7. The Ending
There isnt a whole lot that needs to be said about the ending, its there on screen for all to see, however its interpreted is purely subjective but is that a good thing? Could it have been better? There are a few schools of thought here. Now the most obvious and it has to be said, likely, interpretation is as Alfred had previously described, what he had always hoped for. As he had earlier told of his hope to be on holiday, sitting at a table in Florence, to look up and see Bruce, they dont talk but they see each other, Bruce is free from burden and Alfred suitably relieved for him, all is well, they all live happily ever after etc. This is literally what the audience sees and most choose to interpret this in the literal sense. If this were indeed the case then it would be harsh to begrudge Batman the happy ending he thoroughly earned over the last 3 films. This probably is the case, right? Or did Batman really give everything? Whether he did or he didnt is open to interpretation and it would be churlish to try and convince you one-way or the other. What does work about this ending though, is that Nolan has effectively given Batman the ending hes earned the same way the audience gets their expected happy ending that was in doubt since his Batcopter (or whatever its called) disappears over Gothams skyline. It gives this whilst leaving that little smidgen of doubt, that can we really say for sure? level of uncertainty either leaving the audience satisfied because all is well that ends well or satisfied that they got their talking point, whatever they choose to believe. A relatively common suggestion has been that as this scene plays out, just as it did earlier in the film, as Alfred looks up the film ends, leaving the audience with an Inception-style did the spinning top start to wobble? type conundrum. This could work, but is the added mystery really necessary? This isnt Inception; its the end of a trilogy of superhero movies. To leave the audience guessing wouldnt be befitting of events leading to this point, that shred of doubt is just enough. Further to this is the Blake/Robin epilogue. Less of a talking point perhaps, though is Nolan potentially setting up some kind of spin-off here? Or is the idea just to show that whilst Batman may be done, hes aware Gotham still needs help and has left it in capable hands, hence the reminder from Gordon about the importance of a symbol. Still, was including the use of the name Robin a tad provocative?