Batman Begins: The Official Movie Guide

Book Description

BATMAN BEGINS is the most anticipated movie event of Summer 2005. From director Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia), BATMAN BEGINS stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Liam Neeson. It features a new story, a new vision, and a new commitment to the Batman legend. More than 150 of David James's magnificent photos will appear in the official BATMAN BEGINS book. Set alongside excerpts from the screenplay and short essays, the photographs will allow the reader to follow the arc of the film's story and marvel at the filmmaking magic on display-from the spectacular creation of the Batmobile, the Batcave, and Gotham City to the breathtaking action set pieces. BATMAN BEGINS explores the origins of Batman and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham City. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrialist heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego, Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high-tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten his city. • Official Movie Date: June 17, 2005

Customer Reviews:

Just to counter-balance the idiocy of "John Q. Public".......2005-10-15

If some people spent half as much time proofreading their reviews as the did spewing bile maybe they wouldn't look like they were written by a disgruntled 8 year old. This is a very informitive look at a great movie. Very highly recommended.

I have a Question........2005-07-20

Sorry, I haven't read the book, but I was wondering if there is any movie stills of Cillian Murphy (without the mask) in this book, or if I would be better off with "The Art of Batman Begins"? E-mail: kayjeckel@yahoo.com

A MUST HAVE FOR BATMAN FANS.......2005-06-25

First, ignore the review by the guy from Chile. He can't articulate the language, what makes me think he knows what he's talking about regarding Batman Begins? With any big budget blockbuster comes the inevitable parade of merchandise. Few films other than Star Wars can match the marketing juggernaut of the Batman films. Batman Begins is the long awaited beginning to a new series of Batman films, revived back to life after Joel Schumacher and George Clooney nearly killed the franchise. The official movie guide is a great scrapbook and companion to the film. It features dozens of photographs from the film, absolutely brilliant photography. There are snippets of the script as well as several short pieces detailing Batman's origins, as well as interviews. Not just a throwaway marketing item or a piece of fluff, this is definitely a collectible you'll want to have. It's informative and entertaining.

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The Art of Batman Begins
The Art of The Art of Batman Begins
More is needed but this'll do for starts
This BATMAN is no JOKER

The Art of Batman Begins
Mark Cotta Vaz
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0811849481
Release Date: 2005-06-15

Book Description

The origin of Batman, the crown jewel of all superheroes, will be revealed for the first time in Batman Begins, the highly anticipated film from director Christopher Nolan (Memento). A contemporary, innovative incarnation of a character and story that have captured people's imaginations for six decades, Batman Begins hits theaters Summer 2005 and stars Christian Bale as the Dark Knight. Full of exclusive photographs of moody sets and exotic locations, as well as concept art, storyboards, and costume designs from the movie s creative team, this oversized hardcover documents the newest spectacular portrayal of the most popular and enigmatic superhero ever conceived. The Art of Batman Begins is a must-have for artists, Batman aficionados, and filmgoers everywhere.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of DC Comics 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Bad customer service.......2007-01-12

I ordered this book and realized the day after I placed the order that my boyfriend had bought it for himself. When I emailed the seller to see if it was too late to cancel my order and the reason I got no response. I sent another email 2 days later and I still never received a response. I then got the book (which I'm stuck with) and not even in good condition! BAD EXPERIENCE.

The Art of Batman Begins.......2005-09-06

It was a pretty easy fast read. I wish it had more info as, "Behind the mask of Spiderman" written by the same author. Nice pics and info but I finished reading it in a couple of hours at the most.

The Art of The Art of Batman Begins.......2005-09-02

After seeing BATMAN BEGINS, I realized that I have just watched a movie that has so much more to tell me. But how can I find out more about the locations used, the props made, the characters and the creative process? "The Art of Batman Begins" satisfied my thrist for that knowledge. It's a great book that makes you appreciate the little things about BATMAN BEGINS and makes you proud to be a person who paid $10 to see it at the Cineplex. Hollywood has given us less than stellar films in the last couple years, it's good to see that the makers of BATMAN BEGINS still wanted us, the audience, to have a magical, wonderful movie going experience.

More is needed but this'll do for starts.......2005-08-16

This is book goes into detail on the production of this long awaited film. From the Batmobile to the Batsuit we get details that we've always wanted. The only problem I have with the book is that it's too short, I wanted more.With that one problem aside, this will be a welcomed addition to "Batman" fan's library.

This BATMAN is no JOKER.......2005-08-15

The Art of BATMAN BEGINS is a wonderful look into the making of the film. It has extensive storyboards and costume designs, as well as, concept art in full color. Any fan of the Dark Knight should add this edition to your bookshelf. Only a joker would pass this up.

Average customer rating:

What a SWEET addition to the film!!!
Faithful to the Movie
Batman's Big Screen Comeback
Not A Bad Book..
Reads Like A Screenplay

Batman Begins
Dennis O'Neil
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345479467
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Book Description

Based on the eagerly awaited new feature film–the exciting origins of the ultimate crime fighter!

Bruce Wayne is dead. The young heir to the Wayne empire disappeared seven years ago. His vast fortune has been given away, and the crime wave that began with the brutal murder of his parents has turned Gotham City into a living hell. The last holdouts against corruption–the cops who can’t be bought, the D.A.s who can’t be intimidated–are outnumbered and outgunned. They need help . . . fast.

A world away, in a dank Himalayan prison, a nameless, hardened man fights every day to survive. He has spent seven years scouring the globe, studying the criminal mind, looking for an answer to the ugly riddle of his childhood. But something has been looking for him, too. Here, in the darkest places of his own anger, Bruce Wayne will discover his destiny–and an ordinary man will become a legend.

Customer Reviews:

What a SWEET addition to the film!!!.......2007-01-08

I love this book! The scenes that are not featured in the movie are done here flawlessly. It talks more about Ras Al Ghul, who is a very complex character and hard to understand. You will love reading this book to complement the movie, whether you're seeing Batman Begins for the first time or the thousandth, like me.

Faithful to the Movie.......2006-11-11

A smoothly written novel that follows the movie quite closely, which was what I wanted. It also fills in some data not supplied by the movie itself (though not a lot), and so consequently is an interesting supplement at times. It also provides another way of experiencing and reviewing the story line. I enjoyed it, and when I read the ending, I wished there were more so that I could keep reading.

Batman's Big Screen Comeback.......2006-10-11

This book is the first Batman movie novelization I've read and I've got to say, I was very impressed. This was the first of Dennis O'Neil's writing that I was exposed to, And i liked how he put such great detail into a simple movie novelization. I also enjoyed O'Neil's rendition of Batman: Knightfall.

This is great read for any fan of Batman or for someone looking to have a full set of Batman novels

PARTY ON, DUDES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not A Bad Book.........2006-09-26

I thought this was a pretty good book. But i really liked the first two books batman & Batman Returns. I'm a huge Batman Fan And the books are great all five of them but some are better. This was a pretty good book.

Reads Like A Screenplay.......2006-08-24

Quick confession before I really begin: I have not read the entire book. I actually have about ten pages to go before it is finished, but I'm sure the very ending of the book will be just like the rest of it; bland.

This book is like reading a screenplay for a movie, only a typical screenplay at least gives you an idea of the emotions of the characters. I bought this book hoping for a sort of inside into the mind of Batman, of Rachel or even Alfred. This book delivered nothing.

Whole chunks of dialoged go by where the characters are just simply speaking. There was no, "Bruce winced" or "Rachel's eyes turned stony and her next words were cut sharp..." It was just plain dialoged. The reader was left to fill in the gaps with what the characters were doing, what they looked like while talking in the movie because the author filled us with none of it.

The whole impression I got was that the author was given a screen play and told to write a novel off of it and was not allowed to delve into the characters minds. With the exception of Alfred saving Bruce from the house fire or the journal entries of the main bad guy we are given zero insight into how these characters think, how they move, why they do what they do, or even what they look like.

Take the Scarecrow. I thought the character was intriguing. He had makeup around his eyes in the movie making him seem almost pretty. Some of the shots clearly pointed to this in the film. It was made obvious and I wondered why the actor wished to portray him that way. In the book? Nothing. Just, "Jonathan Crane unfolded his long legs and stretched out." or something. In the entire book, that is what you are given to picture one of the main bad guys.

You have to have watched the movie to get any idea about what the characters are about, and their motives because this book provides none of it. I don't even know why Alfred decided to help Bruce on his quest to develop and become Batman. Well, I do get an idea from it from the movie but from the book... he just does it.

Even Alfred's snarky comments fall far short of funny because there is no comedic pause. There's just a list of dialoged. There is no writing telling the reader what the reactions of the other characters are to even tell you it was a joke.

So here is my summery. If it is floating around somewhere, get the screenplay if you are that interested in the movie. Either this author was too afraid to develop the characters or simply was not allowed to do so. Or better yet, watch the movie again. You will find more depth and less eyestrain in that film then you will in this book.

Average customer rating:

Great Batman Begins book!

Batman Begins: The Visual Guide
Scott Beatty
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0756612330
Release Date: 2005-06-15

Book Description

Uncovering the real story of Batman, from the events that have shaped the Dark Knight to the friends and foes who know only half the truth, Batman Begins: The Visual Guide is the ultimate book for any fans of this extraordinary hero.

Customer Reviews:

Great Batman Begins book!.......2005-08-29

This is a very good book. If you are familiar with the Star Wars Visual Guides then you will love this book! Though its more of a storybook then the Star Wars guides but this is awesome. It has really neat pictures from the movie all in color and many great pictures of the characters. I would love more books like this that studies on feature films! If you love the Batman Begins film and/or Batman in general then I strongly recommend this book!

Average customer rating:

very, very good movie!
Go behind the Bat!
Best Batman Film Yet
Honour The Knight

Batman Begins
Christopher Nolan
Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0571229948

Book Description

Batman Begins, directed by the award-winning Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia), unveils the untold origins of the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham City. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham City and unveils his alter ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect, and an array of high-tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

As Bruce Wayne/Batman, Christian Bale heads an all-star cast that also includes Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer and Morgan Freeman. Visionary director Christopher Nolan has delivered the Batman we've been waiting for - a dark legend brought to life in a way never before imagined on the big screen.

This volume contains the complete screenplay of Batman Begins by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, together with storyboards for the picture drawn by Martin Asbury and James Cornish, and an exclusive interview with Christopher Nolan in which he reveals his cinematic vision of The Dark Knight.

Customer Reviews:

very, very good movie!.......2005-10-22

Batman begins is a awesome movie. Sweet special effects, very,very,very,very good actors, great storyline, some good princibles....ect. Don't even worry about rent'n it first, because if you like action, suspense, sweet special effects, and all that comes with a action movie, you might as well buy the dang thing!!! And you won't regret it!!! HIGHLY recommend this movie.

Go behind the Bat!.......2005-10-12

I've always found it fascinating on how they make movies nowadays. I've taken film classes, but it wanted to see the scripts that they use. This is the complete screenplay to the movie " Batman Begins." You not only can read the linings, but you can see how they decided to put together these scenes through the storyboards. This is an excellent item for any movie buff, or any butting filmmaker. It will give you an idea on how to start writing a screenplay, and you can go behind the scenes in see how they put together this blockbuster.

Best Batman Film Yet.......2005-09-12

Being a huge Batman fan, I waited in anticipation for this movie to be released. I wasn't disappointed. After seeing it, David Goyer and Christopher Nolan have really "got" the whole idea of the myth that is the Batman.
They have stayed true to the Batman history, and have delivered what many believe to be the "ultimate comic book movie".
While probably not for the kids, this version of Batman is definately what this Bat-fan has been waiting for - tough, dark and intimidating.
This screenplay seems to reveal the original script that Goyer/Nolan pitched to Warner Bros. I say "seems to" because there are a few notable changes from the film version as released. I can only assume that Warner Bros changed certain areas to ensure that the film recevied a PG13+ rating in the US, while here in Australia it received a M15+.
Without giving too much away, the script as presented in this book has a darker edge to certain scenes, and in my opinion, is exactly how the movie should have been done.
I rate this as 5 stars based on the way Goyer and Nolan have finally portrayed the Batman as he was meant to be.
I only hope that Warner Bros can secure both Nolan and Goyer for the sequel.

Honour The Knight.......2005-09-12

This is actually a "proper" book, not a money grab replete with pictures and a few snatches of dialougue here and there.

It is the *full* screen play and shooting script, with story boards.

The book also contains interviews with Christopher Nolan and David Goyer who give insight into what they wanted to achieve and how they see the character. I found it interesting how they both mention that the first four films was not how they saw Batman. And they wanted to show a Batman more reminiscent to the character who actually shows up in the comic book. They also wanted to keep the film grounded in reality and hearken back to the grand epic films by directors such as David Lean and John Houston. Which they more than achieved. It is clear that both men took the film seriously and wanted to make a film that audiences would enjoy. Much to my pleasure.

This is a great book for those who loved Batman Begins. Or those who are interested in script writing.

Batman Begins Giant Color & Activity Book: Batman--A Real Hero

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Batman Begins Giant Color & Activity Book: Batman--A Real Hero

Manufacturer: Batman Begins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0696225069
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Book Description

Each book comes with a unique premium that will have boys' hearts racing! Movie images of Batman and his world fill the pages of these coloring books. Cool activities like connect-the-dots, crosswords, word jumbles, and look-and-finds will keep kids entertained for hours! Boys will want them all!

Book Description

See the full story of the exciting new motion picture BATMAN BEGINS, told with full-color stills from the movie! Also find out amazing behind-the-scenes info about the new Batmobile redesign! Includes a mind-blowing Bat-poster!

Batman Begins Color & Activity Book with Tattoos: I'm Batman

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Batman Begins Color & Activity Book with Tattoos: I'm Batman

Manufacturer: Batman Begins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0696223910
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Some crimes, not even the "world's greatest detective" can solve........2006-06-29

The Dark Knight Detective finds himself in yet another mind-teasing mystery when a new vigilante with his/her own brand of violent justice comes to town, targeting child abusers. There is a certain, sick pattern to the assailant's crimes, the particular way he/she kills his/her victims--it's as though the vigilante administers justice and is out for blood at the same time. With Commissioner James Gordon dealing with illegal drug dealers and personal family issues, Batman's only hope of capturing this new villain lies in the hands of a young girl, who's too afraid to talk.

This nifty little Bat tale is great! Archie Goodwin's noir-style writing works on a level that fits the Batman and the dark world he haunts so perfectly by today's standards of Bat storytelling--Goodwin writes Batman in a cold world full of corruption, sin, and fear, and without compassion, something the great Frank Miller started in the 80s with his acclaimed "The Dark Knight Returns." The best, and yet hardest, part to look at in Goodwin's personal rendition of everyone's favorite Dark Knight is the blunt, honest light he sheds on the awful truth about child abusers: most of them NEVER stop. In the past Batman has fought some of the most powerful of crime bosses, most corrupt of elected officials, and of course, has time and time again put away the most colorful, most recognized rogue arch enemies--the Joker, Two-Face, Riddler, Penguin, etc. (none of which you will find here, mind you)--but child abuse crimes are committed behind closed doors, ones that the Batman cannot enter without being naturally violating himself. Even the man who walks where cops can't even go, can only go so far before crossing the line. If anything, Goodwin's often overlooked "Night Cries" arc shows the Batman at his uttermost human and the effect it has on the reader is incredible. Another unexpected, but welcome, addition is the fact that Batman, despite having stopped the vigilante, is not the true winner, but instead Commissioner Gordon. As Batman deals with his own problems with the killer, Gordon is placed into the shoes of the abused/abuser and Goodwin brilliantly uses this to his creative advantage to outline the "gray" area of the "black-and-white" morality of the story. "Night Cries" is a genuine detective/crime drama tale from start to finish. In addiiton to Goodwin's writing, there is some fantastic, atmospheric artwork by Scott Hampton here. Each page is dark and brooding, and makes the reader feel he/she's in hell, which is basically what the story and Gotham City itself is.

Not a single word or event is wasted or out of place. Child abuse is an evil is beyond question in the world of the Batman, but what to do about those who cannot or will not stop their actions? How can you prevent people from committing crimes in the privacy of their own homes? Goodwin provides no easy solutions, a rather honest route for him to take in a world where otherwise the heroes always triumph over the villains. That point alone is worth owning this overlooked piece of crime literature!

A unique storyline.......2005-07-13

The Batman novel "Night Cries" is one which explores a very difficult and taboo subject: child abuse. Batman is pushed into the world of child abuse when the abusers are killed methodically by an emerging serial killer.

There is a moment of desperation when Batman realizes even he cannot prevent all the injustice and suffering in the world. At that moment, the normally cold and calculating appearance of Batman withers for just a moment to reveal the young boy who made a compassionate vow on the eve of his parents' murder.

How to handle child abuse? Unlike robbery or homicide, it is hard to prove and difficult to prosecute. Even Batman's stomach turns as he must occasionally watch from the shadows helplessly like the little children who are abused. If you want something that is more about the action, this may not be it for you; it is a tragedy and also about a difficult subject.

The art is gripping. I think it is really good for establishing a depressing mood which is appropriate for the tragedies that unfold in the story. Just be careful with this one, it is a heartbreaking story.

The Children Cry.......2005-06-19

Batman: Night Cries is a graphic novel that takes place in the early years of the Batman mythos, and has him and newly-appointed Commissioner Gordon tracking a series of gruesome murders linked to child abuse. As the story unfolds, Gordon is forced to confront how his own anger issues are straining the relationship with his wife and son.

This is a beautifully painted and crafted story that explores the issue of child abuse well, with two minor flaws. The first is a melodramatic final page that has Batman screaming into the night because he can't help all the crying children. I appreciate Goodwin's intent, but it just doesn't work for me and feels rather cheesy. The second is that there's a somewhat obvious answer to the killer's identity, because its one of the three newly introduced characters at the beginning of the story. For a work that deals with such a serious, real-life issue, it might have been wiser to make the killer a complete unknown, and integrate the new characters in another way.

Ultimately the good outweighs the bad, and Batman: Night Cries is a worthwhile self-contained story for your collection.

Incredibly powerful and haunting work..........2004-01-25

More than any other Batman graphic novel, Night Cries deals with a subject that hits home. Whether or not you have experienced or know people who have experienced child abuse, it is not difficult to identify with the characters and be moved by this story. The reason for its power is that it is the most human Batman story I've read. Unlike Arkham Asylum which deals with wacky screwed-up villains, or the Dark Knight Returns which tells of an Batman's action-packed rebellious return, Night Cries speaks of children. It speaks of the effects that abuse has on human souls, the abused or the observers of the abused. Nothing tears the human soul more than a child in any sort of pain, and Night Cries explores these types of pain and the effects of it. Scott Hampton also took much time and care creating the lush and dark paintings in this graphic novel to fit Archie Goodwin's mysteriously unfolding story.

Note: By no means am I suggesting that Dark Knight Returns or Arkham Asylum are not good (in fact I like them more than Night Cries) but Night Cries is definitely far more arresting than either of the aforementioned.

The art is bad, the story is worse.......2002-02-11

The art in Night Cries is cut from the same cloth as Arkham Asylum. If you liked the latter, then there's a good chance that you'll like the former. I personally found the art in both unappealing and uninspired, but to each their own. Night Cries is also drug down by a poor story with too many confusing elements that get further muddled by the poor art.

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