INTRODUCTION
David S. Goyer recently marked the 20th anniversary of “Batman Begins” during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, where he shared insights into the film’s production.
He disclosed that Warner Bros. expressed dissatisfaction with his choice to delay Batman’s on-screen debut in costume until an hour into the film.
Goyer, who was instrumental in crafting the story for “Batman Begins,” collaborated with director Christopher Nolan on the screenplay and later contributed to the narratives of the sequels,
“The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” This decision to withhold the iconic character’s full reveal was a bold creative choice that ultimately shaped the film’s unique approach to storytelling and character development.
Goyer expressed dissatisfaction regarding the decision to feature Christian Bale solely as Bruce Wayne for the initial hour of the film.
He acknowledged that this choice did not sit well with audiences, emphasizing that it was not a slight against the previous actors who portrayed the character.
Goyer pointed out that viewers often found themselves impatiently waiting for the moment when Buce Wayne would don his iconic costume,
signaling the true start of the action. This raises an intriguing question about the narrative choices made in superhero films:
why do audiences feel such anticipation for the transformation of the character, and what does it reveal about their expectations for the genre?
Goyer emphasized the importance of establishing a connection between the audience and Bruce Wayne early in the creative process.
He noted that it was essential to craft a thrilling action sequence that showcased Bruce Wayne’s character rather than his alter ego,
Batman. This led to the conception of an exhilarating scene featuring a dramatic escape from a temple, where Bruce Wayne skillfully navigates his surroundings,
culminating in a breathtaking slide down a frozen surface. This sequence not only highlights Bruce’s resourcefulness and bravery but also serves to deepen the audience’s emotional investment in his character.
To address the studio’s apprehensions regarding the extended absence of Batman in “Batman Begins,” Goyer devised a comprehensive presentation aimed at the executives.
In this presentation, he analyzed four other superhero films, including the iconic “Superman” directed by Richard Donner.
By meticulously tracking the timing of when the titular characters donned their costumes, Goyer demonstrated that the duration before Batman appeared on screen was not significantly longer than in those established films.
This strategic comparison was intended to alleviate concerns and illustrate that the narrative choices made in “Batman Begins”
were in line with industry standards, thereby reinforcing the creative direction of the project.
Following the conclusion of the “Dark Knight” trilogy, David Goyer and Christopher Nolan extended their partnership in the realm of superhero films by collaborating with Zack Snyder on “
Man of Steel.” Goyer crafted the screenplay based on a narrative he developed in conjunction with Nolan, marking the inception of Snyder’s
vision for the DC Universe, which would later expand with the release of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
However, Goyer revealed that Nolan advised him against further involvement with DC, particularly cautioning him against introducing another iteration of Batman, this time portrayed by Ben Affleck.
Goyer recalled a conversation with Chris, who advised against pursuing the Affleck version of Batman due to its inherent complexity.
He emphasized that they had already created a distinct interpretation of the character and suggested that it would be more prudent to focus on that established version rather than complicate matters further by introducing another iteration.
This perspective highlights the challenges of maintaining clarity and coherence in a franchise that has seen multiple adaptations over the years.
Goyer expressed his enthusiasm for the character of Blade and his desire to contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s reboot of the franchise.
He conveyed a sense of impatience, noting that he has been observing the situation from a distance, questioning the delays in the project’s development.
As a devoted fan of Marvel himself, Goyer admitted to feeling perplexed by the prolonged timeline, indicating that he is eager to see the character brought back to life on screen.
His passion for the material and the franchise is evident, highlighting both his commitment to the project and his anticipation for its eventual realization.
