The Dark Knight Rises compared to Batman Returns

[Edd Grayson]

I think you've nailed it with the giant bat. It all makes sense now.

[johnnygobbs]

Yes, maybe I'd need to see the film in context to fully understand it.  It doesn't make sense as a standalone scene because I don't get a sense of Bruce's angst regarding his change of mind about being Batman.

Does this scene take place after the scene at Wayne Manor where Dr Meridian is kidnapped?

[JokerMeThis]

As I interpreted the scene Bruce lost his memory and Alfred helped him recover it. Probably after he was knocked unconscious when Chase was kidnapped.

[The Dark Knight]

Chase kidnapped.
Deleted scene of Bruce entering the cave and encountering the 'giant bat'.
Bruce and Alfred solve the riddles.

[Edd Grayson]

Well that scene really fits.

[zDBZ]

Joker check this out, awesome:

The giant bat effects hold up very well, excepting the close-ups of its head. Leave those out and it's a really powerful image.

I never like Kilmer's performance as Batman, and he doesn't do well here either IMO, but the scene is conceptually brilliant and effectively executed. However, I still think that, if the entire "red book" subplot were restored to the film, it wouldn't be enough to make up for Forever's many faults.