WB logo - turns grainy, like a TV transmission, fades to:
Close up shot of Bruce reclining on a sofa in Wayne Manor, a glass of wine in his hand. Along the edge of the screen are GTV insignia and a subtitle saying 'exclusive interview'
VESPER FAIRCHILD: So, Bruce, tell me all about this fabulous refurbishment
BRUCE: Oh, what, all of this? (gestures with same hand he is holding the wine, some spilling), Alfred picked the colours. He's good at that sort of thing...
VESPER: Is it true that you spent over $35 million rebuilding Wayne Manor
Cut to an exterior shot of Wayne Manor during the rebuilding, stock footage of workmen and machinery, then back to...
BRUCE: Something like that. You'd better ask my accountant, he's good with numbers
VESPER: So no more wild parties for a while Bruce?
Jump cut flashback to fighting Ra's, the manor on fire
BRUCE: (with a sly smile) But what else would I do with my evenings?
Jump cut to 15 seconds of Batman fighting some random street punks - fast, choppy, brutal, like in BB
Cut back to TV show
VESPER: Well I'm sure a man like you can afford it Bruce! Thanks for showing us around your home. (turning to camera) This is Vesper Fairchild for Gotham TV News
Cut to the double doors of study being opened by Alfred. The footage is now in normal 'cinema' quality. Alfred picks his way through the camera crew and cables and walks over to Bruce.
ALFRED: I take it sir that your 15 minutes of are up
BRUCE: (slurred) Vesper, this Alfred. Alfred this is Vesper...
VESPER: Oh, we've already met...
Bruce winks at Alfred, attempts to get to his feet, but sways towards the floor. Alfred catches his arm and steadies him. Bruce's wine glass rolls across the rug.
Alfred gives Vesper a knowing and apologetic smile.
ALFRED: I think that's about all for today Ms Fairchild. I'll send some of the staff to help you and your crew with your things.
Alfred lifts Bruce up by his arm and, taking his weight, guides him out of the study
Cut back to Vesper, shaking her head slightly in amazement.
CREW MEMBER: (wrapping up cables) Jeez, it's only 11am.
Study doors clunk shut
Cut to ALFRED and BRUCE in the darkened hallway. Immediately Bruce straightens upright, detaches himself from Alfred and removes the paisley dressing gown. He is wearing jogging pants and t-shirt. He walks purposefully towards a grandfather clock - Alfred follows a few steps behind, picking up the discarded robe –
ALFRED: (sardonically) I take it the club soda can be returned to its original container now Master Bruce?
Bruce ignores him and activates a hidden switch in teh grandfather clock
BRUCE: (muttering to himself) £35 million. Not even close
The grandfather clock slides away to reveal a small, chrome sided lift. The two men enter.
Cut to descending shot of the Batcave. Equipment covers the floor of the cave. It is dark, but areas are picked out by gantry flooring and strip lighting. A large computer is lit by spotlight, flicking to life as the lift opens, Bruce and Alfred stepping into a gym area. Bruce immediately starts a routine on some gymnastic equipment.
Alfred activates the computer. The huge screen fills with an image of the Joker playing card from the end of BB, before shrinking to a flashing icon on a map of Gotham, populated by other icons and photographs representing the major players in the underworld..
After that, Alfred and Bruce could have a short conversation about the shifting powers in Gotham, how Batman has shaken things up… all while Bruce working is out… explain Rachel Dawes absence, bring in Harvey Dent etc
What you all think?
That would be horrible.
