The Psychology Of Bruce Wayne | Batman Begins Analysis
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- Опубликовано: 28 янв 2025
- I love Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. I actually like Batman Begins the best, even if it's not objectively as good as The Dark Knight. I thought I'd talk about the internal struggles and emotional core of Christopher Nolan's Bruce Wayne, as well as also a general review and analysis of the film overall. Hopefully I've done both.
My Little Thought Tree is my channel for drawing out the deeper meaning and emotion in film, TV, and the world at large through relaxed, analytical video essays. I am a professional counsellor and often draw on my psychology and therapy background to better understand characters, themes, and emotion in fiction. I upload every Saturday and occasionally on Tuesdays, if I'm feeling productive.
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Batman Begins is the most character-driven superhero origin movie in existence. Change my mind. It's so preoccupied with its main character, it doesn't introduce a McGuffin device till the later half of the movie. Which is something I feel a lot of MCU origin films suffer from. They introduce a McGuffin before the main character.
Batman begins is by far the best superhero origin film
@@digontozahid Agreed.
One superhero origin movie that doesn't get enough credit is Captain America The First Avenger. Not as good as Batman Begins but it has a good story, sets up the character very well and has a lot of positives
@@charlielynch3916 yes first captain america first ironman and first thor all of them are solid origin films ....mcu's phase one films are underrated
I'd say Unbreakable is the most character driven superhero origin story imo
I think you missed an important symbolism about what wearing the image of a bat means to Bruce, as opposed to just what it means to others. Bats have always symbolized his primal childhood fear, one that he blames as having led to his parents' death, but one which upon his return he manages to conquer. It's not just 'to appear as a symbol' to others, but also a pretty straightforward statement to the audience: it isn't the batsuit itself that makes him a superhero or his training or any of his gadgets - what makes him such is that he conquered his fears, his fear of bats being the most primal one of all. And like you note - this point could never have been properly made had Nolan not taken up that whole first hour. So while I'd agree Rachel is very brave herself to do everything she does without a mask, ultimately Bruce's bravery is not to be understated either. After all - he's wearing the skin of the creature he's feared since he was a child and which he associates with the trauma of his parents killed in front of him.
Hope these don't get struck down by RUclips and nice work as usual. For Nolan's best movie psychologically, it'd still have to be Memento for me (another interesting movie for you perhaps), but this one's always stuck in my mind to be sure due to select scenes, particularly the 'you've never tasted desperate' scene.
Memento was an awesome movie, I hope he can delve into that one as well.
I think you address your own point about missing the symbolism with your comment that Bruce associates bats with the trauma of his parents' murders. The video does discuss what it means to Bruce, but it does it by going deeper and directly discussing the trauma, emotions, and confusion (Bruce the person) behind it rather than talking about the symbol. The movie is about Bruce, not Batman
@@lattice737 I suppose that's somewhat true...at least Rachel's final lines state as such: "The man I knew never came back. Maybe, when Gotham has no need of Batman, I'll see him again." I suppose it is true that Bruce can rarely truly be 'himself'...either he has to be the playboy that is his mask or who he's become - Batman, the one who's conquered all his fears (which is also terribly exhausting and breaks down for him in the 2nd + 3rd movies, but...can't say anymore or spoilers I guess).
@@loonie5468 you’re right: either way, I agree the meaning breaks down in the later films. Pretty cool how many layers this film has, that we can still have interesting discussion about it :)
Well said
Batman begins is so underrated
definitely the best Batman movie ever. I say Batman movie because the other 2 are not centered around Batman, but rather the villains and the dilemmas caused by these villains that happens to have Batman trying to stop them.
@The BATMAN Says I have to agree, I feel like when I say it's the best of the three it's like sacrilege but it just holds such a special place in my heart.
@The BATMAN Says I have to agree as well
All are wrong! Y'all know dark knight is the best ever!
Since when?
People loves it.
Batman Begins is my favorite of the Nolan films too, for pretty much the same reasons. I think the moment that sold it for me personally, was when I saw it in the theater, and he's returned to the cave under his manor. The column of bats begin to circle him, and you see him transition from instinctive fear response, to closing his eyes, remembering his training with the League, and standing up to embrace it. It also felt a lot like a visual representation of the Litany Against Fear from Dune. The way the music swells, he holds his posture like his accepting a blessing from some divine source, becoming the living avatar of the animalistic, shamanistic concept of Bat. I remember thinking "Ok, THIS is the moment that he truly became Batman. Forget his first time suiting up, or any of that, this is when it became an actual part of him." And I loved it. I love Dark Knight, but this is by far my personal favorite of the Nolan trilogy.
Excellent video as always! keep up the good work! And yes more videos about the other films would be great.
His father reset the bone himself rather than take him in to see the doctor. This was because Thomas Wayne was a doctor
Lol
He brings it up cause it shows the father made time for his son.
You gotta love the way Michael Caine says "Few-CHAH."
The relationship between Bruce and Alfred especially in Batman Begins is just….man it hits you right in the feels.
I love Batman Begins. It set up our beloved three part story so goddamn well. Just like you can’t have Wax without Marijuana 🌿 we wouldn’t have the Dark Knight Trilogy without our original boy: Begins.
Sir Michael Caine and Christian Bale. Don't expect anything less.
Absolutely love the idea of a “weaponized hallucinogen” to try and make a city destroy itself and having crane see Batman as this scary ass demon... or the inmates seeing him fly over as a red eyed monster... completely unique in a super hero movie and also awesome in general
This movie is THE superhero origin story that made me get into Christopher Nolan movies. This movie is so good and very nostalgic for me lol I used to watch this movie all the time on my PS2
I think you would have a lot to say on The Dark Knight. Can't wait.
Àŕ weř
Well there’s a part in the justice league comics where Wonder Woman manages to wrap the lasso of truth around Batman/ Bruce’s wrist without him noticing it and asked him who he was and he does say I am Batman without even thinking. So in his actual mind and heart of hearts Batman is who he is and Bruce is his mask. Because at different points she does it to the others and they all give their normal alter ego (Superman saying he’s Clark Kent under the same circumstances for example and Green arrow saying he’s Oliver Queen.)
In Batman Beyond Bruce is able to figure out that someone posing as him wasn't because they called themselves Bruce. Bruce told Terry that he doesn't call himself Bruce in his head.
@@elijahknox4421I remember that. “How did you know you weren’t going crazy when you heard that voice talking to you?”
“The voice kept calling me Bruce, in my mind, that not what I call myself.”
“What do you call yourself?”
And Bruce just looks at him coldly.
Please do the other Batman movies. This was brilliant!
+1
sure
Please do. I really enjoyed this
Best super hero depiction ever done on film . Chris Nolan nailed it .
Thank you for this. Batman Begins in so many ways represents my life path and my inability to grow and rise above my history and damage to find the strength to lift myself up to become something better. Hans Zimmer and James Newtown Howard have scored my life and failures with their collaborative soundtrack. I hope one day I can become more than my past.
I really enjoyed this. Even though The Dark Knight is regarded as the pinnacle of the series, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises are truly underrated and vital. Please make more vids on this!
I hold a very special place for this movie in my heart. The other two of the trilogy are great and I'd love to see videos on them but I think this movie is heavily underrated. The fact that so much of it takes place without batman I think makes it special. He both literally and figuratively spends so much time in the dirt and mud. If the movie wasn't called "batman begins" you might watch it and wonder if he's even going to become a hero, if he even deserves it. Most superhero origin stories are either mainly there for fun silly bits of discovering powers and whatnot or some noble thing of how they get a push and dramatically rise up, but Bruce Wayne in this gets that push and it just breaks him, he spends so much time being broken, and by the time he does rise up we appreciate how much weight there is, but it almost still feels tragic.
I was so happy to see this in my sub feed. Batman is by far my favourite superhero and I loved this analysis, so well put together. The Dark Knight tends to get all the limelight, definitely deserved but not at the expense of the rest of the trilogy, as I think they are all fantastic. Hope we reach that like goal, would love to hear what you have got to say about the other movies.
So close to 70k as well, so here's a congrats in advance, Congrats!
I just wanted to say "Thank you". It is just so god damm relaxing to watch your videos.
And thankyou too!
Batman Begins was always my favorite of the trilogy. Dark Knight is amazing, no doubt, but it wouldn’t be as good as it is without Batman Begins
can't believe I hit the like button right before hearing "gay hitler"
I don't get it
@@izkmky2811 start listening at 23:48
He says every time after the end of his every video.
This channel gets better and better! Haven't watched the video yet, but the choice of topics alone is amazing! Definitely my cup of tea!
After watching the video, great analysis as always!
One addition, as Loonie wrote, bats are a very important part of the Batman story. It's not only the symbolism of him conquering his ultimate fear for me, but also the sign of him accepting and thus conquering his human nature as a whole. The way I see it, it's not just about winning over your fears but also winning over the scary realization that you are not fearless. Bats are in a way, his constant reminder that the fact he has weaknesses doesn't mean he is not strong enough. The fact that he is scared doesn't mean he can't win. The fact he is human doesn't mean he can't be a superhero.
Anyways, as you said, Nolan's Batman trilogy is simply amazing and definitely some of the best superhero movies out there, if not the best!
You touched on vigilantes breaking rules to do what they believe is right, Batman’s no kill rule was put in place to keep him from crossing that line because after he kills one man what would stop him from killing the next? I think that adds to the point of Bruce not giving into those impulses which would make his situation much easier. Great video by the way and great content all round
He should have a code or something, to only kill people who have killed innocent people. So it makes it somewhat right.
He should move to Miami as well, I hear the weather is nice.
One of my favorite movies. That soundtrack is SICK btw.
I just recently discovered your channel and already binged through a ton of your videos, they are so relaxing and awesome! Keep up the great work, I'd love to see more videos about the Nolan Batman movies
YES. Please do more videos on the other two films, I absolutely loved this . Batman Begins has always been my favorite of the trilogy and I find it so interesting how they pick apart all the parts that don’t just make up Bruce Wayne, but what makes up Batman at his core.
This is one of your top 3 videos so far
I will never forget walking out of this movie back in the day, my nephew in tow, both of us absolutely geeking out about how good this movie was. His review, as the credits started rolling, "That was bad ass!". Yes, Chris, yes, it was!
Your analysis of the story makes me want to be able to write a story as good as this one. As a kid the fascination with Batman is that he kicks bad guy’s asses. As an adult you realize just how rich of a character he is, representing plenty of what we are or could be under certain circumstances. Batman is a quick glaze at a foggy mirror, all of a sudden you are left in doubt just how much that could be you on the other side.
I haven't seen any of the Nolan Batmans, but I loved this video and honestly I might watch them after seeing this. I'd love to see what you make of the other two films as well.
Imo this is the best representation of Batman on film. Refreshing to hear such a positive take on this. Ty.
Ps. Also my favorite Batman movie. 😊
This interpretation of Bruce was exceptional and your analysis was wonderful. However, there are let still more topics within this very film I think you would be uniquely suited to approach within this specific title. For instance, what about Scarecrow, Ra's Al Ghul, or Alfred?
I apologize I cannot give you 1,500 likes myself. However, I can give you one and the thanks that I am glad you make videos like these which I believe are amazing.
Thank you.
To tell the truth, I made the video 2 and a half months ago, when I was doing well in the algorithm and 1500 likes was achievable. It took until now to appeal the copyright claims on it....so I might just make the sequels anyway, regardless of likes
@@mylittlethoughttree Well, 6k likes now
Great Analysis, the way batman is shown in this films always has me coming back to it. But if you ever want a really good dive into the psyche of Bruce and how he deals with batman and the legacy he tries to uphold from his parents death, you should try Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Its an animated batman film that based on the old 1990s cartoon and its probably the best example of how bruce sees himself and his life, in particular is a really great scene of him talking to his parents grave and desperately bargaining with them of he can finally be happy, that he thinks he has to be unhappy to be batman to follow his path of justice. I would love to see your analysis of his psyche in that film.
I really enjoyed your dissection of Batman Begins, and hope that you will continue with analyzing the rest of the trilogy.
Love that you are active! Most of people on yt that I really enjoy watching aren't so in it like you are. Appreciate the work, I really enjoyed that. But you know, without suggesting anything essays abut other 2 parts would be great though
11:35 in Dark Knight Rises in one of the scenes, Bruce is on the mask party. He is the only one without the mask.
Amazing video, I subscribed! The scene where he gets flashbacks and panics calling Alfred also shows that he is a human above all and is still afraid even after trying to face his fears.
I am really intrigued by the Nolan's version of Batman/Bruce Wayne/Christian Bale and the Joker/Heath Ledger . They just showed me the way how to overcome the feeling the vulnerability , how to overcome fear of the thing that I fear most , how to stand for what is right rather than taking revenge everytime .
Would love to see more from the Nolan Batman!
I'm glad you took the time to elaborate on this. Nolan's films seem to focus on social psychology in various ways. Dissecting them gives so many people the chance to better appreciate Nolan's vision.
The motivations of Batman from 'The Dark Knight Trilogy 🦇' are as follows:-
1. Batman Begins:- No Kill Rule
2. The Dark Knight:- No Kill Rule
3. The Dark Knight Rises:- No Kill Rule
Nolan understood the character from the core ❤
As to covering more Batman movies.
To quote Darth Sidious:
“Do it!”
Only now the algorithm showed me this video. First of all, thanks for this interesting essay, love these types of vids. If you ever feel like doing Bruce Wayne's character growth based on the other two Nolan's movies, I'm all down for it. Especially for the TDKR, where he metaphorically get out of that bat cave/pit and can finally have a life to call his own.
Man, did I enjoy this analysis/review. I prefer this film to the following two as well. It is the foundation for the greatness that is to come with this trilogy. Your perspective was great, as it affirmed and also furthered my understanding on many points. Very well done, much enjoyed, and definitely appreciated. Thank ya
I've never been this early! Love the videos
I'd love to see videos on the other Nolan Batman movies.
This is an excellent video. I’d love to see you do videos on the other two films in the trilogy regarding Bruce Wayne’s journey as Batman. Keep up the great work!
Great video love the use of the soundtrack in the background
I like listening to you talk about things you want to talk about, so do exactly that. This was a great video
I love Nolan's Batman. Here you touch on something I always noticed in Batman begins but haven't seen in many essays on RUclips: when Bruce's father dies and tells him: "Don't be afraid", that movitates him for the rest of his life to be free of his fear. It's easy to watch a batman movie and think of the superhero and the great martial artist he is, but here if we pay attention to the story it's clear that for all his youth Bruce wayne was a really afraid kid, probably with great inferiority complex and loads of self-hate. And for that reason he commits all his 20s in the search of courage, going into the underworld of crime. And then creates Batman. It's a much deeper story than that of a billionaire orphan kid who's super strong and gots loads of high tech weapons. Please do the Dark Knight yes!
Keep it coming! If you do all of the Nolan Batman films you can give a well rounded character development
Liked and I'd love to see you discuss the other Batman movies. This made me want to go on a Batman movie binge. X)
Wow, fantastic video and overall analysis of my personal favorite Batman film. I think Rachel's "It's not who you are on the inside, but what you do, that defines you" is also crucial to understanding Bruce's psychology in this film. It would have been really interesting to see how you might have worked that notion into your already thoroughly thoughtful exegesis of Bruce here. Thanks for making this, I'll be sure to watch your Dark Knight analysis next. By the way, would you consider completing the trilogy at any point?
Well done, don’t doubt yourself. Push forward, Fall forward.
Batman Begins is my favourite Batman film to date! Thank you
It think an analyse of the dark knight would be amazing, the chemistry between the joker and batman is just amazing
That was brilliant!!
Can't wait for the next two!
Brilliant
Brilliant
Brilliant
Thankyou!
You made the goal of 1.500 Likes on that video and you are at 10.000 +
Congratulations, thats awesome to see
This has to be a new favorite review of this movie. So True, i have to agree on so many levels pointed out in this video.
The reason Bruce Wayne is so cocky is because Batman is far darker. It's a way to differ Bruce from Batman. Bruce Wayne is the mask, while Batman is his true identity.
Right on spot. It’s my favourite too. Great thing is that even if some who has no interest in batman or superhero movies can sit down and be consumed by it all because of the depth he has given to Bruce. We see him being afraid then angry and confused then finally finding a purpose and meaning at the end your left with a sense of respect and admiration for the character.
Fantastic evaluation of Bruce Wayne.. I for one would be excited to see you continue the saga.
I instantly clicked on this video when I saw it in my feed, and I was glad I did. This is one of my top films of all time as well, and for all of the reasons you mentioned (plus a few that you didn't!)
I would very much like to see your take on the remaining films in the trilogy! Especially diving into the character of the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Keep up the great work as always!
Batman Begins is a character study disguised as a superhero movie. One point I would add to your analysis is that Bruce seems to see Batman as a kind of punishment he’s inflicting on himself for getting his parents killed. Most people move on from traumatic events. Even if they’re at fault, they eventually learn to forgive themselves. Chris Nolan himself visits this idea in Inception. Cobb must learn to let go of his guilt for his wife’s death. But in this film, Bruce can’t or doesn’t want to do that. He could easily walk away from Batman and have a life with Rachel, but acts as though he doesn’t deserve it. His decision to use the bat as a symbol is also very telling. Why choose an image that continually reminds you of a decision you regret? Perhaps to remind himself of that decision. Every time he looks at the bat suit, he can’t help but think to that night at the theater.
Enjoyed all of your comments. Found you "reading my mind" as we have very similar views on this film. Keep up the good work.
From the moment I saw the first trailer, I felt this sense of magic and awe where no one before had captured what makes Batman tick. This movie really captures that sensation very well.
I also enjoyed the deep look and attention to batman's origins. It's easier to relate to the character if his process is reachable by the average person (weapons, armor, etc.), which I personally think is why Batman has always been so popular, because Batman could be anybody.
16:40. I would say Ra's is less a dark mirror to Bruce as a dark mirror of Thomas Wayne. He's the shadow father figure that teaches Bruce valuable lessons about symbology and dedication to an ideal, but he's ultimately proven to be corrupt. Really the first hour of the movie is Bruce encountering a series of father figures (starting with his actual father) that he learns things from and incorporates into his creation of Batman. Thomas, Alfred, Gordon, Falcone, Ra's, Lucius. They all shepard Bruce in some way into becoming the legend that he becomes, and they carry throughout the rest of the trilogy.
Damn i just had a moment of mental clarity in that monologue during the intro😳
Great video! Cant wait to see how you dig deeper into Batman
What a brilliant analysis. Kudos to you my friend. Makes me want to re-watch the entire trilogy.
Love your comments and interspersed with the lovely music!! Love the movie just like you do. Problem is.. don’t know where to watch it for free these days!
Great video. I always felt like Bruce wasn’t as fleshed out as he could have been, but this video pointed out some of the more nuanced aspects of his character. Very nice.
Also, if you find the time, videos on Beautiful Boy, 50/50, The Virgin Suicides, Trainspotting, Silver Linings Playbook, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (or any show/movie dealing with institutionalization would be a treat to hear your opinion as a therapist on), Little Miss Sunshine, Short Term 12, and Half Nelson could be great.
Or just whatever you want to talk about 🤷🏼♂️
After watching this and how you point out the differences between this film and other superhero films it brings me to a new conclusion. Most super hero films seem to be plot driven. There is a super human threat with their own plot to obtain things through violence. The protagonist usually finds themselves newly capable of standing a chance of stopping the threat. It's almost entirely a reactive story, with the hero struggling to meet each new threat as it comes.
As you said in this, the story of Batman is very intentional, a well thought out and chosen path. It is character driven in a way most other super hero films are not. Crime and law have an uneasy balance, but there are no super human threats. Bruce decides to become Batman, so he can do more than the law can do, so he can swing that balance in favor of safety and order.
I feel like you're editing is getting better and better too. Again a very entertaining vid!
I 1000% agree with the beauty of the first hour of the movie. This hour laid the foundation for all the subsequent success and perception of Batman's image.
You are very good & way ahead of everyone, at what you are doing on RUclips.
Next Time don't be hesitant & doubtful while telling your opinions & views, just talk confidently, your content is Gold.
Thank you for reading this comment .
And thank you for writing this comment too 😊
This was such a refreshing video essay. I love your personality in it, so many of these videos have such a weird lack of it and stick to the same formula of bland, unaffected man talking about super hero films. I liked your points a lot too and really want to watch Batman Begins now.
Thanks! I try to just be as sincere as I can ☺️
I'm glad I found your channel.
Thank You for what you do. 🖖🏾
He will always be my favourite hero
This is a great video dude.
I got emotional
I’d love to see your analysis of the other two.
I'm glad MLTT's here articulating the depth and humanity in movie characters, where other reviewers might just discuss superficial things (like special effects and plot twists).
Aha maybe. I dunno, I just discuss what interests me most 😅
What an amazing video man, please do make for the other trilogy too loved the video
Wow i love your deep analytical view on this you have personally pointed out why i love this concept done by one of the greatest Directors of the 21st century Nolan, the deep emotional messages not just with bruce but through Batman. Oh and the conflict with mafia boss in batman begins the way he describes " but you haven't thought it through " and he mentions all the people Bruce loves and cares about which is what i think contributes to creating a disguise as well as a symbol to protect the people Flaconi already knows about. :) just my two penny worths in this analysis which to be honest i would not have seen if i had not have seen your video. I also love the deep messages in Nolans concept about justice and the true but fair fight it without batman becoming such a vigilante unless necessary which is depicted in the Dark knight.
Seeing your take on the whole Christopher Nolan Batman series would be of great interest! looking forward to your analysis!
looking forward to the next, thanks for doing personal level of batman this clearly.
Loving your vids recently! Thank you!
Great take! Also notice how Bats as the apprentice outperforms the master Ras. He becomes more. Maybe a metaphor for how he becomes more than his father.
22:00 onwards, that serene sad music always hits me.
This is my favorite Batman movie of all time. Great analysis.
A rather good commentary on this iteration of the character. This film could easily be a climatic master piece. The acting is wonderful, the story is well hashed out and the flow is next to perfect. The director had an excellent take on the character and history, keeping faithful to a story that has been around since the 30’s. Batman is an easy write and can be horribly portrayed, which has been proven a number of times. (Im talking to you Schumacher)
Oh please PLEASE make videos where you discuss ideas in The Dark Knight and Dark Knight Rises. Personally, TDKR is my favorite - the idea that Bruce Wayne has to "find himself" in that movie is terrific. Also, I never realized he injured his leg when he fell down the well and his father was the one who mended it. I love how that comes back in The Dark Knight and Rises with his leg injury.
I absolutely love these kind of deep dives into a character or world. Now, off to binge a few more of them 😁
This analysis in this video is excellent and unique - please do the other films too!
Great video. Funnily enough the only thing I disagree with didn't even relate to batman, it was that I think the lack of character in Dunkirk is what makes it great, given the message
I see 1500+ likes...Dark Knight video coming then? ;)
Great video mate, your arguments honestly made me pause the video a couple times to go watch parts of the movie and come back to your video. I hadn't realized some of these dichotomies Nolan had set up in Batman Begins before, and your video really clearly highlighted some of the best parts of why this is not only such a great Batman film, but a great film in general. I think it transcends the "superhero genre", such as it exists.
The Dark Knight is a classic movie but i feel like Batman Begins has more repeat value. I love love love Batman Begins
really like your analyses, and really liked this trilogy of films. would love to see you do the other two. here's hoping.
and keep up the good work dude
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏🙏 for such a great video and I am indeed going to support your channel
So many takeaways from your analysis are reminiscent of my initial years in the military. Self gratification and ego unchecked are not often associated with attempting to do great things-until we meet the bad guy whom went astray, and by that point you'll assume he was always bad. It's easy to loose yourself in positions of authority and it's a concept difficult to teach young leaders with no real perspective on the good and evil inherent to all life's important decisions.
I'd be interested of course! Always down for some of that crisp analysis :D
I’d like to give A special thanks to “gay Hitler.” Now that’s a sentence you don’t think you’ll ever hear.