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Date: 2004-09-08 00:27:42

Comment:

77.
Batmen REELS, in the throws of a hallucination. Crane SMASHES
the BOTTLE over him, soaking him with GASOLINE... Batman
LURCHES for the windows, IMAGES ASSAULTING his mind:
INSERT CUT: BATS EXPLODE from the DARK CREVICEBatman
TURNS to Crane. Who holds a FLAMING LIGHTER.
CRANE (CONT'D)
Need a light?
Crane TOSSES the lighter at Batman... who BURSTS into FLAMES.
INSERT CUT: Ra's Al Ghul OPENS his BOX- BATS BURST FORTHBatman,
IN FLAMES, SPINS- LEAPS desperately at the windows-
EXT. WAREHOUSE, THE NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Batman SMASHES through the window, CLOAK ABLAZE... FALLING...
tries to ACTIVATE his CLOAK- but only gets one side to POP
OPEN... the deployed wing causes him to SPIRALINSERT
CUT: Young Bruce FALLING, FALLING in the well shaft-
Batman PLUMMETS, trailing flame, UNOPENED WING FLUTTERING
with the violent FLAPPING of-
BATS: SCREECHING, FLAPPING, FLUTTERING DARKNESS...
Batman's STIFF WING HOOKS a RAILING- SLOWS him with a JOLTRIPS-
DROPPING him to the ground with a CRASH...
Young Bruce HITS the dirt at the bottom of the SHAFT-
...and a SIZZLE, as wet pavement DAMPS the flames, GROANING,
Batman ROLLS his burning batsuit along the asphalt.
Batman, smoldering, LURCHES into an alley, raises his grapnel
gun, FIRES up at the enclosed roof- RIDES up- PUNCHES his
way through wire and metal, CRAWLS onto his back, STARING up
at the skyscrapers of Gotham. Rain blurring his vision.
Insert cut: Young Bruce watches his Father CRUMPLEBatman
FUMBLES at his belt. Pulls out a tiny phone.
BATMAN
(hoarse)
Alfred?! Alfred?!
INT. ROLLS -- LATER
Alfred DRIVES, looks through the rear-view mirror at Batman,
who lies in the back, FLINCHING at invisible antagonists.
78.
BATMAN
BLOOD! Alfred?! Blood! A sampletake
a sa- sample- poisoned...
To Batman- the car is FILLED WITH BATS... Mefistofle rises...
Young Bruce in the throws of his PANIC ATTACK GULPS AIRturns
to his Father, LOOKS him in the eye and CONDEMNS HIMYOUNG
BRUCE
(shouting)
We HAVE to go NOW, Dad!!
Young Bruce DRAGS his parents from their seats...
INT. MASTER BEDROOM, WAYNE MANOR -- MORNING
Wayne awakes. Shivering. Red-eyed from crying. Alfred
sits at his bedside, watching over him.
WAYNE
(hoarse)
How long did I sleep?
ALFRED
Two days. It's your birthday.
WAYNE
It was some kind of gas... I only
breathed the slightest amount...
ALFRED
I dread to think, sir, what would've
happened if you'd had a lungful.
WAYNE
I've felt those effects before...
but this was much more potent.
ALFRED
I took a blood sample and sent it to
a laboratory known discreet both
discreet...
(hands Wayne paper)
...and prompt bloodwork.
BRUCE
(reading)
Protein-based compounds... might be
possible to work up an antidote.
ALFRED
Shall I contact Wayne Pharmaceutical?
BRUCE
I've got a better idea.
79.
INT. APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION -- DAY
Fox looks over the toxicology report. Looks up at Wayne.
FOX
This was in your blood?
WAYNE
It's some kind of weaponized
hallucinogen. Administered in aerosol
form.
FOX
Mr.Wayne, you are definitely hanging
out at the wrong clubs.
WAYNE
Could you synthesize an antidote?
FOX
Well, the hallucinatory compounds
can be balanced... but this receptor's
a compound I've never seen before.
WAYNE
(reaches for paper)
So you can't.
FOX
(snatches it away)
Did I say that? I just want you to
know how hard it's gonna be.
Fox puts the report on his desk.
WAYNE
Do you know what a Wayne Industries
M-Emit42B is?
FOX
No. But she will...
Fox starts typing on his computer
FOX (CONT'D)
Oh.
WAYNE
What?
FOX
It won't tell us...
(turns to Wayne)
It must be a defense prototype.
WAYNE
Could you find out?
80.
FOX
I'll make a couple calls... I still
have a couple friends in defense.
INT. D.A.'S OFFICE -- AFTERNOON
Gordon finds it. Knocks. Rachel looks up from her desk.
RACHEL
Sergeant Gordon?
GORDON
Councilor. Thanks for seeing me.
Gordon enters, shuts the door behind himself.
GORDON (CONT'D)
(they shake hands)
Will Finch go the distance on Falcone?
RACHEL
He'll have to because of the press.
GORDON
What about Judge Phelan?
RACHEL
Someone gave me leverage.
GORDON
Who?
RACHEL
I'd rather not say.
GORDON
(shrugs)
There's a loose thread on the Falcone
case- I want to see what unravels
higher up. I'm told you can be
trusted.
RACHEL
Who told you that?
GORDON
(smiles)
I'd rather not say.
Rachel looks at Gordon, sizing him up.
RACHEL
Gordon, we're working for a masked
vigilante. Maybe from a rival gang.
81.
GORDON
My gut says he's okay. And he's
getting things moving in this town.
RACHEL
And when he gets bolder with success?
Goes too far?
GORDON
Councilor, this guy took down a dozen
of Gotham's most vicious wiseguys
single-handed and without killing
one of them- he's plenty bold already.
RACHEL
If he takes a life... it's on us.
Gordon looks at her. Nods. A KNOCK at the door. Wayne
puts his head around the door. Rachel stares at him.
WAYNE
I'm sorry, I'll come back.
GORDON
I was just leaving, Mr.Wayne.
WAYNE
I'm sorry, have we..?
GORDON
Gordon. Sergeant. No, I just
recognized you. From your pictures.
Wayne nods. Gordon looks at Rachel, nods goodbye.
RACHEL
(cold)
What do you want, Bruce?
WAYNE
I wanted to invite you a party-
RACHEL
A party. Great. Just what I need...
WAYNE
Today's my birthday. And I wanted
to apologize.
RACHEL
You don't owe an apology, Bruce.
You are who you are. It' simple. I
don't have the right to expect
anything more.
82.
WAYNE
I thought you could never quite give
up on me.
RACHEL
Is the party at the house? I miss
it.
WAYNE
I hate the place. I'd tear it down
if I could.
RACHEL
(appalled)
Bruce, don't say that.
WAYNE
The place is nothing without the
people who made it what it was. Now
there's only Alfred.
RACHEL
And you.
Rachel looks at him. An ASSISTANT sticks her head in.
ASSISTANT
It's Falcone. They moved him to
Arkham Asylum on suicide watch.
RACHEL
Who authorized that?!
ASSISTANT
Judge Bentley, on the advice of the
head psychiatrist, Dr.Jonathan Crane.
Rachel starts getting her things together.
RACHEL
Get Crane there right now- don't
take no for an answer... and call
Dr.Lehmann, we'll need our own
assessment on the Judge's desk by
morning.
The Assistant nods, leaves. Rachel heads for the door.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Guess I won't make your party...
WAYNE
You're going to Arkham now? It's in
the Narrows, Rachel.
Rachel gives him a look.
83.
RACHEL
You have yourself a great time- some
of us have work to do.
She hurries past him. Stops. Turns. Looks at him, softer.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Happy Birthday, Bruce.
She races down the steps. Wayne watches her go, thinking.
INT. MAIN HALL, WAYNE MANOR -- LATER
Wayne hurries through the hall. Alfred in pursuit. Tables
of food and decoration fill the hall.
ALFRED
But Master Wayne, the guests will be
arriving.
Wayne turns.
WAYNE
Keep them happy until I arrive.
Tell them that joke you know.
Wayne hurries off. Alfred watches him go, exasperated.
INT. STUDY -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne steps to the piano, hits 4 notes- the bookcase SWINGSOPEN.
Wayne steps through.
INT. STONE STAIRCASE -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne descends. Arrives at the top of a wrought iron SPIRAL
STAIRCASE, steps onto the dumb waiter at its center.
Wayne pulls a lever, RELEASING the lift which PLUMMETS
VERTIGINOUSLY DOWN the CENTER of the SPIRALING stair.
INT. BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS
The lift hits the bottom with a great RATTLE of crimes.
Wayne moves to a PADLOCKED BOX. Opens it: the BAT SUIT hangs
there- a PHANTOM, black eyes STARING back at him.
He reaches for it.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM, THE NARROWS -- EVENING
Rachel's car crosses the bridge to the Narrows.
INT. CRANE'S OFFICE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- MOMENTS LATER
Rachel sits in front of Crane at his desk..
84.
CRANE
Ms.Dodson, there's nothing to add to
the report I filed with the judge.
RACHEL
Well, I have questions about your
report.
(off look)
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Such as, is it unusual for a 58-year
old man with no history of mental
illness to have a complete psychotic
break?
CRANE
Yes. But this is a mental asylum
for the criminally insane. The
unusual is usual here.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
The GLOWING WINDOW of Crane's office. Batman, crouched on
the fence, adjusts mikes in the ears of his cowl.
INT. CRANE'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
RACHEL
But isn't it convenient for Falcone
to suddenly develop these symptoms
when he's about to be indicted?
CRANE
There's nothing convenient about his
symptoms, Miss Dodson.
(smiles, sympathetic)
Look, I doubt we're even supposed to
be having this conversation, but off
the record...
Crane RISES, motioning.
INT. CORRIDOR, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
An ORDERLY talking to a NURSE. Crane leads Rachel past.
CRANE
We're not talking about a few easilymanufactured
eccentricities.
Crane stops at a door. Motions Rachel to look: Falcone
STRAPPED to the bed. He STARES at the door, mumbling.
FALCONE
Scarecrow... s-scarecrow... s-s...
85.
RACHEL
What's "scarecrow"?
CRANE
Patients suffering delusional episodes
often focus their paranoia onto an
external tormentor, usually one
conforming to the Jungian archetypes.
(shrugs)
In this case, a scarecrow.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Batman, upside down, CLINGS to the wall above the window at
the end of the corridor. He RACKS AUDIO FOCUS THROUGH the
Orderly's conversation, SETTLING on Crane's voice.
INT. CORRIDOR, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel looks at Falcone, mumbling, delusional.
RACHEL
He's drugged.
CRANE
(nods)
Psychopharmacology is my primary
field- I'm a strong advocate.
Crane turns to Falcone. Staring.
CRANE (CONT'D)
Outside, he was a giant. In here,
only the mind can grant you power.
RACHEL
You enjoy the reversal.
CRANE
(shrugs, smiles)
I respect the mind's power over the
body. It's why I do what I do.
RACHEL
(hard)
And I do what I do to put scum like
Falcone behind bars, not in therapy.
I want my own psychiatric consultant
to have full access to Falcone,
including bloodwork to find out
exactly what you have him on.
Crane stares at her. Shrugs.
INT. ELEVATOR -- CONTINUOUS
Crane steps in, Rachel follows. He puts a key into the panel.
86.
CRANE
First thing tomorrow, then.
RACHEL
Tonight. I've already paged
Dr.Lehmann over at County General.
Crane turns the key.
CRANE
As you wish.
The elevator descends. The doors open onto:
INT. DESERTED WING, SUB-LEVEL ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
A long, decrepit corridor. Water dripping, clearly disused.
Crane steps off the elevator. Rachel follows, perturbed.
INT. ABANDONED REFECTORY -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel follows Crane into a vast room:
Tables stretch off into the room, covered in bags of powder,
scales, aluminum barrels and DOZENS OF INMATES working the
powder, refining it.
Armed THUGS look up, curious. Crane surveys the room.
CRANE
This is where we make the medicine.
Perhaps you should have some. Clear
your head.
He turns, but Rachel is gone. Crane smiles...
INT. DERELICT CORRIDOR, DISUSED WING -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel RACES into the elevator...
INT. ELEVATOR -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel HITS the 2nd floor button. Nothing. She HITS all
the buttons, floors the alarm... all dead without the key.
The door opens to Crane's MASKED FACE. He reaches out-
CRANE
Boo.
A small puff of GAS sprays from his sleeve. Rachel RECOILS,
coughing, choking. She looks up at Crane:
The eyeholes of the burlap mask are FLAMING.
Rachel SCREAMS.
87.
INT. ABANDONED REFECTORY, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
The Thugs DRAG Rachel into the room. The inmates stare
blankly, clearly drugged. Crane turns Rachel's reluctant
face to look up at his mask. She GULPS PANIC BREATHSCRANE
Who knows you're here?
Rachel SHAKES her head.
CRANE (CONT'D)
WHO KNOWS?!!
Rachel PULLS away, BURYING her head in her arms.
THE LIGHTS GO OUT.
The Thugs look around, unnerved. Crane PULLS OFF his mask.
CRANE (CONT'D)
(fascinated)
He's here.
FIRST THUG
Who?
CRANE
The batman.
The Thugs exchange nervous glances.
FIRST THUG
What do we do?
CRANE
What anyone does when a prowler comes
around.
(off look)
Call the police.
The First Thug looks at crane.
SECOND TECHNICIAN
You want the cops here?
CRANE
At this point, they're irrelevant.
But the batman... he has a talent
for disruption. Let the cops wrangle
him.
CRANE (CONT'D)
Force him outside, the police will
take him down.
(indicates inmates)
Get them out of here.
88.
FIRST THUG
(indicates Rachel)
What about her?
CRANE
She's gone. I gave her a concentrated
dose. The mind can only take so
much.
SECOND THUG
The things they say about him... Can
he really fly?
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Batman's cape FLUTTERS as he SWINGS down two stories, LANDING
at the high windows of the derelict corridor.
INT. ABANDONED REFECTORY -- CONTINUOUS
THIRD THUG
I heard he can disappear-
Crane backs into the shadows, smiling at the Third Thug.
CRANE
We'll find out, won't we?
The Thugs move either side of the door... GLASS SMASHES,
across the room- a Shadow drops from a high window. Rachel
SCREAMS. The two thugs advance through the darkness.
Second thug is GRABBED from above- PULLED UP, SCREAMING,
into the blackness of the rafters.
The First Thug peers up into the darkness, gun aimed.
A SHADOW DESCENDS, SHOUTING- First Thug FIRES- the Shadow
CRUMPLES onto him. It is the Second Thug- First Thug ROLLS
the body off, SCRAMBLES to his feet- Batman STRIKES him from
behind, KNOCKING him unconscious.
SIRENS outside, close.
Batman looks at Rachel-
Crane BURSTS from the shadows, arm high, aimed at Batman's
face- Batman grabs his arm, DUCKING away from the puff of
GAS from Crane's sleeve... Batman SPINS Crane, RIPPING off
his mask, WRENCHES his arm around to his own face, RIPS.
Crane's jacket open and pulls out the BLADDER full of toxin.
BATMAN
Taste of your own medicine, doctor?
Crane's eyes go wide as Batman SQUEEZES the bladder and a
choking cloud of dust sprays into Crane's face...
89.
Crane falls to the ground, CHOKING.
Batman turns him over, pulls his face up to meet his.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
Who are you working for?!
Crane's eyes are wide with TERROR.
Batman is a DEATH'S HEAD- black eyes, fangs.
CRANE
Ra's... Ra's... Al Ghul...
Batman reacts, pulls Crane tighter.
BATMAN
Ra's Al Ghul is dead, Crane! Who
are you really working for? CRANE!!!
But Crane just STARES at him, EYES GLAZING- MIND FLYINGIMAGES
CASCADING THROUGH HIS FEVERED BRAIN... Crane smiles.
CRANE
Dr. Crane isn't here right now, but
if you'd like to make an appointment-
Sirens outside. Batman TURNS to Rachel. Through her eyes:
Batman is a towering HORNED, WINGED DEMON...
Rachel LASHES OUT at the demon with all her might... Batman
applies a GRIP to her neck that renders her unconscious.
COP (over bullhorn)
BATMAN. PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPONS AND
SURRENDER. YOU ARE SURROUNDED.
Batman RISES, carrying Rachel.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
POLICE CARS surround the building. COPS have guns drawn,
WAITING. STAFF emerge, blinking, from the darkened asylum.
Flass and Gordon arrive. Flass shouts at the Uniforms:
FLASS
What're you waiting for?!
UNIFORMED COP
Backup.
FLASS
Backup?!
Flass gestures at the DOZEN police cars outside the building.
90.
UNIFORMED COP
The batman's in there. SWAT's on
the way, but if you want to go now...
(smiles)
I'm right behind you, sir.
Flass turns to Gordon. Shrugs.
FLASS
SWAT's on the way.
Gordon shakes his head. Approaches the front doors.
INT. DERELICT CORRIDOR, DISUSED WING -- CONTINUOUS
Batman carries Rachel, cloak BILLOWING in his wake.
INT. LOBBY, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon moves through the dark, gun drawn, eyes FLICKING to
terrified NURSES who make their way to the front door.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
SWAT OFFICERS pour out of vans, RACE up the front steps.
INT. CORRIDOR, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon tries the elevator- it is dead. He enters the STAIRS.
INT. LOBBY, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
The SWAT team BURSTS in- FLASHLIGHTS on RIFLES SCAN the
darkness...
INT. STAIRWELL, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon locks down the stairwell- the way down to the disused
wing is fenced off. He heads up- and is GRABBED and SWUNG
OUT into the stairwell. Batman holds him as they ROCKET
UPWARDS.
GORDON
What-!
Batman covers Gordon's mouth- down below: the door SMASHES
OPEN- SWAT team lights CROSS the darkened stairwell. Batman
PULLS Gordon into the rafters. Gordon turns, FURIOUS- sees:
Rachel. Lying in a storage space/open attic. Twitching:
GORDON (CONT'D)
(whispering)
What's happened to her?
91.
BATMAN
Crane poisoned her with his toxin.
He was the third man at the docks.
GORDON
Let me take her down to the medics-
BATMAN
They can't help her. But I can.
THE LIGHTS COME ON- bleaching the stairwell- Batman, Rachel
and Gordon are in the shadow of the attic.
Batman reaches down to his boot. Presses a SWITCH in the
heel, producing a barely audible HIGH-FREQUENCY WHINE.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
(indicates Rachel)
I need to get her the antidote before
the damage becomes permanent.
GORDON
How long does she have?
BATMAN
Not long.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
A strange SQUEALING SOUND rises. Flass looks around, curious.
A dark CLOUD crosses the moon... not a regular cloud...
INT. STAIRWELL, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
BATMAN
Get her downstairs, meet me in the
alley on the Narrows side.
GORDON
How will you get out?
BATMAN
(indicates his boot)
I called for backup. Crane's been
refining his toxin, stockpiling it.
GORDON
What was he planning?
BATMAN
I don't know, but he's been working
for someone else.
Gordon frowns at the loud SQUEALING noise.
92.
GORDON
What is that?
BATMAN
Backup.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Flass SCREAMS- Cops DIVE for cover as BATS- thousands upon
thousands- DESCEND on the Asylum, HEADING for the windows-
INT. CORRIDOR, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Windows SHATTER INWARDS as bats POUR into the building-
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon covers Rachel as he carries her down the steps.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Bats FLOOD into the bright stairwell, SOARING UP past the
cowering SWATS, a BLACK MAS RISING, DARKENING the stairwell.
Batman amidst the bats. Calm. Pulls the sounder out of his
heel, leans over the stairwell and DROPS it...
Bats CYCLONE down the stairwell, FOLLOWING the signal. Batman
JUMPS into the center of the black cyclone- HIDDEN FALLING...
INT. CORRIDOR, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Batman OPENS his cloak with a JOLT- lands HARD. He moves
calmly through the bats, slipping past COWERING SWATS, moving
past cell doors. Inmates STARE, wide-eyed out their windows
as he passes. Batman turns to a cell door, pulls a small
package out of his utility belt...
INT. CELL -- CONTINUOUS
Two inmates FLINCH as the door lock BLASTS open and the door
is KICKED In- Batman STRIDES across the cell between them...
BATMAN
Excuse me-
And BLASTS the window of their cell. He SLIDES out... one
Inmate turns to the other.
LUNATIC
What'd I tell ya?
EXT. SIDE STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon lowers Rachel to the asphalt. She STIRS.
93.
BATMAN (O.S.)
How is she?
Gordon looks up to see Batman standing there.
A SEARCHLIGHT from a chopper blasts them. Batman GRABS
Rachel. Gordon points back to the street.
GORDON
Take my car.
BATMAN
I bought mine.
Batman has disappeared into the dark end of the alley.
GORDON
Yours?
BLINDING HEADLIGHTS FLARE. A MASSIVE ENGINE ROARSGordon
DIVES out of the way as-
The BATMOBILE comes flying out of the darkness... the matteblack,
muscularity of the stealth-finished "car" BLOWS by.
Gordon's jaw drops.
GORDON (CONT'D)
I gotta get me one of those.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman DRIVES. Rachel, COMING TO, hangs on, TERRIFIED. A
COP CAR pulls across the alley- Batman hits the accelerator.
EXT. ALLEY -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile SPEEDS towards the cop car-
INT. COP CAR -- CONTINUOUS
The Cops GAWP at the Batmobile, BRACINGEXT.
ALLEY -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile SMASHES into the cop car, huge front tires
CRUSHING the bonnet, BOUNCING the Batmobile right over the
cop car in a messy display of brute force.
EXT. SURFACE STREETS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile TEARS left, and ACCELERATES down the street...
INT. CRUSHED COP CAR -- CONTINUOUS
The Cops are scrunched down. One of them GRABS the radio.
94.
COP 1
He's in a vehicle!
DISPATCHER (over radio)
Make and color?
COP 1
It's a black...
(turns to partner.
who shrugs)
...tank.
DISPATCHER (over radio)
Tank?
EXT. SURFACE STREETS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile WEAVES around traffic, DODGING freeway supports.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel BRACES against the dash, BREATHING FAST, staring at
the road ahead... through her eyes:
SPEED: pure, visceral SENSATION- lights STREAKING, columns
FLASHING past at unthinkable velocity-
BATMAN
You've been poisoned. Stay calm.
He looks at an intricate GPS display, then at the road ahead.
EXT. SURFACE STREETS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile RACES along- JUMPS lights, nimbly DODGING
through the cross-traffic. Two Cop Cars join the pursuit
from the cross streets, lights BLAZING, sirens BLARING.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman spots the Cops on a rear-view monitor, FLIPS a switch.
EXT. SURFACE STREETS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile DROPS SPIKE STRIPS onto the road... the Cop
Cars hit them- tires EXPLODE- rims light SPARKS as they GRIND,
skidding SIDEWAYS, one laying into the other.
Up ahead: the Batmobile SLALOMS outside of the freeway
supports, ROLLS over the sidewalk, NIPS back into the roadway.
INT. CRUISER -- CONTINUOUS
An IMPATIENT COP is on the radio.
COP 3
At least tell me what it looks like...
95.
His eyes WIDEN: the Batmobile ROARS past. A shadowy MONSTER.
COP 3 (CONT'D)
Never mind.
EXT. SURFACE STREETS, GOTHAM
The Batmobile comes out from under the elevated freeway and
is hit by a SPOTLIGHT from a CHOPPER.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman glances at a row of BUTTONS- each one a tiny SCREEN
showing different views. Batman PUSHES one- that view flicks
onto the main display. Rachel is HYPERVENTILATING.
BATMAN
Breath slowly. Close your eyes.
She does so. For an instant.
RACHEL
That's worse!
EXT. STREETS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
Three Cop Cars pull across the intersection in a ROADBLOCK.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman SPOTS the ROADBLOCK in front. Touches the GPS screenthe
map becomes THREE-DIMENSIONAL (heights of building, levels
of streets). Batman SKIDS into a turn-
EXT. SURFACE STREETS, GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile SKIDS through the entrance to a multi-level
PARKING GARAGE- TAKING OUT the ticket machine and barrier.
INT. PARKING GARAGE -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile RACES upwards through the structure, the car's
enormous width TAKING OUT PILLARS at every turn.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel FLINCHES AWAY from the pillars-
RACHEL
What're you doing?!!
BATMAN
Shortcut.
96.
INT. PARKING GARAGE -- CONTINUOUS
Cop Cars SMASH into DOWNED PILLARS in the Batmobile's wake.
EXT. ROOF, PARKING GARAGE -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile ROARS out onto the top level, and is LIT UP by
the CHOPPER.
The Batmobile REVERSES into a spot marked "COMPACT", CRUSHING
the cars either side, then RACES forward... Cop Cars emerge
onto the roof, BLOCKING THE ONLY WAY DOWN... The Batmobile
SCREECHES to a HALTINT.
BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman glances at his 3-d GPS. Then looks at Rachel.
COP 3 (over loudspeaker)
TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE!
She recoils, TERRIFIED by his mask, clawing at her harness.
Batman puts his gloved hand on her frantic arms.
BATMAN
Trust me.
Batman SLIDES into the FRONT DRIVING POSITION, body PRONE as
if riding a motorcycle, head in a glass POD between the front
wheels. He HITS a button.
EXT. ROOF, PARKING GARAGE -- CONTINUOUS
CANNONS emerge from the nose of the Batmobile- BLASTING the
far wall... the massive JET ENGINE at the back IGNITES, its
mouth ADJUSTING... FLAPS on the front and REAR of the car,
FLARE OUT like a PYTHON spreading its neck...
The Cops STARE. The Batmobile ROCKETS FORWARD... heading
for the GAP in the far wall... accelerating...
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel SCREAMS- Batman HITS another button-
EXT. ROOF, PARKING GARAGE -- CONTINUOUS
An INVERTED SPOILER JAMS INTO THE AIRSTREAM at the front of
the car, BUMPING it just off the ground, a RAMPLESS JUMPEXT.
ROOFTOPS -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile JUMPS OFF the parking garage, soaring over a
thirty-foot gap to LAND HEAVILY on a neighboring FLAT ROOF.
The Cops STARE at one another, open-mouthed.
97.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman YANKS the steering left, hits the BOOSTEXT.
ROOFTOPS -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile TURNS- ROCKETS for the edge of the roof...
SHOOTS over the gap to the next roof, CHOPPER IN PURSUIT.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman checks his 3-D GPS, ROCKETS forward, aiming at the
next roof, a PITCHED CHATEAU-STYLE TILE ROOF.
EXT. STREETS BELOW -- CONTINUOUS
Corp Cars SHOOT along, paralleling the rooftop chase...FROM
BELOW: the Chopper SWOOPS LOW over the buildings... A GLIMPSE
of the Batmobile as it LEAPS across to the next building...
COP 4 (over radio)
We're on him, we're on him...
EXT. ROOFTOPS -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile lands on the PITCHED ROOF, racing along at a
PRECARIOUS ANGLE, TILES SLIDING off the roof in its wake.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman's forward-slung position is GYROSCOPICALLY BALANCEDhe
is the only vertical element in the angled car.
EXT. ROOFTOPS -- CONTINUOUS
Chased by the LOW-FLYING chopper, the Batmobile SWERVES up
over the GABLES, roof CRUMBLING in its wake, RACING for the
end of the roof which PARALLELS an ELEVATED FREEWAY.
The Batmobile rockets forward- JUMPS THE LAST GABLE... DROPS
onto the elevated FREEWAY, TRAFFIC SWERVING to avoid it.
EXT. SURFACE STREETS -- CONTINUOUS
Cop Cars see the Batmobile disappear onto the freeway above.
COP 4
Dammit!
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman's display shows a RADAR SWEEP and PLOTS a course
through the differing speeds of the lanes. He pilots, LEANING
left and right like a motorcyclist...
98.
EXT. FREEWAY -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile SWERVES- the Chopper's light stays trained.
TRAFFIC gets heavier. Cop Cars are CLOSING IN from behind...
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman lifts himself back into the REAR DRIVING POSITIONTHROTTLES
BACK- KILLS all the lights, and the ENGINE.
EXT. FREEWAY -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile DROPS BACK, DARK... the Chopper LOSES IT. The
Batmobile CRUISES across the lanes, a WRAITH.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
SILENCE, but for the steady WHINE of the ELECTRIC MOTOR.
Rachel BREATHES in the sudden quiet. Eyes flickering.
EXT. FREEWAY HEADING OUT OF GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile SLICES across lanes, a SHADOW only visible
BREAKING the GLARE of other cars' HEADLIGHTS. The Cop Cars
pull forward, driving parallel, an empty lane between them.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel stares at Batman in the intimate quiet. Her eyes are
glaring. Her breathing is shallow.
BATMAN
(quiet)
Stay with me.
INT. COP CAR -- CONTINUOUS
The Cop turns left to look at the other Cop Car.
COP 3
Where'd he-?
He sees, between his car and the next, a BLACK SHAPE.
COP 3 (CONT'D)
THERE HE IS!
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
The SPOTLIGHT hits the car- Batman HITS a button- the main
engine ROARS to life- Batman SLIPS into the prone position-
Hits the BOOST.
EXT. FREEWAY -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile SHOOTS forward from between the two Cop Cars.
99.
INT. COP CAR -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile's JET WASH BLASTS the windscreen, SHATTERING
it, the Cop throws his hands in front of his face-
EXT. FREEWAY -- CONTINUOUS
The Cop Car SPINS out of its lane, SLAMMING into the guard
rail as the Batmobile RACES ahead, weaving through traffic.
The Batmobile slides onto a TIGHTLY-CURVING EXIT RAMP...
FLIES off the ramp, JUMPING DOWN onto the frontage road below.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman KILLS the lights, running on NIGHT VISION. Rachel's
eyes flicker at the EERIE green view of ghostly trees, her
breathing FASTER and still more SHALLOW.
BATMAN
Hold on. Just hold on.
Batman YANKS A LEVEREXT.
SMALL TURNOFF -- CONTINUOUS
A ground ANCHOR DIGS into the road, WHIPPING the Batmobile
RIGHT in a HARD TURN, down a small turnoff... the Chopper
LOSES the Batmobile, pursuing Cop Cars BLAZE PAST the turnoff.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel, crying, looks at the monstrous shapes of the trees:
FLICKERING, jagged tree shapes SPIN past DIZZYINGLY.
BATMAN
Rachel? Rachel?!
No reply. Up ahead: a LOOKOUT over a river gorge. Batman
PUSHES the Batmobile, SPEEDING towards the lookout. Rachel's
glazes eyes REGISTER the danger- she TWISTS, PANICKED...
EXT. WOODED PATH -- CONTINUOUS
The Batmobile ROCKETS off the edge of the lookout, over the
gorge, FLYING STRAIGHT AT THE FACE OF A WATERFALL.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel SCREAMS as they SPLASH INTO THE FACE OF THE WATERFALLINT.
CAVERNS -- CONTINUOUS
-AND EMERGE THROUGH THE CURTAIN OF WATER into the BATCAVE.
100.
The Batmobile's ground ANCHORS hook a steel CABLE, spinning
an INERTIA REEL bolted to the cave wall, YANKING the car to
a halt like a jet landing on an aircraft carrier.
INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel BOUNCES in her seat. PASSED OUT.
INT. BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS
The canopy of the Batmobile hisses open in three complex
sections, like insect wings IMPLODING. Batman LIFTS Rachel
from the cockpit, steps down onto wet shale... CARRIES her
into the damp blackness of the caverns.
Cloak BILLOWING in his wake, he heads for the GLOW of his
work table. Gently lays Rachel on the table. RACKS up the
scaffold to his computer station. A CONTAINER sits there
with paperwork from Fox. Batman opens it, removes a VIAL.
He plugs it into a pneumatic SYRINGE, puts the syringe between
his teeth- GLIDES off the scaffold, LANDING beside Rachel.
He INJECTS her in the biceps.
Batman steps back, watching Rachel's breathing SLOW.
INT. ABANDONED REFECTORY, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon surveys the scene: COPS and SWATS dig through the
mess, interviewing Inmates and sifting rubble. A DETECTIVE
sits in a cell doorway examining Crane's mask. Crane is
huddled in the corner, STARING.
GORDON
Is he cooperating?
DETECTIVE
If by cooperating you mean chewing
his way through three sets of
restraints, then yes, he's
cooperating. Did we catch the batman?
Gordon tries not to smile.
GORDON
Nope.
A cop hurries over.
COP
Sir, there's something you should
take a look at...
INT. DERELICT BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Tiled baths and hydrotherapy equipment. A POOL in the center.
The Cop leads Gordon to the edge... A massive HOLE has been
dug through the bottom.
101.
Dozens of ALUMINUM BARRELS sit alongside. Gordon climbs
down, PEERS into the hole... A TORRENT of water runs at the
bottom.
GORDON
Looks like they tapped the mains...
Gordon looks at the dozens of aluminum barrels. Realizing.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Get me somebody at the water board!
INT. BATCAVE -- LATER
Rachel's eyes flicker open to the cavernous damp darkness.
She sees BATS banging high above. CLOSES her eyes again.
RACHEL
(under her breath)
Oh. My. God.
BATMAN (O.S.)
How do you feel?
His voice ECHOES as if spoken from al shadows at once.
RACHEL
(hoarse)
Where are we?
Nothing.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Why did you bring me here?
BATMAN
If I hadn't... your mind would now
be lost. You were poisoned.
Rachel thinks.., concentrating.., remembering.
RACHEL
I remember... nightmares. This...
face, this... mask.
(realizes)
Crane. It was Crane-
Rachel STRUGGLES off the table, trying to stand.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
I have to tell the police- we've got-
She SLIPS- Batman is there, CATCHING her.
BATMAN
Rest. Gordon has Crane.
f
102.
In his arms she looks up at him- he lays her gently back
onto the table. Retreats into shadow.
RACHEL
Is Sergeant Gordon your friend?
BATMAN
I don't have the luxury of friends.
Rachel watches this dark shadow hover just outside the light.
RACHEL
Why did you save my life?
BATMAN
Gotham needs you.
RACHEL
And you serve Gotham?
BATMAN
I serve justice.
Rachel STARES at the solitary shadow. Fascinated. Pitying.
RACHEL
Perhaps you do.
Batman steps into the light. Holding a pneumatic syringe
and two vials. Rachel stares at him.
BATMAN
I'm going to give you a sedative.
You'll wake up back at home...
Batman holds up the two vials.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
And when you do, get these to Gordon,
and Gordon alone. Trust no one.
RACHEL
What are they?
BATMAN
The antidote. One for Gordon to
inoculate himself, the other to start
mass-production.
Batman hands Rachel the vials. She looks at him, curious.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
Crane was just a pawn. He was working
for someone else.
103.
RACHEL
(remembering)
Ghul... something Al Ghul...
BATMAN
Ra's Al Ghul. It's not him. He's
dead.
RACHEL
How do you know?
BATMAN
I watched him die.
Batman approaches with the syringe. Rachel offers her arm.
Batman injects her. Her eyes close. Batman removes his
cowl. Wayne stands above the sleeping Rachel. Stares at
her for an inexpressibly lonely moment.
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon is on the phone-
GORDON
Someone's been dumping a dangerous
contaminant into the supply from
this location for days, maybe weeks-
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD -- CONTINUOUS
Two TECHNICIANS sit there, one on the phone to Gordon. A
large screen in front of them maps the water supply of Gotham.
TECHNICIAN
If that's true then it's already
spread through the whole system.
But no one's reported any effects...
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon looks around, thinking, frustrated.
GORDON
It must be like chlorine or fluorideharmless
to drink, but when you
breathe it it's deadly... look,
wake up your boss, see if there's a
way to flush out the system.
Gordon hangs up. Frustrated. Notices something. A large
SHIPPING CRATE. He turns to the Cop.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Open that up.
104.
INT. STUDY, WAYNE MANOR -- EVENING
Wayne emerges from the bookcase. The noise of a PARTY outside
the door. Alfred is there waiting, dinner jacket over his
arm. Wayne grabs the shirt- dressing hastily.
WAYNE
Rachel's sedated. You can take her
home.
ALFRED
Very good, sir.
WAYNE
Is Fox still here?
(Alfred nods)
Tell you staff to stop serving drinks
and move everybody on after the cake.
Alfred nods. Wayne moves to the door. Alfred STOPS him.
Hands him a towel, gesturing at his face: Wayne is still
wearing BLACK MAKEUP around his eyes.
INT. MAIN HALL, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Hundreds of GUESTS. Music. Tables groaning with food
FEMALE GUEST (O.S.)
There he is!
Guests look up- Wayne WADES INTO the throng, GRINNING and
GLAD-HANDING. The band strikes up with "Happy Birthday",
Wayne spots Fox at the buffet.
EXT. SIDE ENTRANCE, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
As sounds from the party drift over, Alfred gently arranges
the unconscious Rachel on the rear seat of the car. He frowns
as Rachel's legs get stuck. He looks up to see a PARTY GUEST,
cigarette in hand, staring, curious.
ALFRED
(smiles)
A little the worse for wear, I'm
afraid.
Alfred YANKS Wayne's gold clubs to one side, rachel settles.
INT. MAIN HALL, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Guests are leaving. Wayne works the room, charming, but
distracted... heading to Fox.
WAYNE
Any word on that... item.
Fox nods, glances around. Leans in, conspiratorial.
105.
FOX
A contact in heavy weapons tipped me
off- it's a microwave emitter. It
vaporizes water.
Wayne thinks.
WAYNE
Could you sue it to put a biological
agent into the air?
FOX
Sure, if the water supply were
poisoned before you vaporized it.
Wayne takes this in. Grave. Nods at Fox.
EARLE (O.S.)
Happy Birthday, Bruce.
Wayne turns to Earle.
WAYNE
Mr.Earle, good of you to come.
EARLE
(smiles)
Not everybody thought you'd make it
this far.
WAYNE
Sorry to disappoint. How did the
stock offering go?
EARLE
Very well- the price soared.
WAYNE
Who was buying?
EARLE
A variety of funds and brokerages...
it's all a bit technical- the key
thing is, our company's future is
secure.
Wayne nods. Gestures to fox.
WAYNE
Have you met Lucius Fox?
EARLE
Of course, Lucius, how are you?
106.
WAYNE
Fox is showing me the ropes down at
Applied Sciences... he's a great
untapped resource at our company,
aren't you, Mr.Fox?
Fox shoots Wayne a look, but Wayne WINKS and moves off.
FOX
He's a good kid.
EARLE
(cold)
Fox, forget about kissing Wayne's
ass to get back in- I'm merging
Applied Sciences with central
archiving and you're top of the early
retirement list...
(smiles at reaction)
Didn't you get the memo?
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon and the other Cops STARE at the MICROWAVE EMITTER.
COP
What the hell is it?
Gordon turns to the SWAT team members.
GORDON
I don't know, but nobody gets near
it, understand? We're closing the
bridges, locking down the whole
island.
INT. BEDROOM, RACHEL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel STIRS. On her bed fully clothed. Trying to remember
a strange dream. She sees the two vials of antidote sitting
on her bedside table. HURRIES to her feet.
INT. MAIN HALL, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne moves across the party, heading for the study... An
ELDERLY SOCIETY DAME grabs him-
SOCIETY DAME
Bruce, there's somebody here you
simply must meet...
WAYNE
Mrs Delane, I can't just now...
She TURNS Wayne to face an ASIAN MAN in his fifties.
107.
SOCIETY DAME
Now, am I pronouncing it right..?
In the Asian Man's buttonhole is a DOUBLE-BLOOMED BLUE POPPY.
SOCIETY DAME (CONT'D)
Mr.Al Ghul?
The Asian Man nods. Wayne STARES at him.
WAYNE
You're not Ra's Al Ghul. He's dead.
The Society Dame laughs nervously, confused.
VOICE (O.S.)
But is Ra's Al Ghul immortal..?
Wayne TURNS. Standing there. Smiling. Ducard.
DUCARD
Are his methods supernatural..?
WAYNE
(understanding)
Or cheap parlor tricks to conceal
your trues identity.., Ra's?
Ducard (THE REAL RA'S AL GHUL) smiles acknowledgment.
DUCARD/RA'S AL GHUL
Surely you don't begrudge me dual
identities?
Ra's Al Ghul walks Wayne through the dwindling party.
RA'S AL GHUL
I've been admiring your work, even
as it's interfered with my plans...
Ra's Al Ghul looks at Wayne with a tinge of sadness.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
You were my greatest student...
until you betrayed me.
Wayne notices CERTAIN GUESTS staring at him: members of the
League of Shadows. Wayne looks at the departing Guests.
WAYNE
Your quarrel is with me. Let these
people go.
RA'S AL GHUL
As you wish. But they don't have
long to live- your antics at the
Asylum have forced my hand...
108.
WAYNE
Crane was working for you.
RA'S AL GHUL
His toxin is derived from the organic
compound in our blue poppies. Crane
was able weaponize the compound. A
brilliant scientist, but no visionary.
He just wanted money and power-
(smiles)
I told him the plan was to hold the
city to ransom... but, in fact-
WAYNE
You're going to unleash Crane's poison
on the entire city...
RA'S AL GHUL
(nods, serious)
Then watch Gotham tear itself apart
through fear...
EXT. BRIDGE TO THE NARROWS/ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
COP CARS BLOCK the bridge. Police in RIOT GEAR, some on
HORSEBACK. Rachel argues with a POLICE OFFICER.
POLICE OFFICER
Orders are, no one crosses-
RACHEL
Officer, I'm a Gotham City District
Attorney with information relevant
to this situation- so let me pass.
Rachel brushes past him. He follows, shaking his head.
INT. LIBRARY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne and Ra's enter. The library is empty of guest.
WAYNE
You're going to destroy millions of
lives.
RA'S AL GHUL
No. Billions of lives. Gotham is
just the beginning. The world will
watch in terror as the greatest city
falls. Anarchy and chaos will
spread... mankind will ravage itself,
the species will be culled and the
balance of nature restored. The
planet will be saved for all species.
Wayne stares at Ra's appalled.
109.
WAYNE
You're inhuman.
RA'S AL GHUL
Don't question my humanity, Brucewhen
I found you in that fetid hole
you were lost. I saved you- I showed
you a path and took away your fear-
I made you what you are.
(stares at Wayne)
And in return... you attacked me and
burned my home...
Ra's looks up at his MEN in the gallery. Nods. The Men
start SETTING FIRE TO THE DRAPES.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Since then, you've used my skills
and techniques to interfere with my
plans, plans in which you were
supposed to play a part...
WAYNE
What part was that, Ra's? To put my
company at your disposal? To obtain
your microwave emitter and plant it
somewhere in Gotham?
RA'S AL GHUL
(smiles, nods)
You were supposed to be Gotham's
destroyer... instead you became her
only protector.
WAYNE
You underestimate Gotham.
RA'S AL GHUL
You underestimate Gotham's corruptionwe've
infiltrated every aspect of
the city's infrastructure...
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Four SWATS are guarding the Emitter. One of them checks his
watch. Gives a signal to the SECOND SWAT who nods and starts
priming the machine... The Third SWAT turns-
THIRD SWAT
Hey! What the hell are you-
PHUUUT. The Fourth SWAT has shot him with a silenced pistol.
Moving with military precision, the three Ninja/SWATS don
gas masks place explosive charges along the wall.
110.
INT. MONORAIL STATION -- CONTINUOUS
The TRAIN DRIVER checks his watch. Hits the INTERCOM.
TRAIN DRIVER (over loudspeaker)
This train is no longer in service.
PASSENGERS groan, get to their feet.
INT. LIBRARY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
The FLAMES ARE RISING. SMOKE GATHERING at the ceiling...
RA'S AL GHUL
Gotham is helpless without you.
That's why I'm here.
WAYNE
To kill me?
Ra's Al Ghul looks at Wayne. Emotional.
RA'S AL GHUL
To bring you back to us, Bruce. The
world will need great men like you-
WAYNE
To take power.
RA'S AL GHUL
This is not about power... this is
about saving the planet before man
destroys it with his greed, with his
pollution, with his weaponry...
Ra's holds out his hand. A Ninja THROWS him a SWORD. He
HANDS it to Wayne, placing the point at his own throat.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
You still doubt me? Apply a few
pounds of pressure... buy your
precious city a reprieve.
Ra's looks into Wayne's eyes with absolute conviction.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Kill me. Then you'll understand how
simple it is to do what's necessary.
Wayne holds the sword at Ra's throat. Thinking. Ra's stares
at Wayne with absolute conviction.
WAYNE
I will not take life. I will not be
a part of this.
111.
RA'S AL GHUL
But you already are. You've given
Gotham a potent symbol of fear...
WAYNE
I frighten criminals.
RA'S AL GHUL
You frighten everybody. A giant
vengeful bat? What better apocalyptic
symbol to haunt Gothams' dreams as
panic takes hold?
Wayne stares at Ra's Al Ghul. Pulls the sword away from his
throat.
Ra's Al Ghul looks at him, contemptuous. Pulls at the handle
of his cane, producing a SWORD.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Then die with Gotham-
Ra's STRIKES Wayne's sword from his throat- lays into him,
sword in one hand, CANE/SHEATH in the other-
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon turns. Rachel is there. He nods.
GORDON
How are you?
RACHEL
Better. Thank you.
GORDON
Thank the Batman.
RACHEL
I already did.
(reaches into pocket)
He sent me with doses of the antidote
for you...
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
The Ninja/SWATS crouch away from the back wall. One of them
HITS a DETONATOR.
A controlled EXPLOSION BLASTS a large hole in the back wall-
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
The Cops react to the EXPLOSION- Gordon RACES into the
building...
112.
RACHEL
Gordon, wait!
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon and his men appear at the door to the room- the
Ninja/SWATS are moving the Emitter through the hole in the
wall- Gordon OPENS FIRE- the First Ninja/Swat turns to the
second, SIGNALS...
The Second Ninja/Swat ACTIVATES the Emitter- A PULSE OF ENERGY
RIPPLES FROM THE MACHINE... PIPES/TAPS/DRAINS EXPLODE with
pressurized STEAM- Gordon DIVES for cover-
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Manhole covers EXPLODE, RELEASING GEYSERS of STEAM. FIRE
HYDRANTS EXPLODE, HISSING with steam- Cops hit the deck...
INT. WATER BOARD CONTROL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
An ALARM SOUNDS- the Technician points at a DOT on the map.
TECHNICIAN
What's that?!
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Some kind of pressure under the
Narrows... like the water's...
(confused)
...boiling.
TECHNICIAN
Did the valves hold?
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Yeah, it's contained. For now.
EXT. BRIDGE TO ARKHAM/NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Cops STARE at the cloud of FOG rising from the island.
INT. LIBRARY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's throws himself at Wayne with FEROCITY and SKILL- Wayne
PARRIES, THRUSTS...
WAVES of flame ROLL across the high ceiling as the great
room approaches flashover point...
Wayne PRESSES Ra's back under the gallery... Ra's THRUSTS,
OFF BALANCE- Wayne dodges- Ra's goes DOWN- Wayne holds his
sword at Ra's throat...
WAYNE
Perhaps you taught me too well.
113.
Ra's looks up at Wayne with a sly smile.
RA'S AL GHUL
Or perhaps you'll never learn-
A section of the BURNING GALLERY DROPS onto Wayne.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
-to mind your surroundings as well
as your opponent.
Ra's RISES. Looks down at Wayne, unconscious, PINNED under
BURNING TIMBERS. Firelight flickers on Ra's' face as he
sheathes his sword/cane.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Rest easy, friend.
Ra's turns, walks out of the flaming library.
EXT. FRONT DOOR, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's walks out of the burning building. Motions to a Ninja.
RA'S AL GHUL
No one comes out. Make sure.
He walks towards a waiting HELICOPTER. Another Ninja follows.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Is everything ready?
NINJA 2
They created a smokescreen in the
Narrows- and they're moving the
emitter into place for your run.
INT. MONORAIL TRACK ABOVE FOGBOUND NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
The Train Driver looks down at Arkham as he pulls overhead
with his empty train. He STOPS the train above the Narrows.
INT. BATH HOUSE, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Thick clouds of WHITE FOG fill the room. Gordon is CHOKING...
RACHEL GRABS HIS ARMRACHEL
Gordon, it's me! It's Rachel! I
have the antidote! Gordon-
Gordon RIPS his arm away- COUGHING, SPLUTTERING... he STARES
into the BLINDING WHITE... TERRIFIED, adrenaline kicking in-
Rachel SHAKES Gordon, FUMBLING with the pneumatic syringe.
114.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Stay calm... I can help you...
Gordon looks at the needle, panicked. Then at her face...
INT. LIBRARY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne, unconscious, PINNED by burning timbers, FLAMES RISING.
EXT. SIDE DOOR, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
A Ninja guards the side door, STARING into the flames...
WHACK! He goes down... ALFRED is standing there, nine iron
in hand. He looks down at the Ninja.
ALFRED
I sincerely hope you're not from the
fire department.
Alfred rushes in to the burning house.
INT. LIBRARY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Alfred moves to Wayne, tries in vain to shift the BURNING
WOOD from Wayne's chest. He moves to Wayne's face. SLAPS
IT, HARD.
ALFRED
Master Wayne! Master Wayne!!
Wayne's eyes flicker open. He PUSHES, but can't move.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
(exasperated)
Sir, whatever is the point of all
those push-ups if you can't even-
Wayne GLARES at Alfred, FORCES the weight from his chest.
INT. STUDY -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne and Alfred push through the burning room. Wayne JABS
at the flaming piano keys...
INT. WROUGHT IRON SPIRAL STAIRCASE -- CONTINUOUS
Alfred and Wayne CRAWL onto the lift.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
The burning house COLLAPSES..
INT. WROUGHT IRON SPIRAL STAIRCASE -- CONTINUOUS
Smoke and flame EXPLODES through the passage- Alfred YANKS
the lever DROPPING them out of the heat- they SPEED DOWN...
115.
INT. BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS
LANDING HARD. Smoldering. Wayne STARES up the SPIRAL: high
above, SPARKS and firelight. The CRASH of collapsing TIMBERS
echoes down as WAYNE MANOR DIES. Tears form in Wayne's eyes.
WAYNE
(whispers)
What have I done, Alfred? Everything
my family... everything my Father
and his father built...
Alfred struggles to pull himself to a standing position.
ALFRED
(hoarse)
The Wayne legacy is more than bricks
and mortar, sir.
Wayne stares up at the glowing shaft. Lost in his despair.
WAYNE
I thought I could... help Gotham...
but I've failed...
Alfred makes a futile show of dusting down his jacket.
ALFRED
And why do we fall, sir?
Wayne looks at Alfred's bruised, smudged, yet dignified face.
ALFRED (CONT'D)
So that we might better learn to
pick ourselves up.
Wayne looks up at his old friend.
WAYNE
Still haven't given up on me?
Alfred offers him a trembling hand.
ALFRED
(conviction)
Never.
Wayne takes Alfred's hand. Gets up.
EXT. THE FOGBOUND NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Ninjas in gas masks move the Emitter into position UNDER THE
MONORAIL TRAIN. The bind it into a HOIST.
EXT. THE NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel injects Gordon. He stares into her eyes, questioning.
116.
RACHEL
Breathe. Just breathe.
NOISES draw Gordon's frightened eyes to shape of COPS choking
on the fog, SHOUTING. FIGHTING. Rachel pulls Gordon to his
feet- heads for the hole in the wall...
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Come on.
EXT. BRIDE TO ARKHAM/NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Loeb and a LIEUTENANT get out of a car at the blockade.
Starring across: FOG HANGS OVER THE ISLAND.
LOEB
What in God's name is going on in
there?
EXT. THE NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
As Rioters FLIT past through the fog either side, Rachel
DRAGS Gordon into a doorway... She looks up into the fog.
Sees the Ninjas hoisting the emitter up to the monorail...
INT. FOGBOUND ARKHAM ASYLUM -- EVENING
An INMATE at the window of his cell. A CLUNK- he turns- his
cell door is OPEN. He looks out into the corridors...
INT. MIST-FILLED CORRIDOR, ARKHAM ASYLUM -- CONTINUOUS
Crane, in ScareCrow mask, RINGS down the corridor, LAUGHING,
unlocked each door in turn.
INMATE
(to himself)
Scarecrow.
Inmates emerge from their cells, confused.
INT. THE BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS
CLOSE ON: black scalloped GAUNTLETS thrust onto purposeful
hands. A dark CLOAK whipped around strong shoulders. A
graphite COWL placed over an implacable face.
A DARK FIGURE swallowed by the gloom. BATS flutter as an
ENGINE ROARS to life...
EXT. WATERFALL -- CONTINUOUS
MOVING IN on water tumbling hypnotically...
The Batmobile EXPLODES through the water, ROCKETING onto the
opposite bank.
117.
INT. HELICOPTER ABOVE FOGBOUND NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's Al Ghul puts on a gas mask as the helicopter descends.
EXT. FOGBOUND NARROWS -- NIGHT
Rachel sits up from Gordon. Hears something: a DRAGGING
NOISE behind her. She turns, stepping away from Gordon...
A HORSE emerges from the fog. Crane is riding; in Scarecrow
mask. DRAGGING along behind, boot caught in the stirrup, a
dead MOUNTED POLICEMAN. CRANE TURNS TO RACHEL.
RACHEL
Crane!
Crane shakes his head.
CRANE
(hisses)
Scarecrow.
EXT. BRIDGE TO ARKHAM/NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Loeb with a LIEUTENANT, watching the fog hang over the island.
They head a massive ENGINE, turn, BLINDED by headlights...
the Batmobile RACES at the cordon, SHOOTS over the cars,
clipping the roofs, Cops DIVING out of the way...
EXT. ALLEY, FOGBOUND NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
The too-wide Batmobile RIPS metal sheets and drywall from
both sides of the tiny alley- RIOTING INHABITANTS run
SCREAMING- the Batmobile is heading for a dead end...
EXT. COURTYARD, FOGBOUND NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Crane GALLOPS towards Rachel and Gordon and STOPS. Rioters
emerge behind them... he REARS UP to STAMP RACHEL AND GORDONRachel
fires her taser, plugging Crane in the face- he JERKS,
SPASM- the HORSE BOLTS, THROWING him, DRAGGING HIM OFF INTO
THE FOG..
Rachel watches him disappear. Then sees the Lunatics closing
in on all sides...
The Batmobile SMASHES THROUGH THE WALL- Lunatics closing in
on all sides...
The Batmobile opens- Batman emerges- runs to Rachel...
A BRICK smashes into Batman's head. He TURNS to the Rioters
STARING at him, TERRIFIED. Batman RISES in the mist... to
their eyes:
Batman is a twelve-foot shadowy devil with WINGS...
118.
They fling bricks, bottles, fighting off the demon. Batman
GRABS Rachel, FIRES his grappling gun up into the fog... it
finds purchase- they SHOOT UP FROM THE MOBEXT.
ROOFTOP -- MOMENTS LATER
Batman sets Rachel down, looks out at Gotham: the Narrows
below steaming, burning, screaming. The rest of Gotham WAITS.
BATMAN
They're going to unleash the toxin
on the entire city. I have to find
the microwave emitter...
RACHEL
They were lifting a machine up to
the tracks...
Batman TURNS to face Rachel, realizing-
BATMAN
Of course- the monorail. The track
runs directly over the water mains...
Batman turns to the city, stares at the wide sweep of the
monorail tracks. The "spoke" that lead in to Wayne Tower...
BATMAN (CONT'D)
He's going to drive that thing
straight into Wayne Tower and blow
the main hub, creating enough toxin
to blanket the entire city...
INT. MONORAIL TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's Al Ghul climbs onto the train with three MASKED NINJAS.
The narrow-band emitter fills the front car. Pulsing with
energy. Ra's moves to the driver's position...
EXT. THE NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Gordon looks up- the train moves overhead... as it passes,
manhole covers EXPLODE in its wake, sending up fresh GEYSERS
of STEAM... Gordon watches the train go... starts RUNNING...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD -- CONTINUOUS
ALARMS sound- the Technician looks at the map- lights FLASH.
SECOND TECHNICIAN
What's that?
TECHNICIAN
The pressure's increasing... and
it's... Moving.
119.
EXT. ROOFTOP -- CONTINUOUS
Batman stands at the edge- looks at the IMPOSSIBLE DROP to
the moving monorail train...
RACHEL
Wait!
Batman TURNS. Rachel stares at his eyes in the black cowl,
reaches up to his face.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
You could die. At least tell me
your name.
Batman turns. Looks back at her.
BATMAN
It's not who I am underneath...
(touches his chest)
But what I do that defines me.
Rachel steps forward, recognizing her own words, REALIZINGRACHEL
Bruce-
But he is already FALLING...
EXT. OVER GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
Batman FREE FALLS, cloak flapping, sliding his gloves into
the activating pockets...
The cloak goes RIGID- SMASHING THE WIND LIKE A PARACHUTE...
Batman's arms CONTROL his cloak, not simply arresting his
fall, but GLIDING GRACEFULLY like a hand glider...
He eyes the moving train and NOSES DOWN, ACCELERATINGINT.
MONORAIL TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's pulls off his mask, watching the city speed around him.
INT. SEDAN ON THE BRIDGE TO THE NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Flass is in the driver's seat, eating. Gordon opens the
door GRABS him-
FLASS
What the-?
-FLINGS him out onto the asphalt- PEELS OUT...
120.
EXT. GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
Batman STREAKS DOWN, CUTTING through the STEAM GEYSERS
shooting up in the train's wake... the train SPEEDS through
a station- Batman BANKS SHARPLY around the building...<