(the Batmobile's jet blasts against 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 mais SHALLOW.
BATMAN
Hold on. Just hold on.
batman YANKS A LEVER-
EXT. 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 árvore 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 WATERFALL-
INT. 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.
capa 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. guindaste is
huddled in the corner, STARING.
GORDON
Is he cooperating?
DETECTIVE
If por 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)
guindaste 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 fluoride-
harmless 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, jantar jaqueta over his
arm. Wayne grabs the shirt- dressing hastily.
WAYNE
Rachel's sedated. You can take her
home.
ALFRED
Very good, sir.
WAYNE
Is raposa still here?
(Alfred nods)
Tell you staff to stop serving drinks
and mover 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 raposa 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 assento 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 clubes 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.
raposa 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
raposa is showing me the ropes down at
Applied Sciences... he's a great
untapped resource at our company,
aren't you, Mr.Fox?
raposa shoots Wayne a look, but Wayne WINKS and moves off.
FOX
He's a good kid.
EARLE
(cold)
Fox, forget about beijar Wayne's
bunda to get back in- I'm merging
Applied Sciences with central
archiving and you're topo, início 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 cama 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
guindaste 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 biblioteca 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 pergunta my humanity, Bruce-
when 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 fogo 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 corruption-
we'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 segundo 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 segundo 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?!
segundo TECHNICIAN
Some kind of pressure under the
Narrows... like the water's...
(confused)
...boiling.
TECHNICIAN
Did the valves hold?
segundo TECHNICIAN
Yeah, it's contained. For now.
EXT. BRIDGE TO ARKHAM/NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Cops STARE at the nuvem 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 ARM-
RACHEL
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 por 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
fogo 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 mais 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 mover 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 capa whipped around strong shoulders. A
graphite capota, capuz placed over an implacable face.
A DARK FIGURE swallowed por 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. guindaste is riding; in Scarecrow
mask. DRAGGING along behind, boot caught in the stirrup, a
dead MOUNTED POLICEMAN. guindaste TURNS TO RACHEL.
RACHEL
Crane!
guindaste 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 por 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
guindaste GALLOPS towards Rachel and Gordon and STOPS. Rioters
emerge behind them... he REARS UP to STAMP RACHEL AND GORDON-
Rachel fires her taser, plugging guindaste 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 MOB-
EXT. 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.
segundo 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, REALIZING-
RACHEL
Bruce-
But he is already FALLING...
EXT. OVER GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
batman FREE FALLS, capa flapping, sliding his gloves into
the activating pockets...
The capa 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, ACCELERATING-
INT. 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...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD -- CONTINUOUS
The Technician stares at the map: BLINKING LIGHTS reach CLOSER
AND CLOSER to Wayne Tower...
segundo TECHNICIAN
Pressure's building at the hub-
TECHNICIAN
Open all the run-off valves!
segundo TECHNICIAN
They're already blown!
The Technician, worried, looks at a PRESSURE GAUGE: the NEEDLE
is moving steadily HIGHER, towards the RED ZONE...
EXT. MONORAIL TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
The track ahead passes into an office building- batman noses
down- trying to get down onto the train before it reaches
the building... batman gets OVER the back of the train-it's
at the mouth of the tunnel- he COLLAPSES his cloak- DROPS
onto the train just as it BLASTS into the building-
INT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's hears a THUMP. He nods at his Ninjas. They mover into
the rear car, COCKING machine guns...
EXT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman lies on the roof- the train SPEEDS through the CANYONS
of downtown Gotham... BULLETS tear through the roof, several
HIT BATMAN- JOLTING him loose, spinning his SIDEWAYS-
INT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
The ninjas see a SHADOW FALL FROM THE ROOF. One of them
sticks his head up to check: nothing but fresh bullet holes.
At the Ninjas' feet, UNNOTICED, a GRAPPLING HOOK sticks
through the FLOOR of the train-
EXT. SURFACE STREETS BELOW THE MONORAIL -- CONTINUOUS
A small CROWD outside a store watch news on stacked T.V.'s.
The train STREAKS overhead. People look up, SHOCKED to see-
batman HANGING FROM THE TRAIN por HIS GRAPPLING CABLE, FLYING
ALONG, 15 feet in the air, dodging STOPLIGHTS and AWNINGS...
121.
The Train crosses over a busy intersection- batman FLIES
over CARS, between tall TRUCKS... behind him, in the train's
wake, manhole covers EXPLODE, fogo hydrants BURST...
batman STRUGGLES to fasten his grappling gun into his utility
belt, but he's being TOSSED too violently...
Up ahead: mais of Ra's Al Ghul's Ninjas ride in a truck,
preceding the train, guarding the monorail supports.
EXT. rua BELOW THE MONORAIL -- CONTINUOUS
In the truck, a Ninja puts a rocket-propelled grenade launcher
on his shoulder, sighting Batman- the others aim their guns.
A CURVE in the truck sends batman SWINGING UP into the glass
facade of a building, SMASHING ALONG THROUGH forty feet of
plate glass... he clears the glass, looks ahead- sees the
truck in his path, WEAPONS TRAINED ON HIM...
The machine armas open up- the TRIGGER of the RPG is SQUEEZED-
BLAM- with a SHUDDER the truck is KNOCKED SIDEWAYS por a
SPEEDING unmarked sedan- the grenade MISFIRES into the cab...
GORDON is at the wheel of the unmarked sedan- he DUCKS DOWN-
the truck EXPLODES... batman FLIES THROUGH THE FLAMES...
On the other side, the track DEAD ENDS at another tunnel...
Gordon looks up in time to see batman LATCH the grappling
gun into his belt- SHOOT UP, SKIRTING the lip of the tunnel...
INT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman JUMPS into the rear car- FIRES his grappling gun at a
Ninja's leg, YANKS him DOWN...
Ra's glances back from the front car, but can't see clearly.
batman DOWNS a Ninja with an ELBOW to the head. LEAPS for
the door between cars- a Ninja in the front car LOCKS it-
SMASH- Ra's TURNS to see batman at the rear door, glass
falling from the window, hands around the Ninja's THROAT...
RA'S AL GHUL
You!
batman DROPS the Ninja. LEADS UP out of sight.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD -- CONTINUOUS
ALARMS: The technician watches the blinking lights mover CLOSE
to the HUB... the pressure gauge needle tips into the RED-
122.
FIRST TECHNICIAN
Everybody out! Out of the building!!
segundo TECHNICIAN
But-
FIRST TECHNICIAN
We're sitting on the hub- she's gonna
blow and blow big, understand?
EXT. MONORAIL TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman moves progressivo, para a frente along the roof, capa FLAPPING madly
behind. Wayne Tower visible up ahead, the train STREAKING
DIZZYINGLY through the tight CANYONS of Gotham...
Ra's Al Ghul climbs up onto the roof at the front of the
train. Standing tall before Gotham, long casaco blowing around
his legs. He marvels at Batman.
RA'S AL GHUL
You took my conselhos about theatricality
a bit literally, don't you think?
He draws his sword from his cane. batman LUNGES at Ra's,
who SWINGS his sword at him- batman PARRIES with his gauntlet,
SPARKS striking off the metal scallops.
The train SHOOTS through a building, the airflow WHUMPING
down on the duelists...
Ra's SWINGS his cane- batman TRAPS it in his scallop- TWISTS
his arm- sends the cane SPINNING away.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Familiar...
Ra's THRUSTS his sword at Batman's chest, batman DODGES left,
dangerously close to the EDGE. He DUCKS at Ra's, who KNEES
him sideways, SWINGING him at the FRONT EDGE of the train...
batman REGAINS FOOTING- Ra's STRIKES DOWN at his head...
batman CROSSES HIS ARMS, CATCHING THE SWORD in the scallops
of BOTH gauntlets, HOLDING FAST...
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Don't you have anything new?
BATMAN
How about this?
batman YANKS his ARMS in OPPOSITE directions, BREAKING RA'S
AL GHUL'S SWORD IN TWO.
Ra's STUMBLES back, loses footing, SLIPS onto the roof,
SLIDING back toward the rear...
123.
batman looks ahead to Wayne Tower approaching...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD, WAYNE TOWER -- CONTINUOUS
The first technician watches the pressure gauge needle slide
up through the red. He CLOSES HIS EYES.
EXT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman leans over the front of train- FIRES his GRAPPLING
GUN into the front GUIDE WHEELS- which JAM, SPARKING,
GRINDING... cable SPOOLS out of the grappling gun... the
train SHUDDERS...
RA'S AL GHUL
(climbing to his feet)
What're you doing?!!
batman THROWS the grappling gun at the SPARKING guide wheel...
BATMAN
What's necessary.
The guide wheel HITS the grappling gun- BUMPS OFF ITS TRACK...
Ra's DIVES onto Batman- SMASHES him against the roof- the
train LURCHES, SCRAPING against the concrete guiderails...
batman ROLLS Ra's onto the bottom- but Ra's is CHOKING Batman,
THUMBS PUSHED DEEP INTO THE FLESH ABOVE BATMAN'S NECKPIECE...
batman STRUGGLES uselessly against Ra's Al Ghul IRON GRIP...
RA'S AL GHUL
Are you afraid?!!
Ra's looks up at Batman's DYING eyes... Batman's hands STOP
PUSHING against Ra's...
BATMAN
(choked)
Yes..
...and slip down his capa to the activating pockets-
batman (CONT'D)
...but not of you.
The capa goes RIGID- CATCHES THE WIND- like pulling a rip
cord- batman YANKED from Ra's Al Ghul's hands, INTO THE AIR...
Ra's SCREAMS as he rides the train OFF THE MONORAIL...
CRASHING DOWN INTO WAYNE PLAZA- DIGGING THROUGH THE CONCRETE-
METAL SHREDDING, MARBLE SHATTERING, DUST CLOUDS FLYING, PARKED
CARS EXPLODING...
124.
The Train has disintegrated into burning rubble just short
of the entrance to Wayne Station...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD, WAYNE TOWER -- CONTINUOUS
The Technician opens one eye. Then the other. And starts
breathing again.
EXT. WAYNE PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Massive fiery destruction. And above it all-
batman SOARS in a high bank, riding the thermals, staring
down at Ra's Al Ghul's funeral pyre...
And we-
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WAYNE PLAZA -- MORNING, DAYS LATER
Construction CREWS clear the RUBBLE, Lucius Fox, in hard
hat, supervises. Earle approaches, livid. raposa spots him.
FOX
This is a hard hat area.
EARLE
What are you doing here, Fox? I
seem to remember firing you.
FOX
Might be something to do with my new
job as head of Wayne Industries.
(off look)
Didn't you get the memo?
Earle stares at Fox, hard.
EARLE
Whose authority?
raposa points at Wayne's Rolls Royce idling nearby. Earle
strides towards it. raposa quietly smiles, turns to his work.
INT. ROLLS -- CONTINUOUS
Earle is BANGING on the window. Wayne rolls it down.
EARLE
You think you have authority to decide
who runs this company, Bruce?
WAYNE
It is my company.
125.
EARLE
Not anymore. Wayne Industries went
public a week ago-
WAYNE
And I bought most of the shares. A
controlling interest, in fact.
(off look)
Through various charitable
foundations, trusts and so forth...
Alfred is smiling in the front seat.
WAYNE (CONT'D)
Look, it's all a bit technical, but
the important thing is.... my
company's future is secure.
Earle is speechless. Wayne smiles. The Rolls pulls away.
EXT. GROUNDS, SMOKING RUINS OF WAYNE MANOR -- DAY
WORKERS sift through the smoking ruins, supervised por Alfred.
INT. ORANGERY -- CONTINUOUS
Soot-stained glass crunches underfoot as Rachel picks her
way through the smoking remnants of the greenhouse.
EXT. DISUSED cozinha GARDEN -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel finds Wayne hammering a board across the disused well.
He looks up at her. She approaches. He turns to the well.
WAYNE
Do you remember the dia I fell?
RACHEL
Of course.
Wayne looks down at the black gap yet to be covered.
WAYNE
As I lay there, I knew... I could
sense it...
RACHEL
What?
WAYNE
That things would never be the same.
RACHEL
What did you find down there?
Wayne picks up another board.
126.
WAYNE
Childhood's end.
Wayne places the board over over the gap. Closing the well.
EXT. SMOKING RUINS OF WAYNE MANOR -- MOMENTS LATER
Wayne walks Rachel past the ruins.
RACHEL
The dia you left Gotham... the day
Chill was murdered... I said terrible
things.
WAYNE
True things. You made me see that
justice is about mais than my own
pain and anger.
RACHEL
Well, you proved me wrong.
WAYNE
About what?
RACHEL
Your father would be proud of you.
Just as I am.
Wayne looks at her, emotion rising. He takes Rachel in his
arms and they kiss, passionately... desperately.
They break, Wayne looks into Rachel's eyes, hopeful. But
she gently shakes her head.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
(soft)
Between batman and Bruce Wayne,
there's no room for me.
WAYNE
Rachel, this life I chose... I can
give it up.
Rachel reaches up to his face with her hand.
RACHEL
You didn't choose the life, Bruce.
It was thrust upon you, the way
greatness often is. You've given
this city hope- now she's depending
on you. We all are.
Wayne looks at her. Aching. He nods.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Good-bye, Bruce.
127.
She walks away. Stops. Turns. Points at the ruins.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
What will you do?
Wayne looks at her. Glorious purpose in his eyes.
WAYNE
I'm going to rebuild it just the way
it was. Brick for brick.
Rachel nods. Walks off. Wayne stares after her. Alone...
But Alfred is at Wayne's shoulder. Watching his gaze.
ALFRED
Just the way it was, sir?
Wayne turns to Alfred.
WAYNE
Yes, why?
They stroll, side por side, towards the smoking ruins.
ALFRED
I thought we might take the
opportunity of making some
improvements to the foundation.
WAYNE
In the south east corner?
ALFRED
Precisely, sir.
DISSOLVE TO:
The irregular SHADOW of a BAT SYMBOL cast up onto turbulent
clouds... and we are-
EXT. ROOF, POLICE STATION -- NIGHT
Gordon sips coffee from a styrofoam cup. Beside him- an
upturned spotlight with a METAL STENCIL bolted to it.
A dark FLUTTERING, and batman is standing the other side of
the spotlight. He reaches out, taps the stencil.
BATMAN
Nice.
GORDON
(crushing his cup)
Couldn't find any mob bosses to strap
to the light.
128.
Gordon kills the searchlight. The two men stand opposite
each other in the dark.
BATMAN
Well, Sergeant?
GORDON
It's Lieutenant, now. Commissioner
Loeb had to promote me. And he had
to disband the task force hunting
you. Amazing what saving a city can
do for your image.
BATMAN
Then things are better.
GORDON
(nods)
You've started something- bent cops
running scared, hope on the streets...
Gordon leaves his sentence hanging between them.
BATMAN
But?
GORDON
But there's a lot of weirdness out
there right now... the Narrows is
lost... we still haven't picked up
guindaste or half the inmates of Arkham
that he freed...
BATMAN
We will. Gotham will return to
normal.
GORDON
Will it? What about escalation?
BATMAN
Escalation?
GORDON
We start carrying semiautomatics,
they buy automatics... we start
wearing kevlar, they buy armor-
piercing rounds...
BATMAN
And?
Gordon leans closer to Batman. Points at him.
GORDON
And... you're wearing a mask and
jumping off rooftops...
129.
Gordon fishes in his pocket.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Take this guy...
He pulls out a clear plastic evidence bag.
GORDON (CONT'D)
...armed robbery, double homicide...
Inside the clear plastic bag is a PLAYING CARD.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Got a taste for theatrics, like you...
Gordon hands batman the bag.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Leaves a calling card.
batman turns the card over.
It is a JOKER.
BATMAN
I'll look into it.
He steps up onto the balustrade. Gordon looks at him.
GORDON
I never said thank you.
batman looks out at the lights of Gotham. capa billowing
around him.
BATMAN
And you'll never have to.
batman DROPS from the rooftop, GLIDING on the night wind.
Gordon smiles. He can't help it.
FADE OUT.
CREDITS.
END.
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 mais SHALLOW.
BATMAN
Hold on. Just hold on.
batman YANKS A LEVER-
EXT. 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 árvore 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 WATERFALL-
INT. 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.
capa 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. guindaste is
huddled in the corner, STARING.
GORDON
Is he cooperating?
DETECTIVE
If por 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)
guindaste 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 fluoride-
harmless 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, jantar jaqueta over his
arm. Wayne grabs the shirt- dressing hastily.
WAYNE
Rachel's sedated. You can take her
home.
ALFRED
Very good, sir.
WAYNE
Is raposa still here?
(Alfred nods)
Tell you staff to stop serving drinks
and mover 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 raposa 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 assento 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 clubes 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.
raposa 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
raposa is showing me the ropes down at
Applied Sciences... he's a great
untapped resource at our company,
aren't you, Mr.Fox?
raposa shoots Wayne a look, but Wayne WINKS and moves off.
FOX
He's a good kid.
EARLE
(cold)
Fox, forget about beijar Wayne's
bunda to get back in- I'm merging
Applied Sciences with central
archiving and you're topo, início 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 cama 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
guindaste 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 biblioteca 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 pergunta my humanity, Bruce-
when 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 fogo 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 corruption-
we'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 segundo 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 segundo 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?!
segundo TECHNICIAN
Some kind of pressure under the
Narrows... like the water's...
(confused)
...boiling.
TECHNICIAN
Did the valves hold?
segundo TECHNICIAN
Yeah, it's contained. For now.
EXT. BRIDGE TO ARKHAM/NARROWS -- CONTINUOUS
Cops STARE at the nuvem 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 ARM-
RACHEL
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 por 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
fogo 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 mais 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 mover 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 capa whipped around strong shoulders. A
graphite capota, capuz placed over an implacable face.
A DARK FIGURE swallowed por 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. guindaste is riding; in Scarecrow
mask. DRAGGING along behind, boot caught in the stirrup, a
dead MOUNTED POLICEMAN. guindaste TURNS TO RACHEL.
RACHEL
Crane!
guindaste 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 por 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
guindaste GALLOPS towards Rachel and Gordon and STOPS. Rioters
emerge behind them... he REARS UP to STAMP RACHEL AND GORDON-
Rachel fires her taser, plugging guindaste 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 MOB-
EXT. 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.
segundo 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, REALIZING-
RACHEL
Bruce-
But he is already FALLING...
EXT. OVER GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS
batman FREE FALLS, capa flapping, sliding his gloves into
the activating pockets...
The capa 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, ACCELERATING-
INT. 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...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD -- CONTINUOUS
The Technician stares at the map: BLINKING LIGHTS reach CLOSER
AND CLOSER to Wayne Tower...
segundo TECHNICIAN
Pressure's building at the hub-
TECHNICIAN
Open all the run-off valves!
segundo TECHNICIAN
They're already blown!
The Technician, worried, looks at a PRESSURE GAUGE: the NEEDLE
is moving steadily HIGHER, towards the RED ZONE...
EXT. MONORAIL TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
The track ahead passes into an office building- batman noses
down- trying to get down onto the train before it reaches
the building... batman gets OVER the back of the train-it's
at the mouth of the tunnel- he COLLAPSES his cloak- DROPS
onto the train just as it BLASTS into the building-
INT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
Ra's hears a THUMP. He nods at his Ninjas. They mover into
the rear car, COCKING machine guns...
EXT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman lies on the roof- the train SPEEDS through the CANYONS
of downtown Gotham... BULLETS tear through the roof, several
HIT BATMAN- JOLTING him loose, spinning his SIDEWAYS-
INT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
The ninjas see a SHADOW FALL FROM THE ROOF. One of them
sticks his head up to check: nothing but fresh bullet holes.
At the Ninjas' feet, UNNOTICED, a GRAPPLING HOOK sticks
through the FLOOR of the train-
EXT. SURFACE STREETS BELOW THE MONORAIL -- CONTINUOUS
A small CROWD outside a store watch news on stacked T.V.'s.
The train STREAKS overhead. People look up, SHOCKED to see-
batman HANGING FROM THE TRAIN por HIS GRAPPLING CABLE, FLYING
ALONG, 15 feet in the air, dodging STOPLIGHTS and AWNINGS...
121.
The Train crosses over a busy intersection- batman FLIES
over CARS, between tall TRUCKS... behind him, in the train's
wake, manhole covers EXPLODE, fogo hydrants BURST...
batman STRUGGLES to fasten his grappling gun into his utility
belt, but he's being TOSSED too violently...
Up ahead: mais of Ra's Al Ghul's Ninjas ride in a truck,
preceding the train, guarding the monorail supports.
EXT. rua BELOW THE MONORAIL -- CONTINUOUS
In the truck, a Ninja puts a rocket-propelled grenade launcher
on his shoulder, sighting Batman- the others aim their guns.
A CURVE in the truck sends batman SWINGING UP into the glass
facade of a building, SMASHING ALONG THROUGH forty feet of
plate glass... he clears the glass, looks ahead- sees the
truck in his path, WEAPONS TRAINED ON HIM...
The machine armas open up- the TRIGGER of the RPG is SQUEEZED-
BLAM- with a SHUDDER the truck is KNOCKED SIDEWAYS por a
SPEEDING unmarked sedan- the grenade MISFIRES into the cab...
GORDON is at the wheel of the unmarked sedan- he DUCKS DOWN-
the truck EXPLODES... batman FLIES THROUGH THE FLAMES...
On the other side, the track DEAD ENDS at another tunnel...
Gordon looks up in time to see batman LATCH the grappling
gun into his belt- SHOOT UP, SKIRTING the lip of the tunnel...
INT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman JUMPS into the rear car- FIRES his grappling gun at a
Ninja's leg, YANKS him DOWN...
Ra's glances back from the front car, but can't see clearly.
batman DOWNS a Ninja with an ELBOW to the head. LEAPS for
the door between cars- a Ninja in the front car LOCKS it-
SMASH- Ra's TURNS to see batman at the rear door, glass
falling from the window, hands around the Ninja's THROAT...
RA'S AL GHUL
You!
batman DROPS the Ninja. LEADS UP out of sight.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD -- CONTINUOUS
ALARMS: The technician watches the blinking lights mover CLOSE
to the HUB... the pressure gauge needle tips into the RED-
122.
FIRST TECHNICIAN
Everybody out! Out of the building!!
segundo TECHNICIAN
But-
FIRST TECHNICIAN
We're sitting on the hub- she's gonna
blow and blow big, understand?
EXT. MONORAIL TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman moves progressivo, para a frente along the roof, capa FLAPPING madly
behind. Wayne Tower visible up ahead, the train STREAKING
DIZZYINGLY through the tight CANYONS of Gotham...
Ra's Al Ghul climbs up onto the roof at the front of the
train. Standing tall before Gotham, long casaco blowing around
his legs. He marvels at Batman.
RA'S AL GHUL
You took my conselhos about theatricality
a bit literally, don't you think?
He draws his sword from his cane. batman LUNGES at Ra's,
who SWINGS his sword at him- batman PARRIES with his gauntlet,
SPARKS striking off the metal scallops.
The train SHOOTS through a building, the airflow WHUMPING
down on the duelists...
Ra's SWINGS his cane- batman TRAPS it in his scallop- TWISTS
his arm- sends the cane SPINNING away.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Familiar...
Ra's THRUSTS his sword at Batman's chest, batman DODGES left,
dangerously close to the EDGE. He DUCKS at Ra's, who KNEES
him sideways, SWINGING him at the FRONT EDGE of the train...
batman REGAINS FOOTING- Ra's STRIKES DOWN at his head...
batman CROSSES HIS ARMS, CATCHING THE SWORD in the scallops
of BOTH gauntlets, HOLDING FAST...
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Don't you have anything new?
BATMAN
How about this?
batman YANKS his ARMS in OPPOSITE directions, BREAKING RA'S
AL GHUL'S SWORD IN TWO.
Ra's STUMBLES back, loses footing, SLIPS onto the roof,
SLIDING back toward the rear...
123.
batman looks ahead to Wayne Tower approaching...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD, WAYNE TOWER -- CONTINUOUS
The first technician watches the pressure gauge needle slide
up through the red. He CLOSES HIS EYES.
EXT. TRAIN -- CONTINUOUS
batman leans over the front of train- FIRES his GRAPPLING
GUN into the front GUIDE WHEELS- which JAM, SPARKING,
GRINDING... cable SPOOLS out of the grappling gun... the
train SHUDDERS...
RA'S AL GHUL
(climbing to his feet)
What're you doing?!!
batman THROWS the grappling gun at the SPARKING guide wheel...
BATMAN
What's necessary.
The guide wheel HITS the grappling gun- BUMPS OFF ITS TRACK...
Ra's DIVES onto Batman- SMASHES him against the roof- the
train LURCHES, SCRAPING against the concrete guiderails...
batman ROLLS Ra's onto the bottom- but Ra's is CHOKING Batman,
THUMBS PUSHED DEEP INTO THE FLESH ABOVE BATMAN'S NECKPIECE...
batman STRUGGLES uselessly against Ra's Al Ghul IRON GRIP...
RA'S AL GHUL
Are you afraid?!!
Ra's looks up at Batman's DYING eyes... Batman's hands STOP
PUSHING against Ra's...
BATMAN
(choked)
Yes..
...and slip down his capa to the activating pockets-
batman (CONT'D)
...but not of you.
The capa goes RIGID- CATCHES THE WIND- like pulling a rip
cord- batman YANKED from Ra's Al Ghul's hands, INTO THE AIR...
Ra's SCREAMS as he rides the train OFF THE MONORAIL...
CRASHING DOWN INTO WAYNE PLAZA- DIGGING THROUGH THE CONCRETE-
METAL SHREDDING, MARBLE SHATTERING, DUST CLOUDS FLYING, PARKED
CARS EXPLODING...
124.
The Train has disintegrated into burning rubble just short
of the entrance to Wayne Station...
INT. CONTROL ROOM, WATER BOARD, WAYNE TOWER -- CONTINUOUS
The Technician opens one eye. Then the other. And starts
breathing again.
EXT. WAYNE PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Massive fiery destruction. And above it all-
batman SOARS in a high bank, riding the thermals, staring
down at Ra's Al Ghul's funeral pyre...
And we-
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WAYNE PLAZA -- MORNING, DAYS LATER
Construction CREWS clear the RUBBLE, Lucius Fox, in hard
hat, supervises. Earle approaches, livid. raposa spots him.
FOX
This is a hard hat area.
EARLE
What are you doing here, Fox? I
seem to remember firing you.
FOX
Might be something to do with my new
job as head of Wayne Industries.
(off look)
Didn't you get the memo?
Earle stares at Fox, hard.
EARLE
Whose authority?
raposa points at Wayne's Rolls Royce idling nearby. Earle
strides towards it. raposa quietly smiles, turns to his work.
INT. ROLLS -- CONTINUOUS
Earle is BANGING on the window. Wayne rolls it down.
EARLE
You think you have authority to decide
who runs this company, Bruce?
WAYNE
It is my company.
125.
EARLE
Not anymore. Wayne Industries went
public a week ago-
WAYNE
And I bought most of the shares. A
controlling interest, in fact.
(off look)
Through various charitable
foundations, trusts and so forth...
Alfred is smiling in the front seat.
WAYNE (CONT'D)
Look, it's all a bit technical, but
the important thing is.... my
company's future is secure.
Earle is speechless. Wayne smiles. The Rolls pulls away.
EXT. GROUNDS, SMOKING RUINS OF WAYNE MANOR -- DAY
WORKERS sift through the smoking ruins, supervised por Alfred.
INT. ORANGERY -- CONTINUOUS
Soot-stained glass crunches underfoot as Rachel picks her
way through the smoking remnants of the greenhouse.
EXT. DISUSED cozinha GARDEN -- CONTINUOUS
Rachel finds Wayne hammering a board across the disused well.
He looks up at her. She approaches. He turns to the well.
WAYNE
Do you remember the dia I fell?
RACHEL
Of course.
Wayne looks down at the black gap yet to be covered.
WAYNE
As I lay there, I knew... I could
sense it...
RACHEL
What?
WAYNE
That things would never be the same.
RACHEL
What did you find down there?
Wayne picks up another board.
126.
WAYNE
Childhood's end.
Wayne places the board over over the gap. Closing the well.
EXT. SMOKING RUINS OF WAYNE MANOR -- MOMENTS LATER
Wayne walks Rachel past the ruins.
RACHEL
The dia you left Gotham... the day
Chill was murdered... I said terrible
things.
WAYNE
True things. You made me see that
justice is about mais than my own
pain and anger.
RACHEL
Well, you proved me wrong.
WAYNE
About what?
RACHEL
Your father would be proud of you.
Just as I am.
Wayne looks at her, emotion rising. He takes Rachel in his
arms and they kiss, passionately... desperately.
They break, Wayne looks into Rachel's eyes, hopeful. But
she gently shakes her head.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
(soft)
Between batman and Bruce Wayne,
there's no room for me.
WAYNE
Rachel, this life I chose... I can
give it up.
Rachel reaches up to his face with her hand.
RACHEL
You didn't choose the life, Bruce.
It was thrust upon you, the way
greatness often is. You've given
this city hope- now she's depending
on you. We all are.
Wayne looks at her. Aching. He nods.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Good-bye, Bruce.
127.
She walks away. Stops. Turns. Points at the ruins.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
What will you do?
Wayne looks at her. Glorious purpose in his eyes.
WAYNE
I'm going to rebuild it just the way
it was. Brick for brick.
Rachel nods. Walks off. Wayne stares after her. Alone...
But Alfred is at Wayne's shoulder. Watching his gaze.
ALFRED
Just the way it was, sir?
Wayne turns to Alfred.
WAYNE
Yes, why?
They stroll, side por side, towards the smoking ruins.
ALFRED
I thought we might take the
opportunity of making some
improvements to the foundation.
WAYNE
In the south east corner?
ALFRED
Precisely, sir.
DISSOLVE TO:
The irregular SHADOW of a BAT SYMBOL cast up onto turbulent
clouds... and we are-
EXT. ROOF, POLICE STATION -- NIGHT
Gordon sips coffee from a styrofoam cup. Beside him- an
upturned spotlight with a METAL STENCIL bolted to it.
A dark FLUTTERING, and batman is standing the other side of
the spotlight. He reaches out, taps the stencil.
BATMAN
Nice.
GORDON
(crushing his cup)
Couldn't find any mob bosses to strap
to the light.
128.
Gordon kills the searchlight. The two men stand opposite
each other in the dark.
BATMAN
Well, Sergeant?
GORDON
It's Lieutenant, now. Commissioner
Loeb had to promote me. And he had
to disband the task force hunting
you. Amazing what saving a city can
do for your image.
BATMAN
Then things are better.
GORDON
(nods)
You've started something- bent cops
running scared, hope on the streets...
Gordon leaves his sentence hanging between them.
BATMAN
But?
GORDON
But there's a lot of weirdness out
there right now... the Narrows is
lost... we still haven't picked up
guindaste or half the inmates of Arkham
that he freed...
BATMAN
We will. Gotham will return to
normal.
GORDON
Will it? What about escalation?
BATMAN
Escalation?
GORDON
We start carrying semiautomatics,
they buy automatics... we start
wearing kevlar, they buy armor-
piercing rounds...
BATMAN
And?
Gordon leans closer to Batman. Points at him.
GORDON
And... you're wearing a mask and
jumping off rooftops...
129.
Gordon fishes in his pocket.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Take this guy...
He pulls out a clear plastic evidence bag.
GORDON (CONT'D)
...armed robbery, double homicide...
Inside the clear plastic bag is a PLAYING CARD.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Got a taste for theatrics, like you...
Gordon hands batman the bag.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Leaves a calling card.
batman turns the card over.
It is a JOKER.
BATMAN
I'll look into it.
He steps up onto the balustrade. Gordon looks at him.
GORDON
I never said thank you.
batman looks out at the lights of Gotham. capa billowing
around him.
BATMAN
And you'll never have to.
batman DROPS from the rooftop, GLIDING on the night wind.
Gordon smiles. He can't help it.
FADE OUT.
CREDITS.
END.