Batman: Knightfall Part 1 - Knightfall Review
After a post-Crisis on Infinite Earths lull, DC’s animated movie line has returned with a bang. Batman: Knightfall Part 1 - Knightfall kicks off a new trilogy based on one of the most iconic Batman stories ever told. Fans of the '90s comic will be happy to know that this film delivers a streamlined yet faithful adaptation of the source material. The story centers on the rivalry between Batman (Anson Mount) and Bane (Michael Mando), as the latter arrives in Gotham City and begins a relentless campaign to wear down the Dark Knight both physically and mentally.
The film also explores Batman’s struggle to mentor Tim Drake (Jack Griffn), his newest Robin, and to help Jean-Paul Valley (Pablo Schreiber), a tortured vigilante, overcome his psychological conditioning. As Bane soon discovers, even the unstoppable Batman has a breaking point.
A Faithful Adaptation of a Complex Saga
One of the major concerns heading into Knightfall was whether a trilogy could do justice to such an expansive story. The Knightfall/KnightSaga saga spans dozens of comics, not to mention essential prequels like Sword of Azrael and Vengeance of Bane. That’s a lot of material to cover in just three films. Fortunately, screenwriter Jeremy Adams has found a smart way to condense the story. Like Denny O’Neil’s Knightfall novelization from the '90s, Part 1 trims the fat and focuses on the central narrative involving Batman, his allies, and Bane. This approach keeps the story tight and focused on the core of the tale.
The film takes place in a time when the modern Bat-family hasn’t fully formed. Batman is constantly torn between his instinct to go it alone and the growing realization that he needs to rely on others. This is a dark, brooding portrayal of the character that effectively builds a strong character arc for Bruce Wayne and his alter ego. The film really captures the essence of what made the Batman comics so exciting in the early '90s.
A Stylish and Faithful Portrayal of Batman and Bane
Visually, Knightfall is one of the most stylish entries in DC’s animated film lineup. The animation evokes the hulking, Gothic style of Kelley Jones’ artwork and the dramatic, billowing cape of Batman as rendered by Norm Breyfogle. The film does an excellent job of bringing the visual flair of a '90s Batman comic to life.
When it comes to Bane, Knightfall delivers one of the most faithful portrayals of the character in any medium. Bane is a powerful, imposing figure who quickly becomes a serious threat to Batman. Yet, the film also gives him depth, showing his tragic upbringing in the brutal prison Peña Duro. Michael Mando’s performance is strong, bringing the right amount of menace and bravado to the role. While it’s a bit odd that Bane speaks in perfect, unaccented English, Mando’s portrayal is compelling enough to overlook this quirk.
The rest of the voice cast is also solid. Anson Mount, who previously voiced Batman in Injustice, brings a gravelly, weary tone to the role, perfectly capturing a Batman who is older and more battle-worn. His distinction between Batman and Bruce Wayne is subtle but effective. Pablo Schreiber delivers a strong performance as Jean-Paul Valley, even if his delivery is sometimes melodramatic. Bruce Boxleitner’s Commissioner Gordon is another standout, bringing a sense of frustration and concern as he watches his old friend push himself to the limits.
A Solid Start with Room for Improvement
While Knightfall is a strong adaptation, it’s not without its flaws. The film skips over some important elements, such as Jean-Paul’s origins as Azrael and the connection between Bane and Batman that goes beyond the Wayne family. At 80 minutes, the film has to be selective with its material, and while it manages to cover most of the essential plot points, some fans may find certain aspects underdeveloped. However, the film is impressive in what it accomplishes within its runtime.
Overall, Batman: Knightfall Part 1 - Knightfall is a solid and stylish adaptation that sets up an equally exciting second installment. It captures the essence of the original comic while staying true to the spirit of the character. With its strong performances and visual style, this film is a welcome addition to DC’s animated lineup and a promising start to a new trilogy.
