From: (No Email available)

Date: 2004-09-08 00:13:32

Comment:

(grins at Earle)
Apparently they don't have to meet
the same high standards as you when
it comes to declaring someone dead.
INT. STAIRCASE, DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE -- DAY
Rachel HURRIES down marble stairs to catch Finch.
RACHEL
Mr.Finch
FINCH
(weary)
Yes, Miss Dodson?
RACHEL
Mr.Finch, on the Falcone matter-
FINCH
(here we go again)
The case against Falcone died with
Chill. We had our shot.
They walk out into the parking lot...
EXT. PARKING LOT, COURTHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
RACHEL
That was then- but now he's importing
drugs, everybody knows it, let's
take it to Harvey Dent and-
FINCH
(looking around)
Keep your voice down.
(quite, sympathetic)
Look, Rachel, Falcone's got Judge
Phelan and half of City Hall bought
(MORE)
43.
FINCH (CONT'D)
And paid for. So you got burned on
Falcone- let it go, we've got bigger
fish to fry.
RACHEL
That would make a lot more sense if
we were doing any frying.
Finch, uncomfortable, TURNS. Rachel WATCHES him exit...
INT. ROLLS ROYCE -- CONTINUOUS
In The back seat, Wayne WATCHES Rachel standing there.
ALFRED
Shall I park, sir?
Wayne wrestles for a moment...
WAYNE
No, let's go.
Alfred pulls out with a touch of disappointment.
INT. APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION -- DAY
A massive WAREHOUSE, stacked with crates, odd-shaped under
dust covers, lab equipment. LUCIUS FOX, aged 52, leads Wayne
through the stacks, speaking in calm, knowledgeable tones.
FOX
Environmental applications, defense
projects, consumer products... all
prototypes, none if production at
any level whatsoever.
WAYNE
None?
Fox pauses, turns to Wayne, a wicked gleam in his eye.
FOX
What did they tell you this place
was?
WAYNE
They didn't tell me anything.
FOX
Told me exactly what it was when
they sent me here... a dead end where
I couldn't cause any more trouble
for the rest of the board.
WAYNE
You were on the board?
44.
FOX
Back when your father ran things.
WAYNE
You knew my father?
FOX
Sure. Helped him build his train.
Beautiful project- routed right into
Wayne Tower, along with the water
and power utilities. Made Wayne
Tower the unofficial heart of Gotham.
Fox stops at a tall CRATE. Checks paperwork. Opens the
crate: a BODYSUIT- clear silicone over jointed armor.
FOX (CONT'D)
Here it is: the nomex survival suit
for advanced infantry. Kevlar biweave,
reinforced joints...
Wayne feels the fabric of the suit.
WAYNE
Bullet-proof?
FOX
Anything but a straight shot.
WAYNE
Tear-resistant?
Fox HACKS at the suit with his pen- it doesn't even mark.
FOX
This sucker'll stop a knife.
WAYNE
Why didn't they put it into
production?
FOX
The bean counters figured a soldier's
life wasn't worth the 300 grand.
Fox looks at Wayne. Suspicious.
FOX (CONT'D)
What do you want with it, Mr.Wayne?
WAYNE
I want to borrow it. For spelunking.
(off look)
You know, cave-diving.
Fox shrugs. Puts the lid back on the crate.
45.
FOX
You get a lot of gunfire down in
those caves?
WAYNE
(smiles)
Listen, I'd rather Mr.Earle didn't
know about me borrowing-
FOX
Mr.Wayne, the way I see it...
Fox waves his arm, taking in the enormous facility.
FOX (CONT'D)
All this stuff is yours, anyway.
INT. CAVERNS BENEATH WAYNE MANOR -- DAY
Wayne, high on the cavern wall, in climbing harness, HAMMERS
a bracket into the rock securing a line of industrial LAMPS.
WAYNE
Okay! Give it a try.
Alfred throws a switch on a portable GENERATOR: the lamps
flicker on, dimly lighting the length of one wall. Alfred
peers at the DAMP, DINGY surroundings.
ALFRED
Oh, charming.
Alfred sees the BATS covering the entire ceiling.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
At least you'll have company.
Wayne RAPPELS to the cave floor, looks up to a HIGH corner:
CRUMBLING BRICKWORK. Alfred follows his gaze.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
Must be the lowest foundations of
the Southeast wing.
Wayne CLIMBS up: poking through the rock ceiling: the bottom
of a wrought-iron SPIRAL STAIRCASE. In the center of the
spiral: a dumb-waiter lift, fallen off its track. Wayne
grabs the chains of the lift, RATTLES them- sending a wave
ECHOING up into the darkness.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
During the civil war your greatgrandfather
was involved with the
underground railroad. Secretly
transporting freed slaves to the
North. I suspect these caverns came
in handy.
46.
Wayne jumps down. Moves to the small river. Follows it
where it disappears under rocks. Steps over. Alfred waits.
The ROAR of WATER gets louder and the light gets BRIGHTER.
Wayne follows the tunnel around a dog leg, emerging...
BEHIND THE FACE OF A WATERFALL. Wayne grins, HOPS along
slick rocks right up to the beautiful CURTAIN of water.
WAYNE
(awe)
Alfred, come up here.
Alfred is twenty feet behind on the dry rocks.
ALFRED
I can see it very well from here,
thank-you, sir.
Wayne, mesmerized, reaches for water that is liquid light.
INT. UNMARKED POLICE SEDAN -- EVENING
Gordon, now 46 and a Detective, in the passenger seat. Worn
eyes watching his partner, FLASS, 42, glad-hand the owner of
the liquor store they are parked outside. Flass squeezes
into the driving seat holding a wad of CASH.
FLASS
Don't s'pose you want a taste?
Gordon looks at Flass, cold. Flass shrugs. Counts his money.
FLASS (CONT'D)
I keep offering 'cause who knows,
maybe one day you'll get wise.
GORDON
Nothing wise in what you do, Flass.
FLASS
Yeah? Well, Jimbo, you don't take
your taste- makes us guys nervous
you might decide to roll over-
GORDON
(irritated)
I'm no rat, Flass.
(calmer)
In a town this bent, who's there to
rat to, anyway?
Flass LAUGHS at this, hits the gas.
EXT. ROOFTOPS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
Moving in on a rooftop balustrade to discover Wayne, wearing
the bodysuit, crouched, watching the police station across
47.
The street. He pulls on a black balaclava. CLIMBS through
the SHADOWS using Ninja SPIRES on his hands and feet.
EXT. POLICE STATION -- MOMENTS LATER
Gordon slams the car door. Watches Flass pull away. Weary.
INT. GORDON'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon SLUMPS into his chair, back to the window. Reaches
for the phone- notices a BOOK sitting on his desk: an old,
worn copy of: "PHYLUM PERACOPDA: THE TWILIGHT WORLD OF BATS".
Gordon frowns at the book, CONFUSED. The light goes OUT.
WAYNE (O.S.)
Don't turn around.
Gordon FREEZES- Wayne is behind his, pressing a stapler
between Gordon's shoulder blades as if it were a gun.
GORDON
What do you want?
WAYNE
I've been watching. You're a good
cop. One of the few. What would it
take to get Falcone?
Gordon narrows his eyes, puzzled.
GORDON
Carmine Falcone?
WAYNE
He brings in shipments of drugs every
week, nobody takes him down. Why?
GORDON
He's paid up with the right people.
WAYNE
What would it take?
GORDON
Leverage on Judge Phelan. And a
D.A. brave enough to prosecute.
WAYNE
Rachel Dodson in the D.A.'s office.
GORDON
Who are you?
WAYNE
Watch for a sign.
48.
GORDON
You're just one man?
WAYNE
Now we are two.
GORDON
We?
No response. Gordon turns around. No one. He JUMPS to the
window- looks down, looks up: a SHADOW slips onto the roof-
INT. BULLPEN -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon RACES across the bullpen, drawing his gun, hits the
stairwell- two UNIFORMS see him go, run after him.
EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne moves to the edge of the roof- the gap is TOO BIG- he
TURNS BACK- the DOOR SMASHES open: Gordon GUN RAISED.
GORDON
FREEZE!
Wayne RACES for the GAP- LEAPS... DROPS FAST... misses THE
TOP STORY- GRABS the balcony below... it BREAKS AWAY- DROPS
him onto the one below. Winded, Wayne CLIMBS onto the wall.
From the other roof, Gordon watches Wayne melt into the
shadows. The Uniforms arrive either side.
UNIFORM 1
The hell was that? 1
GORDON
(dismissive)
Some nut.
But Gordon's expression is less certain.
INT. EARLE'S OFFICE, WAYNE TOWER -- DAY
Earle sits at his desk conferring with two board members.
BOARD MEMBER
Is he taking over?
EARLE
Not yet. I checked th trust, and
bruce can't assume control until his
thirtieth birthday.
(presses intercom)
Jessica, where's that coffee?
BOARD MEMBER
But that's in three months.
49.
EARLE
We'll have to move fast.
BOARD MEMBER 2
To do what?
EARLE
An IPO. There's nothing in Bruce's
trust to stop us taking the company
public... we'll have an offering...
BOARD MEMBER
(getting it)
And Bruce will become just another
board member.
EARLE
Precisely. We can't have some clown
prince running things.
(presses intercom)
Jessica?
No answer. Earle steps to the door and opens it.
His assistant is GONE. So is the receptionist.
EXT. ROOFTOP, WAYNE TOWER -- MOMENTS LATER
The SWISH-CLICK of a Titleist rocketing off the roof and out
towards Gotham River.
Wayne stands behind the Beautiful Assistant, hand on her
hip, adjusting her grip on a gold club. Another YOUNG WOMAN
watches, leaning on a driver.
WAYNE
Keep your elbows in...
EARLE (O.S.)
Ladies?
They turn. Earle is standing there.
JESSICA
Sorry, Mr.Earle, Mr.Wayne insisted
that all junior executives need to
know how to play golf.
EARLE
Junior Executive? Who's answering
the phones?
Wayne smiles pleasantly at Earle.
WAYNE
This is Wayne Industries, Mr.Earle-
I'm sure they'll call back.
50.
Wayne unwraps himself from Jessica and approaches Earle.
WAYNE (CONT'D)
(conspiratorial)
I thought a few promotions might be
good karma forgetting my new job.
Earle smiles patiently.
EARLE
Of course, you're not actually
starting just yet, Bruce. Not until
your birthday.
WAYNE
(grins)
Three month's time- I'm having a
huge blowout and I expect everyone
to be there.
EARLE
With bells on. How are things down
at Applied Sciences?
WAYNE
Great- there's some cool stuff down
there. Although that Mr.Fox goes on
a bit once you gte him talking.
Earle takes Wayne by the elbow, walking him away.
EARLE
Since you're here, there is a business
matter that I wanted to make you
aware of...
Wayne assumes a pose of seriousness.
WAYNE
Business... sure.
EARLE
We've been thinking for some time
about offering shares... I think the
time is right.
WAYNE
Offering shares?
EARLE
It's just a way of raising capital
for growth... it's important to me
that the company be in great shape
when you take over. Consider it my
legacy.
Wayne nods.
51.
EARLE (CONT'D)
Well, I guess I'd better go hire a
new secretary and receptionist...
Earle head to the door. Wayne smiles, turns back to Jessica.
WAYNE
Right, who's turn is it?
EXT. FALCONE'S BASEMENT CLUB, DOCK AREA -- NIGHT
Judge Phelan exits the club, a GIRL on his arm.
BOUNCER
Night, Judge Phelan.
Phelan turns, giddy with drink, puts his finger to his lips.
PHELAN
Shhhhh.
The Girl giggles. Phelan guides her into a waiting limo. A
STREET PERSON comes over to the rear windows of the car,
knocking. The DRIVER gets out.
DRIVER
Get lost!
The Driver KICKS the Street Person away from the limo. A
Homeless Man warming by a fire starts shouting. It is the
Homeless Man that bruce gave his coat to years before. The
coat is worn but recognizable.
HOMELESS MAN
Leave him alone! Let him be!
The limo moves off. Close on the Street Person watching it
leave. IT IS BRUCE. He glances down at a tiny CAMERA in
his lap. Smiles at the screen: Phelan and the Girl.
INT. BAT CAVE -- DAY
Wayne places two BRONZE GAUNTLETS on a trestle table. FIRES
up a paint sprayer. Starts coating them matte BLACK.
INT. SAME -- LATER
Wayne is showing Alfred DIAGRAMS. We catch only GLIMPSES.
ALFRED
If we order the main part of this...
(points)
...cowl from Singapore-
WAYNE
Via a shell corporation.
52.
ALFRED
Indeed. Then quite separately, place
an order through a Chinese
manufacturer for these-
Alfred points at a diagram which looks like a pair of HORNS.
WAYNE
(nods)
Put it together ourselves.
ALFRED
Precisely. Of course, they'll have
to be large orders to avoid suspicion.
WAYNE
How large?
ALFRED
Say, ten thousand.
WAYNE
(smiles)
Least we'll have spares.
INT. APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION -- MORNING
Fox, at his desk, watches Wayne approaching.
FOX
(smiles)
What's it today? More "spelunking"?
WAYNE
Sper-lunking. And no, today it's
base-jumping.
FOX
Base-jumping? What, like parachuting?
WAYNE
I need some kind of lightweight
grappling hook...
FOX
For what?
WAYNE
Base jumping's illegal-you can't
just take the elevator.
Fox shakes his head at Wayne. Gets to his feet. They sit.
FOX
We've got suction pads, grapples...
53.
WAYNE
Any good?
FOX
Nope. But this thing's pretty neat.
Fox pulls out a box. Inside: a bronze GRAPPLING GUN and
HARNESS.
FOX (CONT'D)
Pneumatic. Magnetic grapple.
Monofilament tested to 350 pounds.
Wayne feels the weight. It is light. Strong. He picks up
the HARNESS that goes with it. Shoulder straps with a wide,
hi-tech BELT. Wayne shoves the back end of the gun into the
belt buckle- it CLICKS into place.
WAYNE
Too expensive for the army?
Fox takes it back from Wayne. Sardonic.
FOX
Guess they never thought about
marketing to the billionaire basejumping,
spelunking market.
WAYNE
Look, Mr.Fox, if you're uncomfortable-
FOX
Mr.Wayne, if you don't tell me what
you're really doing, then when I get
asked... I don't have to lie. But
don't treat me like an idiot.
WAYNE
(nods)
Fair enough.
Fox looks at Wayne. Thinking.
FOX
Come on, I'll show you something.
INT. LOADING DOCK, APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION -- LATER
Fox hands Wayne a sheet of black fabric.
FOX
Notice anything?
Wayne examines it, shrugs. Fox puts on a GLOVE.
54.
FOX (CONT'D)
Memory fabric- dual layer polymers
with variable alignment molecules.
Flexible ordinarily, but put a current
through it...,
Fox GRABS the fabric- which instantly POPS into the RIGID
shape of a small one-man TENT. Wayne raises his eyebrows.
FOX (CONT'D)
...the molecules align and become
rigid.
Wayne pushes on the tent, feeling its strength, fascinated.
WAYNE
What kind of shapes can you make?
Fox releases the tent, which instantly COLLAPSES.
FOX
It could be tailored to any structure
based on a rigid skeleton.
Wayne lifts the black fabric, FLICKING it in a WHIPPING
motion. Thinking. Then he sees something. Some kind of
vehicle, covered by a tarp. HUGE TIRES visible.
WAYNE
What's that?
Fox, a twinkle in his eye, rolls up the memory fabric.
FOX
The Tumbler? Oh, you wouldn't be
interested in that.
Wayne shoots Fox a look, and we
CUT TO:
P.O.V.: RACING ALONG, INCHES ABOVE A TEST TRACKINT.
TUMBLER ON TEST TRACK -- MOMENTS LATER
Wayne pilots using aircraft-like control sticks. Fox, in
the passenger seat, hangs on as Wayne PUSHES the vehicle...
The Tumbler SHOOTS PAST: LOW and WIDE, a cross between a
Lamborghini Countach and a Humvee. Sandy camouflage, stealthangled
panelling and variable-angle flaps across the back.
Fox SHOUTS over the noise of the engine.
FOX
She was built as a bridging vehicle!
(MORE)
55.
FOX (CONT'D)
You hit that button-
(Wayne reaches)
NO, NOT NOW!!
(Wayne recoils)
It boosts her into a rampless jump!
In combat, two of them jump a river
towing cables, then you run a bailey
bridge across! Damn bridge never
worked- but this baby works fine!
Wayne inspects the cockpit: a forward-slung "gunner's" driving
position between their legs, video screens, electronic
controls, windows with HEADS-UP DISPLAY. Wayne ACCELERATES...
The Tumbler TEARS down the straightaway, SKIDS to a HALT.
INT. TUMBLER -- CONTINUOUS
Fox JOLTS with the stop. Turns to Wayne, a little green.
FOX
What do you think?
Wayne turns to Fox with a slight smile.
WAYNE
Does it come in black?
INT. BAT CAVE -- DAY
Wayne takes the hi-tech harness for the grapple and CUTS OFF
the shoulder straps, leaving a BELT WITH SLIDING ATTACHMENTS.
INT. SAME -- LATER
Wayne lifts a GLOVED hand, metal contacts on the fingertips.
With his other hand, he picks up a FABRIC GLOVE, RIBBONS
dangling from each finger. He thrusts the gloved hand into
the fabric glove- the ribbons SHOOT OUT- RIGID FINGER
EXTENSIONS like the SKELETON of a BAT'S WING. Wayne FANS
the PROJECTIONS, testing.
INT. BAT CAVE -- LATER
Close on: the COWL. Black, with a slight GRAPHITE sheen.
Dramatic, ICONIC even without its ears.
A BASEBALL BAT SMASHES into the crown, CRACKING it in two.
Alfred picks the pieces off the table, FROWNING.
ALFRED
Problems with the graphite mixture,
apparently. The next ten thousand
will be up to specifications.
Wayne looks up from adjusting a servo-mounted microphone.
56.
WAYNE
At least they gave us a discount.
ALFRED
Quite. In the meantime, might I
suggest, sir, that you try to avoid
landing on your head?
Wayne shoots Alfred a look. Then fits the microphone into
the horn-shaped "ear" from the cowl.
INT. SAME -- LATER
Wayne GRINDS METAL at a lathe. Alfred approaches with a
thermos. Wayne stops grinding, BLOWS on his handiwork...
ALFRED
Why the design, Master Wayne?
Alfred indicates the steel carved into a BAT'S WING.
WAYNE
A man, however strong, however
skilled, is just flesh and blood. I
need to be more than a man. I need
to be a symbol.
ALFRED
And why the symbol of the bat?
WAYNE
Bats frighten me.
(slight smile)
And it's time my enemies shared my
dread.
Wayne tilts the crude BATARANG, watching light dance across
the brushed steel. He THROWS it WHISTLING into darkness...
INT. FALCONE'S CLUB, DOCK AREA -- NIGHT
Judge Phelan sits sandwiched between two GIRLS, drink and
cigar in hand. He looks up.
PHELAN
Carmine! Where are you going?
Falcone is putting his coat on.
FALCONE
Duty calls. You have yourself a
good time, Judge.
Falcone turns to the CLUB MANAGER. Leans in.
57.
FALCONE (CONT'D)
If he's too cheap to get a hotel, at
least make him take his car around
to the alley.
(shakes his head)
No class.
EXT. DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
Down in the stacks, THUGS unload BOXES an open container.
HEADLIGHTS light them up- everyone FREEZES. A sedan pulls
up. FLASS emerges. Approaches one of the thugs holding a
box. OPENS it, YANKS out a STUFFED TOY.
FLASS
Cute.
Flass RIPS open the toy, pulls a plastic PACKAGE from inside.
FLASS (CONT'D)
(mock surprise)
Oh? What have we here?
Nobody reacts. Flass hands the toy back to the Thug.
FLASS (CONT'D)
Carry on, gents.
Flass heads inside a massive warehouse to a set of offices.
INT. OFFICE, DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
Flass enters. Falcone sits at the desk.
FALCONE
You believe this hump, Flass?
He indicates a thin man opposite. Flass sits.
FLASS
Problem?
FALCONE
Crane here's making insinuations.
The thin man, CRANE, leans forward. A cold presence.
CRANE
Insinuations? Well, let me be cleareryou
stepped on the last shipment
before you delivered it to me. You
cut it with baby powder, and rendered
it useless for my purposes.
Falcone stares at the slight man, incredulous.
58.
FALCONE
(furious)
Flass, tell this guy what happens to
people who talk to me this way.
EXT. FALCONE'S CLUB, DOCK AREA -- CONTINUOUS
Judge Phelan stumbles out of the club with the GIRLS. They
pile into the waiting limo. The Club Manager gestures to
the Driver to pull around into the alley.
EXT. ALLEY, DOCK AREA -- CONTINUOUS
The Limo idles in the alley.
INT. LIMO -- CONTINUOUS
The Driver picks his ear. The partition is closed. The
Driver examines his finger...
WHAM!!! A BLACK SHAPE LANDS ON THE HOOD- the Driver's eyes
go wide as-
SMASH!!!- a BLACK-GLOVED FIST SHATTERS THE WINDSCREEN and
GRABS the Driver's neck...
IN THE BACK: Phelan sits BOLT UPRIGHT. The girls look around,
ALARMED.
THE PARTITION SLOWLY LOWERS, REVEALING:
BATMAN.
Crouched like a dark animal on the hood- the Girls SCREAM.
EXT. ALLEY -- CONTINUOUS
The Homeless Man looks up from his brazier, curious. He
sees a dark shape on the hood of a limo, a LONG BLACK CLOAK
BILLOWING out behind it... screams echo through the alley...
INT. LIMO -- CONTINUOUS
Phelan scrambles back in his seat, whimpering...
BATMAN
You have eaten well... As Gotham has
starved.
Batman's eyes stare out of the black cowl at Phelan.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
This changes tonight.
Batman SHOOTS UP OFF the hood, banging onto the roof-
59.
EXT. ALLEY -- CONTINUOUS
The Homeless Man STARES OPEN-MOUTHED at Batman standing,
ICONIC, on the roof of the limo, cloak billowing... Batman
turns his head towards the Homeless Man-
BATMAN
Nice coat.
-and FLIES UP from the limo, DISAPPEARING into the shadows
high above...
The Homeless Man looks down at his coat, then back up to the
shadows...
HOMELESS MAN
(small)
Thanks.
INT. OFFICE, DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
Crane looks at Falcone, matter-of-fact.
CRANE
I'm aware that you're not intimidated
by me, Mr.Falcone. But you know who
we're working for... and when he
gets here I don't think he's going
to want to hear that you've been
endangering our operation just to
filch a few dollars from your dealers.
FALCONE
He's coming to Gotham?
CRANE
Soon. This is our last shipment.
Falcone shifts, SUDDENLY UNEASY.
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
A THUG hands a box to a SECOND THUG, who walks away along
the corridor of containers. The first Thug turns back to
the darkness of the open container, reaches in-
HE IS YANKED INTO THE DARKNESS WITH AN ECHOING CRYSecond
Thug TURNS, stares uneasily down the deserved corridor
to the BLACK MOUTH of the open container...
SECOND THUG
Steiss?
No reply. He puts down his box. Draws his gun. A THIRD
THUG comes around the corner.
60.
THIRD THUG
Come on, we gotta-
He sees the Second Thug's gun. Draws his own. They move
cautiously towards the open container...
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
The Thugs peer into the blackness of the open container-
Behind them, a LAMP hanging above the corridor SHATTERS, the
Thugs turn, startled, to see another lamp shatter and go
dark- them another and another, DARKNESS ADVANCING TOWARDS
THEM...
INT. OFFICE, DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
Falcone lifts his hands in a gesture of peace.
FALCONE
There's no need to argue- you can
just test the stuff here and now.
CRANE
That's why I came.
Flass tosses the package onto the desk.
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
As the closest lamp SHATTERS, a GLINT of metal DROPS to the
ground... the Second Thug bends, picks it up, STARING;
A BAT-SHAPED brushed steel plate. The Second Thug looks up,
confused, but the Third Thug is STARING above him.
SECOND THUG
What?
The Second Thug looks up himself: a DARK SHAPE HANGING from
a CRANE directly above him...
A GIANT BAT, WINGS FOLDED, head pointed towards the ground.
SECOND THUG (CONT'D)
What the hell-
The Bat DROPS- wings WHIP OUT, RIGID- CATCH the air- FLIPPING
the shape downwards- ENVELOPING THE SECOND THUG IN DARKNESSthe
Third Thug BOLTS, RACING between containers, arms PUMPINGHe
SPRINTS headlong down the narrow corridor, SKIDS around a
corner, RACES towards-
BLACKNESS SIDESWIPES THE THIRD THUG, SPINNING HIM OFF HIS
FEET, WHIPPING HIM INTO DARKNESS WITH A PIERCING SCREAM...
61.
EXT. TRUCK OUTSIDE THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
Other Thugs REACT to the SCREAM...
INT. OFFICE, DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
Falcone and Crane hear the scream. Flass JUMPS up.
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
Thugs, guns drawn, advance into the stacks...
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
A Fourth Thug WHIPS around a corner to see a JUMPY THUG
covering the other end of the corridor...
The Fourth Thug nods, steps backwards. MOVEMENT in the shadow
behind him... BATMAN IS ALREADY IN FRAME- his arm FLASHES
forward with his CLOAK, WRAPS the Thug's neck, YANKS him
backwards into the shadows...
Jumpy Thug sees the other Thug DISAPPEAR... he OPENS FIRE,
STROBING the stacks, revealing INDISTINCT GLIMPSES of
MOVEMENT.
ELSEWHERE IN THE STACKS: Thugs REACT to the gunfire...
Flass stands outside the stacks, gun drawn, listening. He
moves back into the office.
INT. OFFICE, DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
FALCONE
What the hell's going on?!
Flass looks at Falcone.
FLASS
You've got a problem out there.
Falcone reaches behind the desk, PULLS out a SHOTGUN.
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
Jumpy Thug FIRES blindly at STROBING SHADOWS- GLIMPSES of a
DARK CLOAKED FIGURE moving from SHADOW TO SHADOW. Jumpy
Thug empties the clip. FUMBLES for another as he looks out
into the darkness.
JUMPY THUG
WHERE ARE YOU?!!!
A whispered word at his ear:
BATMAN
Here.
62.
BATMAN'S FACE, UPSIDE DOWN, at the Thug's shoulder- Jumpy
Thug SCREAMS as he is ENGULFED by DARKNESSEXT.
OUTSIDE THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
Flass scuttles over to his car. Crane pauses, listening to
the shouts and gunfire. Then moves off into the night.
EXT. THE STACKS -- CONTINUOUS
Falcone advances through the stacks, shotgun in hand. He
rounds a corner to find FIVE THUGS, various weapons in hand,
in a loose defensive ring, peering out into the darkness...
A SHADOW DROPS into the center of their ring-
Thugs TURN, SHOUTING, one SWINGS a CHAIN, another a KNIFE-
-Batman DUCKS the chain- SWEEP-KICKS the knife-wielder to
the ground. Chain SWINGS again...
Batman JUMPS up, one leg LOW to let the CHAIN WRAP around
his ANKLE- Batman KICKS his leg sideways RIPPING the chain
from its owner, then HEAD BUTTING him down -
Batman SPINS his CHAIN-WRAPPED LEG in a ROUNDHOUSE KICK,
WHIPPING THREE THUGS behind him in the fade with the CHAIN.
All three go DOWN. The rest are unconscious or gone.
Batman STANDS there, long cape BILLOWING out to one side.
The chain SLIDES from his leg. Falcone is behind him, SHOTGUN
aimed dead at Batman's head.
FALCONE
What in God's name are you?
Batman opens his hand, revealing TWO SHOTGUN CARTRIDGES.
Then TURNS, billowing cape WRAPPING around him.
BATMAN
I'm Batman.
Falcone pulls the trigger. CLICK.
INT. BEDROOM, RACHEL'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Rachel TOSSES, trying to sleep, eyes shut.
VOICE (O.S.)
Rachel Dodson.
Rachel bolts upright, GRASPING at her bedside table.
RACHEL
Who's there?!!
63.
She pulls out a TASER- PEERS into the shadows: Silhouetted
by the window- a dark, cloaked figure. Batman.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Take one step, I drop you!
Batman moves his arm- something DROPS onto Rachel's bed: a
FILE, spilling PHOTOS. She FLINCHES. GLANCES DOWN: photos
of Phelan and the girl in the limo.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
What the hell is this?
BATMAN
Leverage.
RACHEL
What do I need leverage for?
BATMAN
To get things moving.
RACHEL
Who are you?
BATMAN
Someone like you. Someone who'll
stand against the corruption.
Rachel reaches for the lamp, her eyes off the window for the
INSTANT it takes to ILLUMINATE the room, revealing-
No one.
EXT. DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon approaches, coffee in hand: TIED-UP THUGS sit against
the container full of DRUGS. UNIFORMS hold back a line of
PRESS, who snap away at the surreal scene. Gordon crouches
to look at the Thugs, curious.
UNIFORMED COP (O.S.)
Falcone's men?
GORDON
(shrugs)
Does it matter? We'll never tie him
to it, anyway.
UNIFORMED COP (O.S.)
I wouldn't be too sure of that.
Gordon looks up. The uniformed Cop is POINTING. At a HARBOR
LIGHT trained on the heavens. Gordon RISES, walks towards
it. Two Cops stand there, STARING:
64.
Falcone is STRAPPED to the LIGHT, UNCONSCIOUS, arms spread.
Coat RIPPED, hanging from his arms in a STRANGE PATTERN.
COP 1
Th hell is that? Looks like...
Gordon follows their gaze up to where the BEAM of light CATS
FALCONE'S SHADOW onto the CLOUDS.
COP 2
Like a bat.
Gordon stares at the projection. It is a BAT SYMBOL.
GORDON
Cut him down.
Gordon moves away, THINKING. Something catches his eye: a
block away. Halfway up a building. A BLACK FLAG blowing in
the wind... Not a flag.. a DARK FIGURE, wearing a CAPE,
sitting on a LEDGE... BATMAN. WATCHING.
INT. FINCH'S OFFICE -- MORNING
Rachel TOSSES a newspaper onto Finch's desk, BEAMING. The
front page: a huge photo of Falcone strapped to the light.
RACHEL
No way to bury it now.
FINCH
Maybe so, but there's Judge Phelan-
RACHEL
I've got Phelan covered.
FINCH
And this "bat" they're babbling about.
Rachel breaks eye contact for an instant, UNCOMFORTABLE.
RACHEL
Even if these guys'll swear in court
to being thrashed by a giant bat...
we have Falcone at the scene- drugs,
prints, cargo manifest- everything.
Finch considers. Grins.
FINCH
Damn right. Let's get frying.
INT. BULLPEN, POLICE HEADQUARTERS -- MORNING
Loeb addresses CAPTAINS, SERGEANTS, LIEUTENANTS. Gordon at
the back. Loeb HOLDS up the PAPER, SMACKS the front page.
65.
LOEB
Unacceptable. I don't care if it's
rival gangs, Guardian Angels or the
goddamn Salvation Army- get them off
the street, and off the front page.
CAPTAIN SIMPSON
They say it was one guy... or thing.
LOEB
Dipping into their own supply- it
was some asshole in a costume.
(the room chuckles)
If it's one guy, that'll make it a
lot easier for you, won't it?
Gordon RAISES his hand. Loeb NODS, cautious.
GORDON
This guy did deliver us one of the
city's biggest crime lords.
LOEB
(glares)
No one takes the law into their own
hands in my city, understand?
INT. MASTER BEDROOM, WAYNE MANOR -- DAY
Alfred opens the curtains. Wayne WAKES, squinting.
WAYNE
(groggy)
Bats are nocturnal.
ALFRED
Bats, maybe... but even for
billionaire playboys, 3 o'clock is
pushing it. The price of leading a
double life, I fear.
Alfred PUTS down a tray: water, fruit, newspaper.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
Your theatrics made an impression.
WAYNE
Theatricality and deception are
powerful weapons, Alfred. It's a
start.
Wayne glances at the paper. Gets out of bed, bare-chested.
Alfred sees BRUISES across his torso and arms.
ALFRED
If those are to be the first of many
injuries... it would be wise to find
(MORE)
66.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
a suitable excuse. Polo, for
instance.
Wayne throws Alfred a look.
WAYNE
I'm not learning polo, Alfred.
ALFRED
Strange injuries, a nonexistent social
life... these things beg the question
of what, exactly, Bruce Wayne does
with his time. And his money.
Wayne considers this.
WAYNE
What does someone like me do?
ALFRED
(shrugs)
Drive sports cars, date movie stars...
Buy things that aren't for sale.
Wayne looks at Alfred. Nods. DOWNS the water, stands
straight, feet together- FALLS FORWARD to the floor- into
his dizzyingly fast push-ups. Alfred watches. Concerned.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
Who knows, Master Wayne- if you start
pretending to have fun, you might
even have a little by accident.
INT. COUNTY JAIL, RECEIVING -- DAY
Crane, briefcase in hand, is BUZZED through thick steel and
glass doors and met inside by a PRISON OFFICIAL. They walk.
PRISON OFFICIAL
Dr.Crane, thanks for coming down...
CRANE
Not at all. So he cut his wrists?
PRISON OFFICIAL
Probably looking for an insanity
plea, but if anything happened...
CRANE
Of course, better safe than sorry.
67.
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM, COUNTY JAIL -- CONTINUOUS
Crane enters. Falcone sits at a table, wrist bandaged.
Crane places his briefcase on the table. Falcone smiles.
FALCONE
Doctor Crane, it's all too much, the
walls are closing in, blah, blah,
blah. Couple more days of this food,
it'll be true.
CRANE
What do you want?
FALCONE
We got a lot to talk about.
CRANE
Such as?
FALCONE
Such as, how you're gonna convince
me to keep my mouth shut.
CRANE
About what? You don't know anything.
FALCONE
I know you wouldn't want the cops
taking a closer look at the drugs
they seized.
Crane REACTS to this. Falcone SMILES, enjoying the reaction.
FALCONE (CONT'D)
I know about your experiments on the
inmates at your nuthouse...
(off look)
I don't get into business with someone
without finding out their dirty
secrets. Those goons you hired.. I
own the muscle in this town.
Falcone leans forward. Looks Crane in the eye.
FALCONE (CONT'D)
So what have I been bringing in for
you hidden in my drugs, Crane?
CRANE
If he wanted you to know he'd have
told you himself.
Falcone shifts slightly.
68.
FALCONE
I've been smuggling your stuff in
for months, so whatever he's got
planned, it's big. And I want it.
Crane studies Falcone. Considering. Sighs.
CRANE
I already know what he'll say...
that we should kill you.
Falcone leans forward, glaring at Crane with contempt.
FALCONE
Even he can't touch me in here. Not
in my town.
Crane SHRUGS. Leans forward. Pops the locks on his
briefcase. Smiles at Falcone.
Crane reaches into his briefcase. Inside is a BREATHING
APPARATUS attached to a small BURLAP SACK MASK.
CRANE
Would you like to see my mask?
He pulls the mask out of the case. Holds it up.
CRANE (CONT'D)
I use it in my experiments. Probably
not very frightening to a guy like
you. But those crazies...
Falcone stares at crane, uneasy. Crane puts on the mask.
It is a sack with eye holes and twine stitching for a mouth.
CRANE (CONT'D)
...they can't stand it...
FALCONE
When did the nut take over the asylum-
WHUMP- a cloud of white SMOKE shoots out of Crane's briefcase.
Falcone pushes his chair back, COUGHING, surprised.
CRANE
They scream and cry...
Falcone looks up at Crane in his mask-
Through Falcone's eyes: tiny LIZARD TONGUES FLICK out of the
holes in Crane's mask.
CRANE (CONT'D)
...much as you're doing now.
Crane TOWERS over Falcone, FLAMING EYES and FLAMING MOUTH...
69.
Falcone SCREAMS.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE INTERVIEW ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Crane emerges with his briefcase. The Prison Official hovers
outside. SCREAMS ECHO from inside the room.
CRANE
Oh, he's not faking. Not that one.
The Prison Official nods gravely. Crane leans in.
CRANE (CONT'D)
I'll talk to the Judge, see if I can
get him moved to the secure wing at
Arkham. I can't treat him here.
EXT. ARCTIC OCEAN -- DAY
A COAST GUARD HELICOPTER touches down on the back of a heavily
damaged DESERTED CARGO SHIP. Two COAST GUARDSMEN with
FLASHLIGHTS jump onto the deck of the ship to take a look
around. BAFFLED. The deck is lined with HOLES.
The Coast Guardsman shines his light into a MASSIVE HOLE.
INT. EARLE'S OFFICE, WAYNE INDUSTRIES -- AFTERNOON
Earle is at his desk. A EXECUTIVE walks in, TROUBLED.
EXECUTIVE
We have a situation.
EARLE
What kind of situation?
EXECUTIVE
Coast guard picked up one of our
cargo ships last night. Heavily
damaged. Crew missing, probably
dead.
EARLE
What happened?
EXECUTIVE
Ship was carrying a prototype weapon.
A microwave emitter...
EXT. AIRBASE -- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
ARMY BRASS and SCIENTISTS waiting for a demonstration... an
industrial MACHINE the size of a small van sits on the ground
a hundred feet from a WATER TOWER...
70.
EXECUTIVE (V.O.)
It's designed for desert warfare- it
uses focused microwaves to vaporize
the enemy's water supply...
The Scientists and Brass don goggles. Fire up the machine...
the water tower starts SHAKING... then EXPLODES in a CLOUD
OF STEAM that drifts towards the observers like FOG.
INT. EARLE'S OFFICE, WAYNE INDUSTRIES -- CONTINUOUS
EXECUTIVE
It looks like someone fired it up at
sea- judging from the damage to the
ship and cargo.
EARLE
What about the weapon?
The Executive shifts, uneasy.
EXECUTIVE
It's missing.
EXT. HOTEL RESTAURANT, DOWNTOWN GOTHAM -- EVENING
A BUGATI VEYRON (looks, and costs, a million) pulls up to
the valet station. Wayne emerges, impeccably tailored, from
the driver side. The VALETS scramble to the passenger side.
Open the door to find TWO BLONDES, one on the other's lap.
EXT. HOTEL RESTAURANT -- CONTINUOUS
Tables around an decorative infinity pool. Earle and his
GUESTS at a table. Earle sees Wayne enter with the Blondes.
He sighs. Then waves.
EXT. SAME -- LATER
The table is littered with bottles and empty plates.
FEMALE GUEST
At least he's getting something done.
MALE GUEST
Bruce, help me out here.
Wayne turns from the Blondes. They stand up and walk over
to the pool. Wayne smiles, turns to the Female Guest.
WAYNE
A guy who dresses up like a bat
clearly has issues.
FEMALE GUEST
But he put Falcone behind bars-
71.
MALE GUEST
And now the cops are trying to bring
him in, so what does that tell you?
FEMALE GUEST
They're jealous?
Wayne watches as, behind them, one of the Blondes slips off
her dress and lowers herself into the pool... the other one.
Giggling, follows her lead.
WAYNE
If he's so benevolent why does he
hide his face?
FEMALE GUEST
Maybe he's protecting the people he
cares about from reprisals.
Wayne nods, considering. The MAITRE D' slides up, annoyed.
MAITRE' D
Sir, the pool is for decoration, and
your friends do not have swim wear.
WAYNE
Well, they're European.
MAITRE' D
I'm going to have to ask you to leave.
WAYNE
(turns to Earle)
Mr.Earle, I'm buying this hotel.
Will you please broker a deal?
Earle nods. Patiently.
WAYNE (CONT'D)
(turns to Maitre D')
I think we should make some new rules
for the pool area, don't you?
The Maitre D' stares at Wayne. Dumbstruck.
BLONDES (O.S.)
Bruce!
The Blondes beckon Wayne. He comes to the edge of the pool.
WAYNE
Ladies?
They SPLASH him. Earle turns away, shaking his head. Behind
him, out of focus, Wayne is PULLED into the pool.
72.
EXT. HOTEL -- LATER
Wayne and the Blondes, wet hair, in white HOTEL ROBES,
waiting. The Valet pulls up in the Bugati.
RACHEL (O.S.)
Bruce?
Wayne turns. Rachel is standing there, dressed for dinner.
Stunning.
WAYNE
Rachel.
BLONDES
(from car)
Come on, Bruce. We have some more
hotels we want you to buy.
Rachel glances at the Blondes. Then back to Wayne.
RACHEL
I'd heard you were back.
(Wayne nods)
Where were you?
WAYNE
Oh, kind of all over, you know.
RACHEL
(tense)
No, Bruce, I don't. And neither did
a lot of people. People who thought
you were probably dead.
WAYNE
You didn't?
RACHEL
I never quite gave up on you.
Wayne looks at her. Thinking. Gestures towards the Bugati.
WAYNE
Rachel, all that... that's not me,
inside I'm... different. I'm-
RACHEL
The same great little kid you used
to be? Bruce, deep down, your friends
out there are great, too. It's not
who you are underneath...
(pokes his chest)
But what you do that defines you.
Rachel moves past him. Wayne stands there, eyes burning.
73.
INT. GORDON'S APARTMENT -- EVENING
Gordon's pregnant wife, BARBARA tries to get their TWO-YEAR
OLD to eat. Gordon KISSES her, picks up the trash.
EXT. BACK ALLEY, GORDON'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon sticks the lid on the trash can. THUNDER rolls around.
FLASS (O.S.)
Gonna rain, huh?
GORDON
What do you want, Flass?
Flass, leaning on his car, feigns offence. Pulls a pint
bottle from his pocket.
FLASS
How's Barbara? The kid?
Gordon takes a drag, eyeing Flass coldly.
FLASS (CONT'D)
Another one on the way, right? Big
responsibility. And when you're on
a big case like Falcone... lot of
time away from here.
GORDON
Cut to it, Flass.
FLASS
Just saying it's good the case is
clear cut- you'll wrap it up easy.
Flass finishes his bottle. Throws it at the trash cans.
GORDON
You come around here making threats,
pretending to be liquored up... tells
me you're scared.
FLASS
(cold)
Take care of yourself, pal.
Gordon watches him head back to his car.
BATMAN (O.S.)
Trouble?
Gordon looks up: Batman is crouched in the fire escape.
74.
GORDON
(shrugs)
The scum's getting jumpy because you
stood up to Falcone.
BATMAN
It's a start. Your partner was at
the docks with Falcone.
GORDON
He moonlights as a low-level enforcer.
BATMAN
There was another man. Testing the
drugs.
GORDON
(surprised)
It wasn't a buy- why risk opening a
package on the docks?
BATMAN
Flass knows.
GORDON
He won't talk.
BATMAN
He'll talk to me.
Gordon looks up. Close on Batman, in the shadows.
GORDON
Commissioner Loeb set up a massive
task force to catch you. He thinks
you're dangerous.
BATMAN
What do you think?
Gordon gets to his feet, dusts off his pants.
GORDON
I think you're trying to help...
Gordon looks up. But Batman is gone.
GORDON (CONT'D)
...but I've been wrong before.
EXT. CARGO SHIP, DOCKS -- NIGHT
Three MEN walk through the canyons of shipping containers,
checking the tags with a flashlight. They stop at one.
CUSTOMS AGENT
This is the one I'm talking about.
75.
DOCK EMPLOYEE 1
What's your problem with it?
CUSTOMS AGENT
It shouldn't exist. This ship left
Singapore with 246 containers and
arrived with 247. Probably dead
illegals. You got a strong stomach?
They HAUL the doors open. The Customs Agent looks inside:
an industrial machine the size of a small van. His torch
picks out the WAYNE INDUSTRIES logo on the side.
CUSTOMS AGENT (CONT'D)
What the hell is this thing?
BEHIND HIM: Dock Employee 1 raises a SILENCED GUN. FIRES.
Dock Employee 2 helps DRAG the body into the container.
EXT. FALAFEL STAND, SURFACE STREET -- NIGHT
Raining. Flass stuffs falafel into his mouth. Grabs a
banknote from the VENDOR. Flass walks down a dark street...
YANKED from the pavement, he's PULLED up between buildings,
falafel falling, UP and UP until face-to-face with. The
Batman. Rain pouring off his cowl. Holding Flass by his
ankle. Flass is SCREAMING.
BATMAN
Who was with Falcone at the docks?
FLASS
I don't know, I swear to God-
BATMAN
Swear to ME.
Batman DROPS Flass three flights down on the wire. PULLS
TAUT- WHIPS him back up.
FLASS
(terrified whispers)
I never knew his name... never...
Sometimes shipments went to this guy
before they went to the dealers-
BATMAN
Why?
FLASS
There was something else in the drugs,
something hidden-
BATMAN
What?
76.
FLASS
I don't know- something! I never
went to the drop-off- it's in the
Narrows- cops can't go into the
Narrows except in force...
BATMAN
Batman can.
EXT. THE NARROWS -- NIGHT
AN ISLAND IN GOTHAM RIVER: a ramshackle LABYRINTH of crumbling
public housing, makeshift additions GROWING LIKE FUNGUS AROUND
AN INSANE ASYLUM. A walled city. Slick with rain.
Batman LANDS, CROUCHING, looking at the windows of a WAREHOUSE
built around the supports of the MONORAIL tracks.
EXT. WAREHOUSE, SHANGHAI -- MOMENTS LATER
Batman slips through a louver, drops SILENTLY to the floor
amidst. By the freight elevator is a massive shipping crate.
Batman leaps up onto its lid- pries it open.
Inside: the industrial machine the size of a small van.
Batman sees the WAYNE INDUSTRIES logo and a number: M-EMIT.42B
NOISES. Batman melts into the shadows. THREE MEN enter.
Two are the Dock Employees. The third is Crane.
DOCK EMPLOYEE 1
The boss wants you to keep it in the
asylum until the time comes.
CRANE
Fine, leave the body. Torch the
place. No traces.
The Thugs pull the Customs Agent's body out then push the
crate onto the elevator. Crane notices RAIN spattering off
the open louver. He steps towards it. Thug 2 turns from
the elevator holding a Molotov cocktail. LIGHTS it-
A cord WRAPS around the BOTTLE- YANKS it into the shadows.
Its fuse is EXTINGUISHED. The Thugs STARE at the darkness.
Batman RIPS from the shadows- Thug 1 pulls a gun- Batman
SMASHES his arm to the ground. Thug 2 moves in from the
side- is DROPPED by a fast elbow to the neck.
Batman turns to Crane- now wearing his MASK. Carne's hand
FLASHES towards Batman, who DODGES a small puff of SMOKE.
Batman moves for Crane- COUGHS, CHOKES- losing BALANCEGASPING...
Batman looks at Crane, sees a monster: FLAMING
EYES, ELONGATED LIMBS, SPINNING like a DERVISH...