Batman, Batman, Batman.
If you're like me you're getting tired of the Batman fan films that are shot in one day in costumes made of sweats and a tarp for a cape.
I know this is a bit of an exaggeration but very realistic when dealing with fan films. The standards are set pretty low for them. Not only that, but the stories have almost nothing to do with the films. So I decided to write my own script for a feature length fan film.
As an actor (and fan of Batman) I really wanted my story to be engaging and true to the films. The only problem is that I wanted to tie in the original series into the Nolan series. I know this sounds like a bad idea, but I am a firm believer that the two universes could co-exist.
The plot is essentially what happens in Gotham the weeks leading up to The Dark Knight. I started with the GCN episodes on the bonus disk of TDK, and I also pulled from Batman: Gotham Knight and the viral campaign.
Since it is actually in rewrite stages, I thought I would offer the current script to the CBM community to review and give opinions and suggestions. So, for your entertainment, Batman Resurrection. * Please remember that this is the first draft.*
Pan in on Gotham PD.
Switch to morgue.
Cut to flashback of Joker falling to his “death” from the top of the church.
Cut to inside morgue and zoom in on a lone body bag in a middle of the room.
Cut to flashback to Napier’s scaring.
Cut to a hand emerging from the body bag.
Cut to Napier falling into the chemicals
Cut to a head emerging from body bag. Scars in the shape of a smile and colored red can be seen.
Cut to Grissom in fear in front of a desk.
V.O. – “And as you can see, I’m a lot happier.”
Cut to a person’s backside in the doorway.
Cut to black.
V.O. – “If I can’t remember the whole story, I’ll just make it up as I go. Ha, ha, ha, ha!”
Cut to Lieutenant Gordon’s office
An officer is seen running to the door, he doesn’t knock, but rushes inside instead.
Officer - “Gordon! We’ve got a problem!”
Gordon – “What do you mean? A problem?”
Officer – “He’s gone sir.”
Gordon (getting very frustrated) – “Damn it! Who’s gone?!?”
The officer points out the window in fear. Gordon hurries up to look out the window. Gordon gasps in fear as a man in a purple suit is seen hovering outside Gotham PD in the Police chopper. The man laughs a cold, evil laugh, as he flies away.
Gordon, half scared, half full of adrenaline, races to the roof top. He bursts through the door and dashes for the large spotlight and flips it on. As a giant bat is etched out in the sky line, Gordon utters to himself
Gordon – “Dear God; help us all!”
Fade out to black.
Titles (and credits)
Seven months later
Fade in to a news program. An anchor woman’s voice is heard, then the program is seen.
Reporter - … Floyd Lawton, after intense negotiations with the police, leading to the possible arrest of Sal Maroni, has been moved to Blackgate now on Life Without Possibility of Parole. And in more recent news millionaire Bruce Wayne will be appearing tonight at a charity foundation for Gotham’s Children Hospital at the Gotham Civic Center. Wayne is following in his father’s footsteps…
Fade out on Reporters words. Camera pulls away into a dark, shadowy room. The location is unknown.
A voice is heard. The camera spins slowly 180 degrees. The person speaking is sitting in a big ratty chair. The man is in the shadows, only dark purple shoes, pants, and gloves are seen.
Voice – “Well boys, looks like we have our chance.”
Camera cuts to an old, rusted, fold up card table. There are three men playing poker sitting at the table. Another man is seen sitting by himself in the corner, he pulls out a cigarette and lights it. He looks up and starts to speak.
Goon #1 – “Do we make our hit tonight?”
Voice – “Patience. Jimmy, Jumbo, Roger, put down the cards and go warm up the van.”
The three men get up and leave. Goon #1 gets up and walks to the back of the large chair.
Goon #1 – “What’s the plan for the night, boss?”
Voice – “Johnny, I want you and the boys to go and, have some fun, with those fancy good for nothing rich boys at that charity event. Take some hostages, steal their jewelry, something…but Johnny…”
Johnny – “Yes, boss?”
Voice – “Don’t kill anyone.”
Johnny – “Yes boss.”
Johnny exits. The man rises.
Voice – “Now, it’s time for some fun.”
The man walks in the opposite direction that the men exited. The camera follows him.
He walks to a back room. There is a camera, a table, and another large chair. The camera is rigged in a weird configuration. He walks to the table and picks up a simple remote. He sits in his chair, fixes his suite, lifts the remote, and clicks it. The camera turns on and it hijacks the signal of every T.V. in Gotham.
Camera cuts to a T.V. in the living room of any Gotham family.
The man starts to speak. His face not yet seen; light just in front of his face.
Voice – “Good evening Gotham! What a beautiful evening tonight! It’s been a while since we’ve last talked. And I, I’ve had some, personal, revelations. Seven months ago I thought that I would provide Gotham with some fun, and I was denied. I’ve seen the corruption of this town, so I think I’ll put a stop to it. Tonight, I will crash the charity function for Gotham’s Children Hospital. One by One, they'll hear my call. Then this wicked town, will follow my fall. Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls… Joker’s back in town!
He leans into the light his scarred face, pasty white, his eyes are hidden behind large black circles, his lips and scars are a deep red, hair a dark green.
Joker – “Ha, ha, ha, ha! He, he, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!”
While the Joker is still laughing, he presses the button once again, and the transmission ends. Joker gets up, places the remote back on the table, and returns to his first chair.
Joker – “Now, for the news.”
Cut to Gotham PD where Lt Gordon has been watching Jokers program.
Gordon (yelling orders as fast as he can) – “I want the nearest patrol cars that aren’t occupied at Gotham Civic Center there now! Get me the S.W.A.T. team there now to back them up!”
Gotham PD is in a rush for a few moments.
Ramirez – “Gordon, Allen just radioed in. he say that the Batman beat our boys to the punch. Says there were at least four thugs there. They attempted to pull a heist. Two of them were caught by Batman, the third made it to the getaway vehicle just as the driver pulled off. They escaped just before we could take over.”
Gordon – “Thank you, Ramirez. If you don’t mind, recall the SWAT team and send the patrols back to duty. I’ve got, business, to attend to.”
Ramirez – “Yes, sir.”
She exits. Gordon looks out his window for a moment. He exits calmly to the roof top. Gordon flips on the Bat-signal and turns around. No sooner than he turns around does he hear the faint swishing of fabric behind him. Gordon turns. Batman is standing behind him.
Batman – “Gordon.”
Gordon –“Having fun?”
Batman – “He’s made his first move. I don’t know what he’s up to but I plan to find out.”
Gordon – “I hope you would. His first move in seven months, and it’s a heist. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Batman - "Any sign of him?"
Gordon - "Other than the video stunt of his? No, but we've got bigger problems."
Batman - "What?"
Gordon – “The mob.”
Batman – “What about them?”
Gordon - "Dent's put all know money launders out of business, but the mob still is getting out their dirty money. We need a way to track it."
Batman - "I think I can help."
Gordon - "Ok..." Gordon looks away, "well don’t..." Gordon turns back, "forget..."
Batman has gone.
Gordon - "I'm glad he's on our side." Turns, exits roof top.
Cut to Wayne’s current “Bat-cave”. The Joker’s transmission is replaying on multiple screens on the “Bat-computer”, with Alfred at the seat. Wayne is listening to the transmission, but is more occupied with configuring a costume on a table in the center of the room. On the table is spirit gum, crape hair, old or ratty clothes, a golfer’s type cap, and a small box of matches.
Alfred – “Master Wayne, there seems to be no traceable element on the Joker’s transmission.”
Wayne – “Figures. He’s learned.”
Alfred –“What do you figure he’s after?”
Wayne –“From all I can figure, last night was just a distraction, and a warning.”
Alfred – “Obviously.”
Wayne – “Now’s not the time for jokes, Alfred. Last time he wanted to kill all of Gotham, just to get a smile. Something’s changed in him. Now, now it’s like he wants revenge.”
Alfred – “Well you were responsible for his, ‘accidents’.”
Wayne – “But that’s what bothers me Alfred. Not a single time did he mention me, or revenge.”
Alfred – “How peculiar.”
Alfred notices that during the conversation that Wayne has now finished his disguise and is wearing it.
Alfred –“ Master Wayne?”
Wayne –“Yes Alfred?”
Alfred –“What are you wearing?”
Wayne –“Do you like it?”
Alfred –“Well it certainly looks like you’ve been through the rough spots of Gotham. Its purpose?”
Wayne –“Even a crime fighter has to go undercover every now and then.”
Wayne adjusts his composure, and clears his throat.
Wayne (in a gruff tone, distinctly different from Batman’s voice) –“The name’s Malone. Matches Malone.”
Alfred –“Very good. Now we can have direct connections to Gotham’s underworld.”
Wayne (in normal voice) – “Very funny Alfred. Matches has helped me out before, now he’s going to do it again.”
Alfred – “Very well, Master Wayne. Master Wayne, you do know that Ms. Vale has left town?”
Wayne –“Yes, Alfred, I know. I have more pressing matters to deal with remember?”
Alfred – “Of course, Master Wayne.”
Wayne checks his watch.
Wayne – “Time to suit up.”
Alfred – “This time, try and make it to breakfast.”
Wayne smiles. Cut camera, end scene.
Scene begins. Camera moves through a rundown apartment. Running water can be heard. Moves thru the hall and turns to what is the bathroom. The backside of a man can be seen. The camera continues moving until it is over the man’s shoulder, looking into a mirror at a man drying off his face. The towel is removed; the face is the Joker, his face is unpainted.
The Joker touches his scars, be begins to remember. Flashback to Napier’s face and the bullet slicing his cheeks. Cut to surgeon scene, camera behind Napier in surgeon’s chair. Napier is holding a mirror; camera already zoomed in on mirror.
V.O. Surgeon (whiney/scared) – “I did the best I could.”
Fade in present day Joker touching his scar. Joker removes his hand and moves toward make up on the sink, picks up face paint, moves back up to his face, Jokers right side of his face can be seen. He smiles, starts to apply fresh make up. Fade away.
Fade in. Joker is in his full costume in a doorway, a smile on his face. He starts to walk. As he walks he passes by a table with a small hand held video camera on it in a large, den like area. He walks back to the room he was seen in his first scene. There’s a table with Johnny and Roger.
Joker –“Well boys, glad to see you’re on time. Is our guest coming?”
Johnny –“Yeah, he’s just outside the door waiting for us to let him, just like you said.”
Joker –“Well Roger, let him in.”
Roger nods. He gets up, walks to the door and opens it. He motions with his head for a man to come in. The camera cuts to foot level. A pair of nice shoes and dress slacks are seen.
Voice –“Well, well, well. It’s nice to meet you, Joker.”
Joker –“Likewise…”
Camera cuts to man’s face.
Joker –“…Scarecrow. Take a seat.”
Scarecrow takes a seat beside Johnny. Roger sits on his other side.
Scarecrow –“Alright, Joker. What do you want? Drugs? Thugs? You look to be a little short on help.”
Joker – “No, no. I need a favor.”
Scarecrow – “What is it you want?”
Joker –“I know you’ve got connections with some of the big boys, right? Right. I want you to tell me, where do they gather? I want to know where the weaklings of Gotham hide.”
Joker walks behind Scarecrow.
Scarecrow –“What’s in it for me?”
Joker – “Other than the pleasure of having the satisfaction of helping Joker take down Gotham…”
Joker pulls a knife and holds it to Scarecrows throat.
Joker –“…I’ll let you live.”
Camera cuts to black. End scene.
Scene begins. It’s a dark back street of Gotham. Light of a fire can be seen coming from an alley, and voice can be heard. A man in ragged clothes and golfer-type hat walks from behind the camera and towards the alley. Cut to alley, we now can see gamblers playing dice in the light of the fire. A pile of money is on the ground. The man enters from behind the camera.
Thug #1 – “Damn-it! I lost again!”
Thug #2 – “Sucks for you Don. Money’s mine.”
Don – “Ah man. Now I’m short five hundred bucks.”
Thug #2 –“Play again and you’ll be short a whole grand.”
Man –“How much coin to play?”
Thug #2 –“Shit man! Gave me a heart attack! Who the hell are you?”
Man – “The name’s Malone. Matches Malone.”
Thug #2 – “Matches Malone, eh? Sounds familiar.”
Malone – “I worked with Gobbs, right before he got killed.”
Thug #2 –“Right, I remember him. Whatever, he’s dead, and you were asking to play. How much you got?”
Malone –“Five hundred.”
He tosses five $100 bills to the ground.
Thug #2 –“That’ll do. Besides making one grand in one night, that will make my day.”
He tosses down his cash, twenty-five 20’s.
Malone –“We’ll see.”
Thug #2 –“Snake eyes to win, best two outta three. Here, you use these. You go first.”
Malone, with the dice in his fist, blows on the dice, shakes them, and rolls them. The dice roll and land, snake eyes. Thug #2 growls. He rolls. The dice start to land, the first one drops on a one. The second teeters on the verge of being a one, instead it lands on a two. He is getting angry.
Thug #2 –“You got lucky this round.”
Malone –“We’ll see.”
Malone rolls again. Snake eyes.
Malone –“You have two more rolls, let’s see what you can do.”
Thug #2 rolls again. Two two’s.
Malone – “Better luck next time.”
Malone starts to gather the money.
Don (imitation Malone) – “Better luck next time. Ha ha. You just got ripped Johnny, ha ha.
Johnny pulls a gun and aims at Don.
Johnny – “Shut up Don! I hear enough laughing from the clown!”
As Bruce realizes this, Johnny points the gun at him.
Johnny –“And you, give me my money.”
Malone –“Hold on pal, you say you’re working for the clown?”
Johnny –“Yeah and it ain’t none of your business, now and over my money!”
Malone –“Wait a sec, how about you tell me about the clown, and I’ll give you the cash?”
Johnny (as he starts to cock the gun) –“You sound like a cop, and I…”
Malone –“Bad move.”
Malone goes to neutralize the situation by knocking the gun from Johnny’s hand. Johnny gets a shot in first, right at Malone’s chest. Malone appears unaffected. Don, now scared, runs away. Malone knocks the gun away, throws an upper-cut to Johnny’s gut, knocking the air from him and he drops to his hands and knees.
Malone – “Now, Johnny, what do you know about the clown?”
Johnny –“Nothing, I swear man.”
Malone (lifting Johnny by his shirt collar) –“You’re lying.”
Malone raises his free fist, and starts a punch to Johnny’s face.
Johnny (scared) –“Wait, I’ll tell you. Just don’t hurt me anymore man.”
Malone (as he lowers his fist) –“Talk.”
Johnny –“Alright. The Joker’s staying in the abandoned Axis Chemical Plant. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know. But what I do know is, is that he’s planning something, and I dunno what. He mentioned something about the mob and big times. That’s all I know, I swear.”
Malone lets go of Johnny.
Malone –“Fine, now get out of here!”
Johnny runs and gets into his car. He starts to drive off.
Johnny –“Sucker, ha, ha, ha.”
Cut back to Malone. He walks back down the street and to a large pile of garbage bags. He reaches behind them and pulls out the Bat-cowl. He tears off his clothes, revealing the Bat-suit. He looks for a bullet hole for a moment, bud doesn’t find one, just a squished bullet. He sighs in relief and puts on the cowl.
Batman –“Time to get to work.”
Cut to black. End scene.
Cut to Joker’s hideout. Johnny enters.
Joker – “Well, I’m glad to see you made it home Johnny.”
Johnny – “Yeah well I had a little trouble on the streets. Had a run in with some guy, he acted like a cop. He tried askin where you were hiding out at. I told him you were in the dump that they call Axis Chemicals.”
Joker – “Delightful. Won’t he be in for a laugh when he sees that nobody’s home.”
Johnny – “Yeah well I shot at him, but I must have missed him.”
Joker – “What do you mean you shot at him and ‘missed him’?”
Jonny – “I mean I took a shot at him and he didn’t flinch.”
Joker – “You moron!”
Joker backhand’s Johnny.
Joker – “That guy, that you thought was a cop, was Batman!”
Johnny – “But Joker, how do you…”
Joker – “NO BUTS! It was Batman. And now, he’s headed to Axis right now. Let’s go!”
Johnny – “Go where?”
Joker – “We’re going shopping.”
Cut to black. End scene.
Cut to Axis Chemical Plant inside. Batman is snooping around.
Batman – “Alfred, there’s nothing here.”
Alfred – “In other words sir, you’ve been had.”
Batman – “Don’t remind me.”
Alfred – “Of course sir.”
Batman – There’s still one thing that bothers me.”
Alfred – “Do tell.”
Batman – “That man, he had no idea that I was Batman. Which if that is true, then why did he send me here.”
Alfred – “Maybe, it was just his way of escape.”
Batman – “Maybe, but if that’s true, then maybe what he said about the mob isn’t true either.”
Alfred – “Probably. In which case, you have nothing to worry about.”
Batman – “Yeah, I’m not so sure about that. Alfred it’s getting late. I’m heading on in. I have business to discuss tomorrow with Lucius.”
Alfred – “Very well, sir. I’ll have breakfast ready as soon as you arrive.”
Batman – “Thanks, Alfred.”
Cut. End scene.
Cut, back to Jokers hideout. Joker, Don, and Johnny come in carrying wires, and other electrical equipment.
Joker – “Great job boys.”
Don – “Hey boss, what are we gonna do with all this stuff?”
Joker – “All in due time boys, we can’t ruin the surprise now can we? Whoops, times up. Let’s go.”
Johnny – “Where to?”
Joker – “You’ll see.”
Cut. Morning arrives. The sun rises over Gotham. Cut to Wayne Enterprises. Inside, a man approaches the office door of Lucius Fox. The door is open, Fox is busy with work, the man knocks, Fox looks up as he enters and sits down.
Fox – “Mr. Wayne. A pleasure to see you this early in the morning. To what do I owe the visit?”
Wayne – Do you remember that Chinese company we were looking into?”
Fox – “I believe I do, let me see. Ah, yes. Lau Security Investments. What about them?”
Wayne – Do you think you could arrange for a business meeting with Mr. Lau in a few weeks?”
Fox – “I don’t see why not. I had just received a message from Lau just a few days ago expressing that he wanted to do just that.”
Wayne – “Perfect.”
Fox – “Is there anything else you would like to trouble me for?”
Wayne – “Ah, yes. Thanks for reminding me. Our friend at Gotham PD, he needs a way to track the mobs money.”
Fox – “Lightly irradiated bills. We can fix him up right here. All you, or he, would need would be a Geiger-counter. I’m sure we can get him one of those.”
Wayne – “Thanks a lot Lucius.”
Fox – “No problem Mr. Wayne.”
Wayne smiles and exits. End scene. Cut to Gotham Docks. Daytime. Joker and his henchmen are nearing a shipping area and are being approached by a security guard.
Guard – “Stop, you can’t come in…”
He is stopped short, Joker pulls a knife and slits the guards throat. He keeps on walking.
Joker – “What’s that? Didn’t hear you.”
They keep on walking, soon they see a large amount of barrels.
Joker – “Alright boys, let’s get a move on. We’ve got a lot of barrels to move.”
As the men start rolling the barrels to the van, Joker looks around. He notices a security camera. He walks towards the camera. It is right above his head in height. When he gets right in front of it, he stares into it. First he smiles, then, he starts to laugh. He cuts the cord, transmission ends. End scene.
Two weeks later. Bat signal up in sky.
Gordon – “Finally," turns off Bat signal, "been busy?”
Batman – “Depends on what you call busy. What’s up?”
Gordon – “We’ve gotten reports that Scarecrow has been selling his toxins to The Russian. Something I that thought would interest you. (A pause). Have you seen him?”
Batman – “No, but I’m sure he’s up to something, something big. It’s always big with him.”
Gordon – “I guess you’re right. We’ll just have to wait and see. By the way, thanks for that gift a few weeks ago. We’ve already got leads as to where they’re stashing most of their money.”
Batman – “Good.”
Gun shots are heard off in the distance.
Gordon – “I’m right behind you.”
Batman – “I know.”
Batman grabs his grappling hook, fires at nearest building.
