Nerd Mentality

MOVIE REVIEW — Batman: Year One

Posted October 21st 2011 by Frankie Aguilar.

I think it can be said, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that while Marvel has dominated the silver screen, DC has always been king in the direct-to-DVD animated movie world. Going all the way back to my earliest memories of comic book characters in motion, DC has always been better at presenting their supes in an animated fashion. I guarantee anyone that has ever watched Batman: The Animated Series will start humming the theme song at the end of this sentence. Don't get me wrong, I'm one of the biggest blockbuster comic book movie fans I know, but there's something about the animated medium that gels with super heroes. The latest DC animated film to come down the pipes is an adaptation of Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's all-time great graphic novel, Batman: Year One, and this incredibly faithful re-creation does not disappoint.

Year One, much like Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, is a repackaging of the tried and true Batman origin story. What's great about the Dark Knight as a character is that his origin story has stood the test of time. There's no need to revamp the now standard, "my parents got shot by a mugger, so I decided to dress like a bat" story. And this Gotham predates the rogues gallery that people usually associate with Batman. This Gotham's scum has grown fat on the suffering of its people; replace the Clown Prince of Crime and Two-Face with a corrupt police commissioner and an untouchable mob boss and you kind of get the idea. All these human elements are what sets this genesis story apart from the others, but what's really interesting is that we get to see the it through the eyes of both Bruce Wayne and Lt. Jim Gordon.

The eponymous graphic novel is truly the story of Lt. Jim Gordon, and it's almost like they voice-cast the characters to reflect that focus. Year One did a great job casting Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston to voice Gordon, and his delivery of the noir style dialogue is fantastic. His counterpart, however (Benjamin McKenzie as Batman), is genuinely uninspired in his recitation and unintentionally juxtaposes the stellar Batman action sequences with drab boring audio. But luckily, the awesome way Frank Miller creates a story is held firmly intact. The Year One movie is set up in the sequential journal entry style featured in the graphic novel and is read in hindsight by the two main protagonists. This disembodied narrative really gives the feeling of the weight of Gotham city on these two novice crime fighters.

The animation is more anime style than most Batman fans will be used to; in a sense it's closer to the Batman seen in Under the Red Hood than Mask of the Phantasm, which actually flows well with the feel of the movie. One aspect of the Caped Crusader that never translates well to the live action films is just how much ass he kicks, and this animation style puts it front and center. But it's not only the action sequences that are bolstered by animation. What people forget is that when Batman is suited up it's difficult to read him, but this Batman is expressive and demonstrative, which is a really big part of why this movie is so successful.

One of the ideas that worked so well in the graphic novel which has not been axed in the animated film is the fantastic characterization of Bruce Wayne, inside and outside the cowl. This isn't the established, fear-striking Batman we're used to seeing, which humanizes him. There's something relatable about a man—even a billionaire playboy crime fighter with daddy issues—who is sure about everything going on in his world except himself. The vulnerability shown, amongst such strength and drive really shows the true heart of Batman as a character, and for that reason, Year One establishes itself as a top tier Bat flick. It may not be the suspense-filled mystery caper of Mask of the Phantasm or the fast paced, Joker filled, revenge flick that Under the Red Hood is, but everyone loves a good origin story, and Year One is one of the best.

A few flaws dull what is otherwise a pretty flawless animated adaptation. While I know the inclusion of the Selina Kyle/Catwoman character is crucial to the sanctity of the adaptation, her presence in this version really does nothing to advance the story. I would have liked to see them flesh out the character more or completely keep her out of the movie altogether. And I can't really let go of how poorly Bruce Wayne/Batman was voiced. I realize that Frank Miller intended Bats to be introspective and unsure when he wrote him, but McKenzie makes Batman seem scared, which is the exact opposite of what he's meant to be. Luckily, these shortcomings are few and far between.

I can't remember a more faithful representation of a comic or graphic novel than Batman: Year One. I'd have to look at maybe 300 or Sin City (also adapted from Frank Miller's works), but even those can't match the almost panel for panel recreation that goes on in Year One. Yes, I know it's obviously easier with an animated film, but you have to give the creative team credit for their attention to detail, and obvious love for the source material. The success of Year One must be highly attributed to the master craftsmanship of Miller as a storyteller, and this movie goes on to bolster the pedigree of DC animated films. If you love the graphic novel, you'll love this movie. Batman: Year One is a must see for any fan of the Dark Knight, DC, or animated movies in general.

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Tags: batman: year one, Batman, frank miller, dc animated films, Comics, movies

Posted in: Entertainment, Reviews

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