The Dark Knight Rises: Review: Novelisation

by Greg Cox, based on the screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, and a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer

Titan Books, out now

When his beloved city is threatened by Bane, Bruce Wayne realises that he must bring his alter ego out of retirement – but is he fit for the job?

Elsewhere on this site Paul Kane has reviewed the tremendous movie that brings to a conclusion Christopher Nolan’s take on the Dark Knight. Greg Cox has brought that story to life in print form – pretty much scene for scene, line of dialogue for line of dialogue. Those who were hoping for some deleted scenes seeing the light of day here will be disappointed: the only discernible change between the two is that Alfred – correctly – is deferential to “Master Bruce” rather than “Master Wayne” as he is in the film.

However Cox has been allowed to fill in some of the backstory for the characters: the “disposable scientist” gets more development, particularly in the opening sequences, and it’s interesting to note from whose point of view scenes are not given (a bit of a clue to one of the final reveals). One of the more challenging aspects is the recounting of the child’s escape from the prison: an astute reader will perhaps guess at one element, revealed later in the film, from Cox’s telling. Any history for Batman and Commissioner Gordon, though, is completely based on the movie trilogy (although I won’t be surprised if the odd Easter Egg has slipped in.)

Verdict: A great souvenir of a terrific film. 8/10

Paul Simpson