill no matter what. Alfred suggests leaving a quiet life with a girl he loves like his father, but Bruce responds that his destiny is to stop another kid from losing his parents and heading towards the path he adopted.
• In the Wayne Enterprises Board of Directors room, Henri Ducard watches the reports about Batman. A guard enters there and asks him if he wants to get Batman handled. Ducard responds that he can actually be..helpful.
• James Gordon, at the GCPD station, seems confused.
• Selina Kyle is shown designing a cat-like suit, just finished reading an article about Batman and is inspired. She puts a mask on her face. She breaks into the Gotham bank and starts to steal valuable jewels and cash. She is then attacked by the guards but easily disarms them, going away with what she just earned.
• Bruce arrives in the Wayne Tower and enters Henri Ducard’s office. Henri tells Bruce more about his past with Thomas, but Bruce states that he is not going to have time for Wayne Enterprises due to other..stuff. Ducard puts a hand on his shoulder and starts to talk about the corruption in Gotham, Bruce asks him if he believes in the town, but Ducard responds that Gotham will need to change its core to redeem itself, Bruce is confused.
• As Ducard leaves, Bruce watches the view of Gotham City and is approached by Lucius who asks him if everything is alright. Bruce tells him he will need to take care of a few things.
• A TV Report of Hamilton Hill is assuring that everything will be alright and that the GCPD will hunt down Batman.
• Meanwhile, Selina, dressed as Catwoman, reaches The Roman’s penthouse and breaks into there. She starts to steal suitcases full of money and cash. Batman, who spied on her, then arrives behind her. Selina is impressed and tries to flirt and create sexual tension with Batman. She nearly kisses him, and while Batman has affection for her, he rejects her and tells her to give back what she stole. She responds that they are doing the same thing, yet Batman responds that it's not the same. Catwoman then pushes him and escapes, and while Batman tries to go after her, the GCPD’s forces arrive there. They scream for Batman to surrender, but Batman manages to outsmart them. Gordon however manages to locate him and tries to shoot him.
• As Gordon is getting ready for shooting Batman, Batman rescues a young boy from a thug and puts a blanket on him. The boy is amazed that Batman is real, and Batman in return gives him a Batrang.
• Batman then disappears, and just then Gordon arrives. He notices the boy with the blanket and then notices the Batrang at the boy’s hand, the boy tries to hide the Batrang and Gordon laughs and tells him that it's okay.
• Cut to Selina’s apartment, Selina is combing her hair, telling Holly about her small encounter with Batman earlier. Holly then watches an article about Bruce Wayne on the TV, Selina responds that Bruce Wayne is “boring”, but she should have seen The Batman, he has the eyes of a “lion”. Holly tells her she can’t understand why Selina prefers a lunatic in a Halloween costume then someone like Bruce Wayne.
• Harvey Dent enters his office, he notices Batman waiting for him in the shadows. Dent asks Batman what doe he wants. Batman responds that they have the same goal; to clean Gothaml. Dent becomes optimistic, and agrees to make an Alliance with Batman. As a guard enters Dent’s office, Harvey tricks him that everything is fine. As the guard leaves, Batman is already gone.
• Multiple reporters are trying to interview Harvey Dent and he gives a clear statement: He will try to do everything it takes to put the criminal Underworld behind bars.
• Bruce Wayne arrives at a Wayne Enterprises charity ball. He looks for Selina Kyle, with no success. Bruce is approached by a member of the Wayne Enterprises’ board of directors but is not focused.
• Bruce creates eye contact with James Gordon, and seems to think Gordon is keeping an eye on him. Bruce puts on the playboy act, attempting to clear Gordon's suspect. Gordon is indeed suspicious and has a doubting look on his face, not buying Bruce's act. Bruce then notices Selina Kyle is there. He approaches her and tries to flirt, but she rejects him and is not impressed. As Bruce tries to follow her, Henri Ducard shows up from nowhere. He just finished a conversation with the Wayne Enterprises board. He puts his hand on Bruce’s shoulder and tries to talk with him privately. Bruce continues to attempt to watch Selina but she is already gone, so he goes along with Ducard.
• Ducard and Bruce have an intimate conversation where Ducard manages to get Bruce to open out about his parent’s murder. Ducard was a friend of Thomas Wayne before he died, and we discover that Ducard’s wife was murdered also. Ducard starts to share his ideology, he believes that Wayne Enterprises can change Gotham’s core and restore it, Bruce seems inspired by Ducard’s monolog but suddenly notices Carmine Falcone going to a private room. Bruce cuts the conversation with Ducard and quickly follows Falcone.
• Falcone enters a private room, and Bruce hears him talking with Vitti. It is discovered that Falcone sent Vitti to kidnap James Gordon’s family so Gordon will stop the investigations on the Underworld.
• Bruce quickly leaves the Charity Ball. Meanwhile, we see Barbara Gordon, Jim’s wife, Barbara, and their son, James Gordon Jr…
• As James Gordon is about to enter his car, he notices Batman watching him. He asks Batman what he wants. Batman tells him that his family is targeted by Falcone, Gordon gets angered but Batman shows him the recordings.
• As Barbara and James Jr. are entering a taxi, Batman lands on the car. He manages to rescue Barbara, but James Jr. remains there. Barbara is terrified and states that her husband is an Officer, however, Batman explains the situation to her.
• Viti flees the scene with James Jr., and Batman chases after him riding his motorcycle. They reach Gotham’s bridge. Batman and Johnny fight and James’ son nearly falls, Batman saves him and Gordon arrives at the scene just in time to arrest Viti. Batman already disappeared, and Jim finally accepts that Batman’s intentions are good.
• We see Ducard in his Office, and a guard enters there. He gives him the recent papers about Batman…
• Selina is also reading a paper about Batman, and Holly mocks her that she is in love with an insane man dressed like a Bat.
• In Wayne Manor, Bruce watches an article about how Batman rescued James Gordon Jr. Bruce is satisfied. He reads through files about some other important figures in Gotham that are tied with the mafia such as Roman Sionis, DA Vernon Wells, Salvatore Maroni, and more.
• Alfred then says that someone will like to meet him, we see Henri Ducard sitting before Bruce. Alfred gives them privacy.
• Henri calls Bruce “detective”, which catches Bruce off guard. Henri reveals to Bruce that he managed to discover his secret identity: Batman. Bruce attempts to deny it, but Ducard declares that he watched him since he returned and was impressed by his skills: from how he managed to strike fear into the mafia to the operation on the Gotham Bridge. Wayne asks Ducard what he wants. Henri explains that he is actually the head of a secret worldwide Organization that fights crime and his true identity is “Ra’s al Ghul”. He reveals that he is becoming too old, and is confident that Bruce can take his place as the head of his Empire. Bruce is confused and tells Ra’s al Ghul that he needs to save Gotham. Ra's al Ghul responds that with his resources he won’t need Gotham anymore. Ra’s leaves not before telling Bruce to take his time. Bruce is confused and conflicted.
• Gordon enters Harvey Dent's office and asks him about his connection with Batman. Jim suspects that Harvey is actually Batman, and tries to get him to confess. Harvey quickly notices it and denies it. As Gordon leaves his office, he notices Officer Flass who is followed by goons. Flass and his goons corners Jim, who manages to defeat them. He grabs a baseball bat and starts to hit Flass, leaving him defeated and humiliated.
• Selina Kyle, dressed as Catwoman again, breaks into a Wayne Enterprises lab where cats are manipulated for genetic study. A battle starts between Catwoman and the scientists, which ends with Selina defeating them and freeing the cats' kittens, however, a gas then spreads, and Selina barely manages to leave while the scientists are losing their consciousness.
• The next morning, Bruce arrives at a Wayne Enterprises meeting. The guards are not allowing him to enter. Ra's al Ghul then orders the other member of the board of directors to leave so he can talk with Bruce privately. Bruce asks Ra's what the hell is going on. Ra's responds that if Bruce won't be his heir, he won't be allowed to be a part of Wayne Enterprises because he will be a threat to Ra's al Ghul's plan to heal Gotham. He also responds that he knows that he broke into the Wayne Enterprises' lab last night (it was Catwoman) and Bruce quickly knows that it was actually Catwoman. Bruce leaves the office, mad and his rivalry with Ra's al Ghul is slowly starting.
• We cut to Ra's al Ghul's penthouse in Gotham. He is approached by one of the guards we met earlier, named Ubu. Ubu reports that they have followed Bruce Wayne. Ra's al Ghul responds that Bruce Wayne must die if he won't become his heir since he is the only one who can stand in Ra's al Ghul's way to bring perfect environmental balance. Ra's then goes to another room in his penthouse and takes his clothes off. He enters a pit - the Lazarus pit - Ubu watches him. After a few minutes, Ra's al Ghul heads out of the Lazarus pit - much stronger than before.
• Selina feeds cats on a rooftop. She then hears Batman behind her. She says that she can see him. Batman tells Selina he knows she broke into the Wayne Enterprises' lab and demands answers. Selina uses the chance to flirt with him but Batman is losing his patience. Selina explains that cats were tortured by Wayne Enterprises' scientists and that she saved the cats. Selina kisses Batman and he goes along, they passionately kiss each other. Batman comes back to his senses and understands Ra's al Ghul has something to do with the experiments. He thanks Selina and leaves, but she gives him a device so he can contact her. Batman takes it and leaves, Selina watches him with an excited look.
• Jim Gordon investigates Flass at the GCPD. He tries to get him to testify against Loeb but Flass refuses, still not impressed by Jim. Jim enters his office and sees a letter. The letter contains a photo of the unmasked Batman. Jim wants to open it but eventually throws it to the fire.
• Ra's al Ghul is at his office in the Wayne Tower. He then hears Batman behind him. Ra's al Ghul states that he can hear him. Batman, angry, demands to know about the experiments on the Wayne Enterprises factories. Ra's al Ghul is again impressed by Batman and offers him once again to take his rightful place on Ra's' organization. Batman refuses. Batman tells Ra's that he is going to watch him, Ra's declares that he is not accepting the word "no" and that he will regret this. - Batman leaves.
• Harvey Dent announces that he will run for DA. We see Gordon and Loeb watching the speech. Loeb is desperate, as the mobs are slowly falling from grace thanks to Batman and Gordon. Loeb tells Gordon to put less effort into his job, Jim refuses but Loeb responds that this is an order. He tells him to go home but Jim responds that Loeb's fall is coming.
• Bruce and Alfred are watching the speech at the mansion. Lucius Fox then arrives there. and informs Bruce that the Board of Directors vowed against him becoming the CEO of the Company. Bruce responds that Ra's al Ghul decided to avenge him for refusing his offer to lead the League of Assassins and that he is now trying to ruin his life.
• Meanwhile, we see the scientists at Wayne Enterprises' labs continuing their experiments..the experiment succeeds. The scientist tells his partners to give the report to Ra's al Ghul..the plan for a perfect world will begin..starting in Gotham City. Meanwhile, we see Selina Kyle listening to their conversation...Then, she is getting hit by Ubu and is losing her consciousness
• It's a New Year's Eve in Gotham City. Bruce arrives at the Gotham Council's event. He handshakes Harvey Dent and praises him for his efforts against the mob. Bruce is then approached by Ra's al Ghul. Bruce ignores him but Ra's forces him to talk with him once again. Ra's tells him that his time is running out and that he kidnapped his little cat friend. Bruce loses control and tries to hit Ra's, but Ra's easily dodges and Bruce falls. Ra's tricks everyone that Bruce is drunk and helps him to stand on his feet. Bruce leaves the party and calls Alfred. As Bruce is walking towards his car, he is starting to feel weird..Bruce understands that Ra's drugged him. Ubu then appears and starts to brutally hit Bruce, who is unable to fight back. Alfred then arrives, manages to disarm Ubu, and takes Bruce to the Wayne manor. At Wayne Manor, Alfred manages to help Bruce to recover and he quickly is quickly dressing as Batman. Alfred tries to convince him to wait, but Bruce reveals to him that Ra's al Ghul kidnapped Selina and that he must save her.
• Bruce as Batman arrives in Gordon's office. Batman tells Jim about Ducard and that he is actually Ra's al Ghul. He gives him the files about the experiments on the Wayne Enterprises factories and tells Jim that Selina Kyle was kidnapped. Gordon understands and Batman leaves.
• While Batman is riding his motorcycle, Lucius tells him that he is working on locating Selina.
• Ra's heads out of a Lazarus pit..with an improved strength.
• Selina is locked in one of Ras' bases on Gotham. She manages to break free by outsmarting a few of Ras' henchmen. She defeats them with ease, and manages to contact Batman. Gordon goes by himself, not trusting the GCPD and he contacts Batman. The two arrive at Selina's location and manage to rescue her.
• Batman helps Selina to take care of her injuries on a rooftop. She reveals to him what she heard at the Wayne Enterprises' labs and he quickly puts the pieces together. Before Selina kisses him, Batman is preparing to leave. He declares that he is going after Ra's al Ghul. Selina tries to stop him but he tells her that he must do it.
• Ra's al Ghul arrives at the labs. The device is starting to unleash radiation..and Ra's is more than pleased. He considers it a pure work of art.
• Meanwhile, at the streets of Gotham, buildings are now getting burned. Gordon manages to save a young boy (the same boy that Batman rescued earlier), and he is not understanding what's going on while we see Catwoman rescuing Holly Robinson.
• Batman breaks into the labs. He is defeating Ra's al Ghul's henchmen, while Ra's himself is drinking his tea and is amused by the situation. Ra's then claps his hands and declares that he knew Batman is the right man to inherit his place and gives him one final chance to join him. Ra's explains that there is no hope for the human race and that only if he will join him his crusade will be complete. Ra's blames the humans for all the bad things in the world and for the murder of his wife, and then the truth is revealed: Ra's reveals that he lived for hundreds of years by using the Lazarus pits, and that his organization is a vast worldwide criminal empire, beyond everything Batman can possibly imagine. Batman is not impressed until Ra's reveals another shocking information: It is revealed that once Ra's adopted the identity of Henri Ducard and befriended Thomas Wayne, he tried as well to use Wayne Enterprises for his goal to create the ultimate device which will be connected to the Lazarus pit and will be able to wipe out humanity, starting with Gotham. Once Thomas refused to help him, Ra's had him killed and took over Wayne Enterprises so he can use the company for this "noble" goal.
• Ra's invites Batman to a gentlemen's duel - and pulls out a sword. He gives another sword to Batman and the two start to fight.
• Meanwhile, Catwoman goes by herself to the labs, seeking to help Batman. Selina defeats the guards and sees Batman and Ra's al Ghul's duel. Batman remembers what Ra's al Ghul told him about the Lazarus Pits, he understands that the effects of the Lazarus will eventually vanish. He is not as skilled as Ra's al Ghul, and understands that he will need to find a creative way to defeat the Demon's Head. During the duel, Ra's al Ghul taunts Bruce that he was such a promise and could have been the leader of the New World but Bruce ignores him. Ra's manages to knock Batman and starts to activate the device.
• Batman screams to Selina to destroy the device's signal. She quickly understands and Ra's al Ghul attempts to go after her but Batman manages to distract him. Batman then shoves Ra's into the device, it starts to destroy itself. Batman tries to save Ra's but Ra's al Ghul refuses, the device destroys itself and the lab is burned, Batman and Selina manage to escape and they watch the burns.
• A quick cut. On a rooftop, Batman and Catwoman kiss. He allows her to take off his mask. As she sees Bruce Wayne's face, she is actually not surprised and tells him that she saw through his facade. Bruce asks Selina to stay with him, but she declares that this is "boring life". She leaves Bruce disappointed and broken and she leaves.
• Meanwhile - a TV Report is reporting that Gillian Loeb was fired and James Gordon became the new GCPD Commissioner, while Harvey Dent became the new Gotham DA. We also see an announcement by Wayne Enterprises' board of directors that Bruce Wayne will take Henri Ducard's place as the CEO of the Company.
• For the first time - we see the Bat-Signal. Batman arrives there and meets Gordon and Harvey. Gordon is surprised that Batman and Dent are already familiar with each other. Gordon informs the two about a series of murders made by a criminal who is calling himself "The Joker". Batman declares that he will take care of it. He vanishes into the night with Gordon and Dent watching.

THE END

Gallery