Chapter 119: Batman Begins

Originally, Warner planned to shoot the "Dark Knight" trilogy consecutively, with the three parts released separately.

But after finishing the first two, trouble arose: the money ran out.

They had thought Nolan, a maniac for practical effects, would save on special effects costs,

yet his practical effects weren't cheap either!

The construction of many scenes and props was no different from special effects, even exceeding digital effects.

Warner executives negotiated with Nolan overnight, suggesting some scenes could truly be shot in a green-screen studio, with post-production handling it the same way.

But Nolan seriously shot back:

"Current special effects technology doesn't meet my requirements; I have a clear vision for the film as a whole. If you don't accept it, then replace me."

Nolan had already filmed more than half; replacing him mid-stream might cause even more trouble.

Warner could only grit their teeth and let Nolan continue filming, but the third part, "The Dark Knight Rises," had to be paused until the box office revenue from the first two parts came in to fund production.

The first two parts cost a total of 320 million US dollars!

Calculated out, "Batman Begins" cost 130 million, and "The Dark Knight" cost 190 million!

Hollywood insiders shouted that Warner had gone mad! Seeing the success of "Spider-Man," they were burning money on such a grand scale!

But Xu Can stated in a media interview:

"'Pirates of the Caribbean 3' cost 342 million, with a box office of 960 million; each Batman film costs less than 200 million, and the box office might even be higher than theirs!"

Xu Can's remarks were again labeled by Hollywood as the "arrogant Asian."

However, given Howard Newber's previous bet with film critics, no one dared to bet against Xu Can anymore.

The video of Howard Newber swimming in a pool is still being turned into all kinds of chaotic memes by YouTubers.

Only "The New York Times" was passive-aggressive toward Xu Can in its entertainment column.

"It is said that Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' will explore the character of Batman more deeply, and Two-Face Harvey Dent will become key to the film."

"He seems to have forgotten what a disaster Two-Face was in 'Batman Forever'; digging for depth from the comics probably won't be that easy."

"Xu Can currently has only two successful films; perhaps the 'Dark Knight' trilogy will teach him a good lesson..."

Amidst the controversy, Nolan's first Batman film, "Batman Begins," officially premiered!

Xu Can, as one of the screenwriters and producers, did not attend the premiere; he was busy filming "Iron Man."

Nolan attended with a host of big shots including Bale, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman,

to enjoy this Batman reboot together with the entire audience of fans and media!

【Warner Bros. Pictures presents】

【DC Comics】

【Co-produced by Star River Entertainment】

【Co-producer Xu Can】

【Directed by Christopher Nolan】

【Screenplay by Jonathan Nolan / Xu Can】

"What is your fear?"

"Hand over the money and jewelry..."

"Don't be impulsive!" "Bang!"

The origin story familiar to Batman fans: Bruce Wei En's parents were shot dead by robbers, falling in a dark alley.

Using his signature fragmented narrative, Nolan starts with Bruce Wei En meeting the Ra's al Ghul, then flashes back to the nightmares of his childhood.

To understand the psychology of criminals and to eradicate crime at its root,

Bruce Wei En gave up the life of a billionaire, traveled around the world, and mingled among criminal organizations in various countries.

Finally, in a prison in Asia, he met the Ra's al Ghul, El-Ghul, and completed his training within the Cikelian Alliance.

Due to differing philosophies, Bruce Wei En, unwilling to kill, chose to leave and return to Gotham City.

By then, Gotham City had completely turned into hell,

where criminal forces had their hands everywhere, and their leader, Falcone, could do whatever he wanted.

Bruce Wei En returned to the company, used simple methods to eliminate rivals, and regained control of the company.

At the same time, he discovered Fox, the technology head played by Morgan Freeman, in the Applied Sciences department.

The other party provided Bruce Wei En with the latest developed equipment.

Including Kevlar bulletproof vests, fabric capable of gliding through the air, and that redesigned, stylish Batmobile!

"Wow!"