As Wayne hoists himself up onto the precipice something explodes from the cliff face. Wayne flinches – bats … They circle up to the opening above …
Wayne closes his eyes. The chant rises. Wayne takes a breath … opens his eyes … looks down at the drop … up again … then he jumps.
Time skips a beat as the Prisoners stop breathing.
And Wayne grabs the ledge above.
The Prisoners go wild as Wayne hoists himself up onto the ledge. The Blind Prisoner nods. Wayne climbs to freedom.
EXT. CAVE PRISON, NEAR A FORTRESS – CONTINUOUS 236
Wayne climbs out of the hole and into formidable desolation. He shoulders his pack – spots a large coil of rope attached to the wall. He pushes it into the hole then walks away …
INT. BASEMENT, ABANDONED STOCK EXCHANGE – DAY 237
A mass of huddled Gothamites. Professionals (traders, industrialists). In a corner, Fox. Mercenaries come down into the chamber, pull out a man, who starts yelling. It is Stryver, Daggett’s functionary.
STRYVER
I want to see Bane! There’s been a mistake! Take me to Bane!
Fox watches him dragged upstairs …
INT. ABANDONED STOCK EXCHANGE – MOMENTS LATER 238
A kangaroo court. Stryver is dragged before a jeering crowd.
STRYVER
This is a mistake! Where’s Bane?!
VOICE
(o.s.)
There’s been no mistake, Mr. Stryver.
Stryver turns to look at the ‘judge’: Dr. Jonathan Crane.
CRANE
You are Philip Stryver, executive vice-president of Daggett Industries? (Off nod from Stryver.) The same Philip Stryver who for years has lived like a prince off the blood and sweat of people less powerful?
STRYVER
Call Bane! I’m one of you!
Jeers. Pull back to reveal a silent figure, watching. Bane.
CRANE
Bane has no authority here. This is merely a sentencing hearing. The choice is yours, death or exile.
Stryver looks around, terrified, as the crowd shouts ‘Death’.
STRYVER
Exile.
CRANE
(smashes gavel)
Sold … to the man in the cold sweat!
Mercenaries pull Stryver from the dock …
EXT. GOTHAM RIVER – DAY 239
Stryver, with other wealthy Gothamites, is led down to the ice. A Blackgate Inmate undoes his handcuffs, whispering.
BLACKGATE INMATE
Follow the thick ice. Try to swim – you’re dead in minutes.
STRYVER
Has anyone made it?
The Blackgate Inmate turns away. Stryver is forced onto the ice. He shuffles forward, listening to the creaking …
Stryver is a hundred yards out when the river swallows him.
INT. EMPTY OFFICE BUILDING – DAY 240
Gordon stands over a map of the city. A handful of Cops sit around the room. Waiting. Gordon looks at his watch.
GORDON
Where the hell are they? It’s not like we have a lot of time, here.
COP
How long?
GORDON
The bomb goes off tomorrow. We’ve got about eighteen hours to do something.
COP
To do what?
GORDON
We mark that truck. Get a GPS on it, then we can start thinking about how to take it down.
The door opens and Blake enters, followed by ten cops. Gordon is counting them in. He moves to Blake.
GORDON
(low)
That’s it?
Blake just looks at him. Gordon checks the faces. Realizes.
GORDON
Foley. Where’s Foley, dammit?!
Gordon heads for the door.
BLAKE
You shouldn’t be out on the streets –
EXT. FOLEY’S BROWNSTONE – DAY 241
Gordon hurries up the steps to a brownstone. Stabs the bell.
FOLEY’S WIFE
Jim. He’s not here –
Gordon, furious, addresses the hallway behind her.
GORDON
You’re sending your wife to the door when the city’s under occupation?!
Foley appears at the end of the corridor. Ashamed.
FOLEY
Wait in the kitchen, honey.
GORDON
What did you do, bury your uniform in the backyard?
FOLEY
Jim, you saw what they did to those Special Forces.
GORDON
You forgotten all the years we went out on patrol with every gangbanger wanting to plant one as soon as our backs were turned?
FOLEY
That’s different, and you know it. These guys run the city – the government’s done a deal with them –
GORDON
Deal?! Bane’s got their balls in a vice. That’s not a deal –
FOLEY
You move against Bane, the triggerman’s gonna hit the button –
GORDON
You think he’s given control of that bomb to one of ‘the people’?! You think this is part of some revolution? There’s one man with his finger on the button – Bane.
FOLEY
We have to keep our heads down till they can fix this. If you still had family here maybe you’d –
GORDON
This only gets fixed from inside the city, Foley. (Calmer.) Look, I’m not asking you to walk down Grand in your dress blues. But we’ve got to do something before this maniac blows us all to hell.
FOLEY
I’m sorry, Jim. I gotta –
GORDON
Keep your head down? What’s that gonna do tomorrow, when that thing blows?
FOLEY
You don’t know that’s going to happen.
Foley closes the door on Gordon. Gordon stands there.
MIRANDA
(o.s.)
I hear you’re looking for men, Commissioner.
Gordon turns to see Miranda, Blake behind her. Blake shrugs.
MIRANDA
How about me, instead?
GORDON
Miss Tate, I can’t ask you –
MIRANDA
My company built it.
GORDON
Bruce Wayne built it.
MIRANDA
And he wanted to destroy it. It was me who didn’t listen. Please.
Gordon looks at Blake. Then Miranda. Nods.
GORDON
Let’s go.
EXT. GOTHAM STREET – DAY 242
A Kid sprints down the deserted street, chased by two Gangbangers. The Kid slips in the snow – the men are on him.
GANGBANGER
You steal from us, you little bastard?
They grab the Kid’s backpack, the Gangbanger pulls out an apple, moves to hit the Kid when – smack! – his hand is grabbed, and the apple flies into the air as his arm cracks. Selina catches the apple.
SELINA
You boys know you can’t come in my neighborhood without asking politely.
Gangbanger 2 lunges with a knife – she spins him, making him stab himself in the backside. The Gangbangers run off, howling. The Kid eyes her, wary.
SELINA
Never steal anything from someone you can’t outrun, kid.
KID
Now, you’re gonna take it.
Selina looks at the red apple. Takes one perfect bite.
SELINA
Just tax.
She tosses him the apple. He takes it and runs.
WAYNE
(o.s.)
Pretty generous for a thief.
Selina recognizes the voice. Turns to find Wayne – strong, but weathered. Beard, work clothes.
SELINA
You came back. I thought they’d killed you.
WAYNE
Not yet.
SELINA
If you’re expecting an apology –
WAYNE
It wouldn’t suit you.
I need your help.
SELINA
And why would I help you?
Wayne pulls a USB drive out of his pocket.
WAYNE
For this. The ‘Clean Slate’.
SELINA
You’re gonna trust me with that? After what I did to you?
WAYNE
I’ll admit I felt a little let down. But I still think there’s more to you. In fact, I think for you – (indicates USB) this isn’t a tool, it’s an escape route. You want to disappear. Start fresh.
She looks at him. Takes the drive, staring at it.
SELINA
Start fresh? I can’t even get off this island.
WAYNE
I can give you a way off. Once you’ve gotten me to Lucius Fox. I need you to find out where they’re holding him. Then take me in.
SELINA
Why do you need Fox?
WAYNE
To save this city.
SELINA
Who says it needs saving? Maybe I like it this way.
WAYNE
Maybe you do. But tomorrow that bomb’s going off.
SELINA
Get your powerful friend on the case.
WAYNE
I’m trying. But I need Fox.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS – DAY 243
Gordon and his Men are in two-man teams. Gordon is walking down the street with Miranda. He hands her a Geiger counter.
GORDON
Stay further up the block. (Points at Men.) They’re gonna cross the street and try and slow the truck down. As it approaches, hit this button. If the needle hits two hundred – give me the signal and I mark the truck. Okay?
BLAKE
(over radio)
Heads up.
Blake is up on a rooftop. Gordon moves down to the other end of the block. As the truck rumbles into view, Gordon’s Men walk out into the street in front of it as if crossing the road. The convoy barely slows. Miranda gives Gordon the signal. As the truck comes past he tosses a magnetic GPS locator at the lower part of the truck …
Gordon regroups with his Men on the corner. Checks his GPS.
GORDON
Got it.
They keep moving, turning down the next street … into an ambush. Dozens of Mercenaries, weapons trained.
MERCENARY
Commissioner Gordon, you’re under arrest.
GORDON
On whose authority?
MERCENARY
The people of Gotham.
Blake, from his vantage point, watches Gordon, Miranda and the other Cops being rounded up and led away …
INT. BASEMENT, ABANDONED STOCK EXCHANGE – DAY 244
Miranda comforts a crying Woman in a corner. Thugs come down the stairs, laughing, leading a Hooded Prisoner. They kick him down the last step and he stumbles. Fox moves to his aid.
BASEMENT THUG 1
Find this one a spot, he’s got a big day tomorrow.
They dump the Hooded Man with Fox.
BASEMENT THUG 2
We all do. It’s not every day you bag Bruce Wayne …
Fox hears this. Pulls the bag from Wayne’s head. Wayne nods at him, silent. Fox nods back. The Thugs leave. Miranda comes over.
MIRANDA
Bruce?
FOX
You picked a hell of time to go on vacation, Mr. Wayne.
WAYNE
How long till the core ignites?
FOX
That bomb goes off in twelve hours.
WAYNE
Unless we can reconnect it to the reactor.
FOX
If you can get it there. I’ll find a way to plug it back in. (Indicates Miranda.) Can you get Miranda out?
WAYNE
Not tonight. I’m sorry.
MIRANDA
Do what’s necessary.
WAYNE
(to Fox)
Tonight I need you.
FOX
What for?
WAYNE
To get me back in the game.
Catwoman comes down the stairs with the Thugs.
CATWOMAN
Sorry to spoil things, boys, but Bane wants these guys himself …
The Thugs pull Wayne and Fox to their feet – Miranda looks up.
WAYNE
I won’t forget about you.
MIRANDA
I know.
EXT. COLONNADE, HOLDING AREA – CONTINUOUS 244A
The Thugs lead Wayne and Fox along the colonnade. Catwoman spins, takes out one Thug with a heel, one with a punch to the throat. Fox smiles as she unlocks his wrists.
FOX
I like your girlfriend, Mr. Wayne.
CATWOMAN
He should be so lucky.
And she’s gone. Fox turns to Wayne. Who shrugs.
INT. DARK SPACE – NIGHT 245
Lights flicker on … Wayne and Fox are in the Bat-Bunker.
WAYNE
Any move I make against Bane or the bomb – the triggerman sets it off.
FOX
They can’t be using radio or cell – too much interference. Infrared doesn’t have the range. It could only be micro-burst long wave …
Wayne opens a panel in the wall, takes out equipment: mini-mines, Batarangs, utility belt …
WAYNE
Could you block it?
FOX
Yes. I need the EMP cannon-guidance mount from the Bat. You remember where you parked?
Wayne nods. Smiles. The Batsuit rises from the floor …
INT. ABANDONED STOCK EXCHANGE – EVENING (LATE DAY) 246
Gordon and his men on trial. Crane presides.
CRANE
The charges are espionage and attempted sabotage … Do you have anything to say in your defense?
GORDON
No lawyer, no witnesses. What sort of due process is this?
CRANE
More than you gave Harvey’s prisoners, Commissioner. Your guilt is determined, this is merely a sentencing hearing. What’s it to be, death or exile?
GORDON
Crane, if you think we are going willingly out onto that ice, you’ve got another think coming.
CRANE
Death, then?
GORDON
Looks that way.
CRANE
Very well … Death … (Smiles.) By exile.
He smashes his gavel. Bane leans in to one of his men, indicates Miranda.
BANE
Bring her to me.
INT. STAIRWELL, SKYSCRAPER – SUNSET 247
Wayne bounds up the stairs. Fox follows, out of breath.
LUCIUS
I think it’s time to talk about my year-end bonus …
EXT. ROOFTOP, SKYSCRAPER, GOTHAM – MOMENTS LATER 248
Fox emerges to see Wayne uncovering the Bat … As the sun sets, Fox starts pulling apart the gun mount.
FOX
She fly pretty well?
WAYNE
Even without the autopilot …
FOX
Autopilot? That’s what you’re there for.
EXT. GOTHAM RIVER – NIGHT 249
Gordon and the rest of the men stand at the edge of the ice. A Mercenary fires his gun in the air. Gordon takes a breath, then leads his men onto the ice … which creaks and groans …
Further out, Gordon stops – sniffs – looks down: a pool of liquid, beside it: a flare. Gordon picks it up, puzzled.
BATMAN
(o.s.)
Light it up.
Gordon, energized by the familiar voice, lights the flare – jams it into the liquid, sending a trail of fire across the ice – up onto a building where it forms the shape of a bat …
INT. FOLEY’S BROWNSTONE – CONTINUOUS 250
FOLEY’S KIDS
Dad! Check it out!
FOLEY’S WIFE
Honey, take a look!
Foley moves to a back window. Sees the flaming sign.
EXT. GOTHAM STREET – CONTINUOUS 251
A Mercenary nervously approaches B
ane’s back.
MERCENARY
Sir?
Bane turns. The Mercenary points at the sign.
MERCENARY
You think it’s really him?
BANE
Impossible …
INT. FOLEY’S BROWNSTONE, BEDROOM – MOMENTS LATER 252
Foley yanks up the floorboards. Pulls his dress blues from their hiding place.
EXT. OUTFLOW PIPE, ACKERMAN PARK – CONTINUOUS 253
Mercenaries guarding the entrance see the sign. One of them moves out to get a better look. Wham! He is taken out by a dark figure. The figure steps into the light – it is Blake …
EXT. GOTHAM RIVER – CONTINUOUS 254
Batman hands Gordon a metal box.
BATMAN
This blocks the remote detonator signal to the bomb. Get it onto the truck by sunrise. They might hit the button when it starts.
GORDON
When what starts?
BATMAN
War.
EXT. OUTFLOW PIPE, ACKERMAN PARK – CONTINUOUS 255
Blake takes out a second Mercenary – moves over to the open manhole. Ross emerges – nods at Blake, who helps him climb out. Bang – Ross goes down as Blake dives for cover. Blake is grabbed by Mercenaries. They detonate the manhole, sealing it, prepare to execute Blake. A dark shape drops onto the Mercenaries … Blake watches, in awe, as Batman takes them out in a fury of punches and kicks – then it is finished. Quiet. One of the Mercenaries moves slightly.
BLAKE
You missed a spot.
Batman boots him in the head as he moves towards Blake.
BATMAN
If you’re working alone, wear a mask.
BLAKE
No one cares who I am.
BATMAN
The mask’s not for you. It’s to protect the people you care about.
BLAKE
Huh. And you always seem to know where those people are. How is that?
THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY: The Complete Screenplays with Storyboards Page 36