Batman Begins Cast Give the Scoop on Bruce Wayne Posted by: Kim Lance, Editor    FilmLottm

While we all make up our own opinions about the motivation, history, and ethics of characters in movies, it is always interesting to hear opinions right from the source, the actors themselves. With all the time and effort spent by actors to not only learn their parts but understand the motivation and emotions of their characters, they are bound to have a lot to say about it.

Throughout the production information for Batman Begins, several of the actors provided movie fans with descriptive insight about their views on the Bruce Wayne / Batman character and his involvement with their own characters. Here is some interesting insight from the actors first hand about the methods and motivation behind their character’s interaction with young Bruce Wayne.

Christian Bale on Batman and Bruce Wayne
Actor Christian Bale portrayed Bruce Wayne both as a young man searching for answers in life and as a man with a purpose, to protect his city from evil as Batman. As the lead character, Bale was able to gain an understanding of the internal thought processes of Bruce and his motivations for becoming Batman. According to Bale, Bruce Wayne “is in a constant battle with himself internally. He must continually assess his actions and control his demons, overcoming the pull toward self-destruction and the negative emotions that will destroy his life if he allows them to.”

Bale also had some thoughts on the symbolism of the bat in Wayne’s life. “The bat is a very personal symbol to him [Wayne],” said Bale. “It’s one that induced fear in him as a child, and as an adult is a constant reminder of the night his parents were murdered and of his own feelings of guilt. When he returns to Gotham after honing his mental and physical skills, the bat persona becomes the clear answer to his need for a disguise. He uses it as a means to intimidate others and manipulate their fears, as well as master his own.”

“He’s unpredictable, his actions may be questionable, his motivations less than pure. Yet we know he is ultimately a force for good,” Bale says. “This complexity makes Batman the coolest of superheroes.”

Michael Caine on Alfred and His Relationship to Bruce Wayne
Michael Caine who plays Bruce’s loyal butler and trusted friend Alfred had interesting insight on Alfred’s relationship with Gotham’s hero, “Alfred is the one constant in Bruce’s life, the one person who never gives up on him. He’s also Bruce Wayne’s moral compass. Batman walks a very fine line between himself and the criminals he pursues, so he must maintain a higher moral code. Alfred isn’t afraid to give his opinion, especially when he thinks Bruce may have taken things too far. You cannot make it personal; otherwise you’re just a vigilante.”

Katie Holmes’ Insight on Rachel Dawes’ Disappointment in Bruce Wayne
In Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne has to portray himself as a philandering womanizing playboy in order to further set himself apart from Batman because he wants to keep his secret life hidden. It is especially important that he keep his identity a secret from the most important woman in his life, Rachel Dawes. This unfortunately causes much heartache and stress between the two characters.

Katie Holmes who plays Rachel Dawes, the potential love interest for Bruce in Batman Begins,understands the complexities of Rachel and Bruce’s relationship. “Rachel is very hard on Bruce,” Holmes admits. “She can’t understand why her best friend isn’t more concerned about the crime and corruption that are overtaking Gotham City. When you really know and care about someone the way she does for Bruce, and you think they’re not living up to their potential, it can be very disappointing and difficult to accept.”

Gary Oldman Explains Commisioner Gordan’s Trust Issues
Batman Begins takes place at the start of Bruce’s “career” as Batman. In the beginning upstanding police commissioner Gordon, played by Gary Oldman, is not certain whether or not he can trust Batman. He has to decide whether or not Batman is a true crimefigther or a criminal himself. Ultimately, of course, they form a clandestine partnership. “Gordon is infused with new energy and hope when Batman emerges on the scene,” says Oldman of his characters new partnership with Batman. “He knows Batman is a bit of a wild card, but his heart is in the right place. They both have the same goal and share a single-purpose kind of mindset.”

Morgan Freeman on the Bond Between Lucious Fox and Bruce Wayne
Accredited actor Morgan Freeman was able to recognize the strong bond between his character Lucious Fox and young Bruce Wayne. “A bond starts to develop between them because Fox sees that Bruce is ready to pick up the reigns of the company and put it back on its feet, back where it should be,” says Freeman.

Lucious Fox remembers Wayne Enterprises in its glory days, and looks to Bruce as the one man who may bring Wayne Enterprises back to its original glory. Through the understanding of his own character, Freeman was able to explain the bond that both Fox and Bruce form even thought Fox does not understand the full extend of Bruce’s mission for Gotham.

By examining the thoughts and feelings of the cast of Batman Begins, fans of Bruce Wayne can better understand the complex character bonds, driving motivations, and background histories that drive him into his secret lifestyle.